Extra-biblical Revelation

The New Apostolic Church fundamentally affirms that Christ continues to communicate with the church through the living Apostles. This is not understood as the addition of new canonical Scripture but as ongoing apostolic guidance and teaching necessary for the church's spiritual well-being and growth. The Chief Apostle, in particular, is understood to receive direct revelation from Christ regarding the church's needs and direction.

This teaching sets the NAC apart from most Protestant and Catholic denominations, which teach that the canon of Scripture is closed and that divine revelation is complete. The NAC, by contrast, sees the living Apostles as a channel through which Christ's contemporary will is revealed. The NAC Catechism, which is regularly updated to include recent apostolic teachings, is authoritative for NAC doctrine and practice.

This does not mean that the Apostles are understood as writing new Scripture or as placing their teachings on the same level as the biblical canon. Rather, apostolic teaching is understood as the authoritative interpretation and application of Scripture to the present time. The living Apostles provide guidance on contemporary issues not directly addressed in Scripture and clarify doctrinal matters for the church.