We know from 2 Timothy 2.2 that Paul urged Timothy to entrust what he had heard to faithful men who will be able to teach others – the four generations (Paul, Timothy, faithful men, others) model of passing on the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This has worked pretty well for two thousand years.

It is also amazing how God set things up so that the right message would be shared at the beginning, especially since it took the original twelve Disciples awhile to figure out who Jesus was (Luke 9.20).

Jesus Taught.  He was a model for the early disciples for three years, teaching with parables, prayer, reprimands, and actions.  After the resurrection, on the road to Emmaus while talking to two disciples, “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24.27). Shortly afterward, while with the whole group, “He opened their minds to understand the Scripture, and said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things’” (vs 45-48).

The Holy Spirit Worked. Christ made a promise that the Holy Spirit fulfilled – words would be given to the disciples when needed.  Flames and tongues were signs of the Spirit’s deep work at Pentecost (Acts 2).  Paul and John were given special revelations (2 Corinthians 12.1-10, Revelation 1.1-3) to enhance their understanding. The New Testament authors were guided in their writings just like the Old Testament authors had been (2 Timothy 3.16). 

The Church Followed. God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) has guided his elect through councils, theologians, and most importantly, the sacred scriptures, to show the need to rely on Him for combatting heresies and staying with the gospel truth.  People are natural sinners, so it is no surprise that divisions and splits occur.  But God is jealous for His church, so it is also no surprise that there has been a well-defined message handed down over centuries, and God keeps His people on track.