During a long series of years 'Abdu'l-Baha continued this work of elucidating the teachings and showing their applications to the most varied problems of modern life.

Differences of opinion which have arisen among believers have been referred to Him and authoritatively settled, and thus the risks of future misunderstandings have been further reduced.
Baha'u'llah further arranged that an International House of Justice, representative of all Baha'is throughout the world, should be elected to take charge of the affairs of the Cause, control and coordinate all its activities, prevent divisions and schisms, elucidate obscure matters, and preserve the teachings from corruption and misrepresentation.

The fact that this supreme administrative body can not only initiate legislation on all matters not defined in the Teachings, but also annul its own enactments when new conditions require different measures, enables the Faith to expand and adapt itself, like a living organism, to the needs and requirements of a changing society.
Moreover, Baha'u'llah expressly forbade interpretation of the teachings by anyone but the authorized interpreter.

In His Will and Testament 'Abdu'l-Baha appointed Shoghi Effendi to be the Guardian of the Faith after Him and to be empowered to interpret the Writings.
In a thousand or more years another Manifestation will appear, under the shadow of Baha'u'llah, with clear proofs of His mission, but until then the words of Baha'u'llah, 'Abdu'l-Baha and the Guardian and the decisions of the International House of Justice constitute the authorities to which all believers must turn for guidance.

No Baha'i may found a school or sect based on any particular interpretation of the teachings or any supposed divine revelation.