Somehow, I have a hard time believing that Jesus would have cared about all this. He doesn’t say, “This is my body, but only if done by a valid minister with apostolic succession and with valid intent and using valid form.” Every time I read these kinds of conversations, it seems to be about why church X has valid this and valid that and therefore really has Jesus whereas church Y doesn’t have Jesus (even if they think they do) because they don’t have valid ministers and valid forms, etc. It’s an argument about who’s better than whom, who’s in and who’s out.
Why is that hard to believe?
When Paul said the following,
who inspired him to teach this?
Titus 3:10
“As for a man who is factious (
αἱρετικὸν heretic ), after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.”
The Catholic Church has been here from the beginning #
34 teaching the truth.
We know the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to teach the truth. How would Paul know what Jesus taught, when prior to his conversion, he not only didn’t follow Jesus he persecuted Jesus. Jesus even called him on that.
Acts 9:4
Paul was inspired by the HS. And where did the HS get the teachings from that He inspired Paul and the other apostles to teach? The HS got it from Jesus
John 16:12-15
Therefore, believe that Jesus does care deeply about this subject. If you didn’t believe it before believe it NOW.
Here is something else to believe.
One who divides from the Church Jesus established and won’t follow direction, is condemned. Here’s where ya find that in scripture?
Romans 16:17-20 [17] Now I beseech you, brethren, to mark them who make dissensions
διχοστασίας* dichostasia* ]and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them.
[18] For they that are such, serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly; and by pleasing speeches and good words, seduce the hearts of the innocent.
[19] For your obedience is published in every place. I rejoice therefore in you. But I would have you to be wise in good, and simple in evil.
[20] And the God of peace crush Satan under your feet speedily
Galatians 5:19-21 [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are fornication, uncleanness, immodesty, luxury,
[20] Idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentions, emulations, wraths, quarrels, dissensions,
διχοστασίας* dichostasia* ] sects,
[21] Envies, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. Of the which I foretell you, as I have foretold to you, that they who do such things shall not obtain the kingdom of God.
διχοστασίας* dichostasia** = *division / dissension / factions /sedition, depending on one’s translation., that same Greek word is used in both Rom 16:17…. And Gal 5:19-20. The consequences for one who dies in that sin, they will not inherit heaven. [Gal 5:21] as in they go to hell. Note there is no expiration date to that warning.
And that warning ultimately came from guess who? Jesus
John 16:12-15