I am definitely willing to learn.
That’s a good thing!
As for what I think doesn’t match up is how some things are required by the church but not by Jesus. One of these things is how the church requires that you confess your mortal sins to a priest in order to be saved. Jesus never mentioned this; the Bible does say that confessing your sins publicly is a good thing. I agree that you should confess your sins to a priest, but it is not necessary to be saved.
Also priests don’t have the power to forgive sins. The only people on earth who could forgive your sins was Jesus and the Apostles.
Jesus not the Apostles said that the gift to forgive sins was to be passed down to all futures priest.
It seems that the things Jesus said that you should do to be a good Christian are now required by the Church to be saved.
Are you familiar with the term
“Apostolic Succession”? EVERY Catholic priest was ordained by a priest who was ordained by a priest… ALL THE WAY BACK to when Jesus Himself ordained the Apostles in John 20:21-23 - “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Jesus (who was sent Himself by God the Father) is now sending the Apostles into the world to preach the Word and forgive sins. Why would these brave Apostles not send anyone else with this same authority? The church would have died without Succession.
Apostolic Succession can be found in the Bible in such places as…
Acts 1:15-26 - the first thing Peter does after Jesus ascends into heaven is implement apostolic succession.
Matthias is ordained with full apostolic authority. Only the Catholic Church can demonstrate an unbroken apostolic lineage to the apostles in union with Peter through the sacrament of ordination and thereby claim to teach with Christ’s own authority.
Acts 1:20 - a successor of Judas is chosen. The authority of his office (his “bishopric”) is respected notwithstanding his egregious sin. The necessity to have apostolic succession in order for the Church to survive was understood by all. God never said, “I’ll give you leaders with authority for about 400 years, but after the Bible is compiled, you are all on your own.”
Acts 9:17-19 - even Paul, who was directly chosen by Christ, only becomes a minister after the laying on of hands by a bishop. This is a powerful proof-text for the necessity of sacramental ordination in order to be a legitimate successor of the apostles.
Acts 13:3 - apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands (ordination). This authority must come from a Catholic bishop.
Acts 14:23 - the apostles and newly-ordained men appointed elders to have authority throughout the Church.
Acts 15:22-27 - preachers of the Word must be sent by the bishops in union with the Church. We must trace this authority to the apostles.
**2 Cor. 1:21-22 **- Paul writes that God has commissioned certain men and sealed them with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee.
Col 1:25 - Paul calls his position a divine “office.” An office has successors. It does not terminate at death. Or it’s not an office. See also Heb. 7:23 – an office continues with another successor after the previous office-holder’s death.
1 Tim. 3:1 - Paul uses the word “episcopoi” (bishop) which requires an office. Everyone understood that Paul’s use of episcopoi and office meant it would carry on after his death by those who would succeed him.
1 Tim. 4:14 - again, apostolic authority is transferred through the laying on of hands (ordination).
1 Tim. 5:22 - Paul urges Timothy to be careful in laying on the hands (ordaining others). The gift of authority is a reality and cannot be used indiscriminately.
2 Tim. 1:6 - Paul again reminds Timothy the unique gift of God that he received through the laying on of hands.
2 Tim. 4:1-6 - at end of Paul’s life, Paul charges Timothy with the office of his ministry . We must trace true apostolic lineage back to a Catholic bishop.
2 Tim. 2:2 - this verse shows God’s intention is to transfer authority to successors (here, Paul to Timothy to 3rd to 4th generation). It goes beyond the death of the apostles.
Titus 1:5; Luke 10:1 - the elders of the Church are appointed and hold authority. God has His children participate in Christ’s work.
1 John 4:6 - whoever knows God listens to us (the bishops and the successors to the apostles). This is the way we discern truth and error (not just by reading the Bible and interpreting it for ourselves).
This question is specifically for Cak7711, but ANYONE may feel free to answer…
Where EXACTLY in the Bible does it say that Apostolic Authority is NOT transferred?
I have heard many people, many times say that the Apsotolic Authority died with John sometime around 100 AD. I just want to know where it says that there is no transfer of Authority.
If the Catholic Church is wrong, please show me (and the rest of us) in the Bible. I know I would like to see it.
(Scripture citations courtesy of
www.scripturecatholic.com)
NOTHING in the Catholic Church goes against Christ. If YOU would read that link I sent you, you would see. You have decided to fixate on ONE verse out of THOUSANDS that make up the Bible. YOU are interpreting the Bible, as well. We just have 2000 years of the same teaching. JESUS promised the gates of hell wouldn’t prevail against this church and sweetie, it hasn’t.
Anyone who has seen the commercial I am talking about will laugh too.