2 TIMOTHY 2:1-3 ENSURING a FUTURE for the FAITH “You
2 TIMOTHY 2:1-3 ENSURING A FUTURE FOR THE FAITH “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”1 postolic succession is essential to a healthy church. However, whenever we speak of “apostolic succession,” it is important to define what is meant. When I speak of apostolic A succession, I imply adherence to the model provided in Scripture. I do not refer to the aberrations, however popular they may be, that occur in contemporary church life. By “apostolic succession,” I mean that there is a continuation of the Apostles’ doctrine, the apostolic message. Our Catholic friends, Orthodox Christians and numerous Protestant communions as well, hold to what they call “apostolic succession.” By this term these religions infer that they depend upon being able to trace the ordination of priests back to Peter; this is succession of the office. Tragically, we are aware of the scandals that have marked many of the churches holding to this particular aberration. Those who perpetuated and attempted to cover over crimes which were committed by priests were certainly not living as Peter would have lived. It is obvious that God could not approve of their actions. They would argue, however, that because of succession of ordination leading back to Peter, then doctrine and full fellowship are ensured.2 Among some evangelical churches, and especially touted by certain Baptist groups, a form of apostolic succession that has caused great harm to the cause of Christ is promoted.
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