Question:
Good morning Hank, we enjoy your broadcast on a daily basis. I am part of a website forum, that discusses beliefs, and doctrine on a daily basis, and it is usually between Catholics and non-Catholics. All discussions seem to come down to believing and following the scripture V’S following custom and tradition that the RC’s (Roman Catholics) claim to come from apostolic succession. I am going to copy and paste a typical argument from an Anglican Catholic, and ask for your opinion on their argument. We have heard every argument used since this forum began almost a year ago now, and would be interested to see if you have a different approach to it. I’m looking forward to your input, and thank you again, and here it is. Jim Hoskinson Sr Clearwater, Fl From a poster named Trad Angelican. At the end of those 33 years, Jesus did something. He didn’t write a book telling us what we should believe and what we should do. He left a visible Church as an extension of His incarnation to do that. Even in the absence of any scripture, we would still have the testimony of the visible Church (though it is hard to imagine 2000 years passing with nothing ever written down), so we could still know of Christ. He appointed leaders of His Church and gave them the authority to run it. And He sent the Holy Spirit to govern the Church through the hearts of the men whom He chose. And they chose others, first Matthias, then more. So to say the Holy Bible is the way God chose to reveal Himself to us is, in my opinion, incorrect for the Bible itself shows us these other “forms” of revelation.
Answer:
First, there is no such thing as “apostolic succession.” The Catholic Church did not come into existence until the forth century regardless of the claims, back-dates of authority, and the incorporation of individuals that simply had nothing to do with the catholic church. The existing churches were underground “cells” by the time the last book of the Bible was written (Christianity was declared illegal by Roman law). The church did not become a “group” until after Constantine made religion legal in 312 AD! It should be noted that Paul was in Rome on several occasions while imprisoned, and was not part of a nonexistent Catholic Church. Peter, whose life is very detailed in the Bible NEVER went to Rome, nor was he part of any nonexistent Catholic Church! The first pope was pope Gregory, and he wasn’t elected until the year 590 (this is not catholic fictional history, but historical fact)! So much for apostolic succession. It is true that Jesus NEVER wrote a book. He left that to the writers of the New Testament who wrote not under their own authority or supervision, but under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not leave without a plan… Jesus’ plans were made before the foundations of the world! It is well said by the writer that Matthias was chosen by THEM! At the time of Matthias’ election, they were told to WAIT (Acts 1:4). They were not to have elected Matthias! After Mathias’ election, he is NEVER heard from again! He was NOT to have been elected! PAUL was commissioned by God to be the 12th Apostle! It would seem that apostolic succession wasn’t existent, even then! An apostle isn’t simply chosen by man. It was a specific office, which was held by only a FEW selected men. Apostles were commissioned by God (yes, God chose them all and trained them all). Paul was trained by Jesus Christ in the Arabian Desert (Gal. 3:17) for 3 years, the same amount of time the other apostles were trained. No act by any man could EVER create an apostle position nor could it be transferred. Basically, it’s a difference between Christianity and Catholicism as you rightly point out. Christianity is God’s believers and Catholicism is part of Satan’s plan to deceive the world. The focal point of Christianity is believing on the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation while the Catholics rely on Mary and other “dead saints” along with the sacraments to get to heaven. There are not 2 ways of getting to Heaven… only one! Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18) IS THE ONLY WAY! To fully understand true Catholicism you might read the book Two Babylons by Hyslop. You might also request from our church a new break about Catholicism.