In Christian and Catholic theology, Jesus entrusted his mission and authority to the apostles. Through the uninterrupted process of Apostolic Succession, this spiritual authority and the power to administer the sacraments are passed down to their successors: the bishops and priests.
- Sacramental Lineage: The authority to celebrate the sacraments is transmitted specifically through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, using the laying on of hands by a validly ordained bishop.
- Ministering “in Persona Christi”: When bishops and priests administer the sacraments, they act in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), making Christ visibly present in the Church.
- The Seven Sacraments: The authority to administer the seven sacraments is passed along this unbroken chain of bishops back to the original Apostles.
- Confirmation Acts 19: 6-9, the Apostle Paul lays his hands on about 12 men in Ephesus, who then receive the Holy Spirit
- Anointing of the sick James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
- Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” 1 Tim. 4:16.
- In John 20:21, Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection to commission them for their ministry: “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'”
- Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
- Luke 24:47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
- John 5:43-44, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for rejecting His divine authority while easily accepting false teachers. He explains that their desire for human praise and status blinds them to the truth, preventing them from genuinely believing in Him
- Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
- Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
- Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
BIBLE Passages: https://openbible.com/terms.htm
Baptism
CONFIRMATION
EUCHARIST
Extreme Onction
HOLY ORDER
MARRIAGE
