Truth Unites Are Protestant Churches Valid? Examining Apostolic Succession
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Dec 17, 2025 Gavin Ortlund dives into the validity of Protestant churches and their Eucharist by exploring apostolic succession. A case study illustrates challenges in discerning church legitimacy. Non-Protestant perspectives are unpacked, highlighting Catholic and Orthodox views on validity. He discusses the evolving nature of episcopal offices and the theological implications for Protestant worship. Ortlund argues for Christ as the measure of a valid church, emphasizing the essential practices maintained by Protestants and their contributions to missions worldwide.
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Remote Village Conversion Case Study
- Gavin Ortlund describes a remote village converted by internet-distributed Gospel leading to local baptisms and Eucharist celebration.
- He asks whether such a community counts as a valid church with a valid Eucharist to make the issue concrete.
Five Tenets Define Strict Apostolic Succession
- Ortlund summarizes five tenets of the stricter apostolic succession theory, linking it to Eucharistic validity.
- He shows the non-Protestant rejection of Protestant Eucharists stems from requiring those five tenets.
Development Not Direct Apostolic Mandate
- Protestants accept apostolic appointment generally but reject the technical succession claim as non-apostolic.
- Ortlund argues later developments are often read back into the New Testament evidence.