| Baptists do not believe in Apostolic Succession. The Apostolic office ceased with the death of the Apostles. It is to His churches that He promised a continual existence from the time He organized the first church during His earthly ministry until He comes again. "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18).
Then, when He gave the great Commission, which tells what His churches are to do, He promised "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:20). This Commission--this work--was not given to the Apostles as individuals, but to them and the others present in their church capacity. The Apostles and the others who heard Him give this Commission were soon dead--BUT, His Church has lived on through the ages, making disciples (getting folks saved), baptizing them, and teaching the truth-the doctrines-He committed to the Jerusalem Church. These faithful churches have been blessed with His presence as they have traveled the TRAIL OF BLOOD. This history shows how the Lords promise to His churches has been fulfilled. Dr. Carroll shows that churches have been found in every age which have taught the doctrines He committed unto them. Dr. Carroll calls these doctrines the "marks" of New Testament Churches. |
| HISTORIC BAPTIST DOCTRINE __________________ THE TRAIL OF BLOOD II |
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