The Question of Apostolic Succession

As descent from Abraham was proved not by name and genealogy but by likeness of character, so apostolic succession rests not on the transmission of church governing authority but on spiritual relationship. A life actuated by the apostles’ spirit, that believes and teaches the truth they taught—this is the true evidence of having received the apostles’ authority.HH 217.8

Jesus said, “You do the deeds of your father” In mockery the Jews answered, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” These words, in implying evil about the circumstances of His birth, were intended to discredit Christ in the presence of those who were beginning to believe on Him. Jesus paid no attention to this low insinuation, but said, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God.”HH 218.1

“You are of your father the devil,” said Jesus. “The desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. ... If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” The fact that Jesus spoke the truth with certainty was why the Jewish leaders did not receive Him. The truth offended these self-righteous men. The truth exposed why error was wrong, it condemned their teaching and practice, and it was unwelcome. They did not love truth.HH 218.2