Lutheran/Orthodox-Ordination
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Lutheranism
Ordination
· It was instituted by Christ in the upper room. (John 20:19-23)
· If ordination is to be understood as applying to the ministry of the Word, we are not unwilling to give the office high esteem and great respect. For the ministry of the Word has God's command and glorious promises. Rom. 1:16 The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. (AP XIII)
· Because the pastoral office dispenses with the means of grace publicly, ordination is a wonderful gift from our Lord Jesus Christ to be treasured. For the office is instituted by Christ, gives forgiveness of sins, and contains a visible means, namely the pastor.
· The pastor however, does not receive any special grace or forgiveness because of His ordination. He is only placed into the office through which Christ works His salvation among His people.
The office is limited to men who may or may not marry before or after ordination. However the pastor must be a man of one wife, not one at a time. (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:6)
Eastern Orthodoxy
Ordination
· It was Instituted by Christ in the upper room. (John 20:19-23)
· The Pastoral office is limited to men. These men may indeed marry prior to ordination, though after ordination the unmarried must remain celibate.
· Bishops are chosen from the celibate clergy.
· The ordained is seen as a living icon of Christ among His people.
Apostolic succession is necessary for ordination. In other words, the succession of bishops must be continuous from St. Peter throughout the centuries until today’s bishops.
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