Why don't we ask Jesus? John 3:5 Jesus answered: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus said more than once that we are to be baptized and commanded His Apostles do so with His flock. What God will do with those who do not partake of the Sacrament of Baptism, I will leave to Him.
They have to have a direct-line connection to Jesus through touch?
Do you not consider it significant that after the fall of Judas, the Apostles got together to discern the Will of God regarding a replacement for his office (Acts 1:15-26)? Matthias was chosen. This is Apostolic succession. Whether through direct touch or otherwise is above my paygrade.
I did not deny the re-birth by water. So please don’t try to debate that.
I argue that a direct succession of Laying of Hands is not the way to Salvation.
It shouldn’t be “above your paygrade”
It should go straight from God’s Word (in your hand) to your heart and mind. That is the chief argument of Protestantism- God did not ask us to form intermediaries.
“I am the way.” Anybody?