CMV: Modern Christianity (Protestantism) is not the same thing as Christianity 1700 years ago because it lacks a legitimate line of apostolic succession

Modern Protestantism (Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Anglican communion, etc.) lacks a legitimate line of apostolic succession– a direct line of authority from the original apostles that sets the standard of Christian orthodoxy. The authority of the apostles imparted by Christ was passed on in an unbroken line of bishops throughout the early Christian Church. The book of Revelation references churches in Rome, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, yet the Protestant churches today that claim to have their authority from Revelation and Jesus Christ do not have a legitimate line of apostolic succession linking them to the apostles. They might claim authority and spiritual guidance from the Holy Spirit, but nothing in scripture guarantees that Protestant churches will not be corrupted by demonic influence and false doctrine. Therefore, Protestantism is not the same thing as Christianity 1700 years ago.<br><br>Edit: My claim isn't that Protestantism (or Catholicism) is true or false, just that Protestantism does not possess legitimate apostolic succession. It's like Trump claiming his authority as the President of the United States, but his succession was not in accordance with the Constitution, so his presidency is illegitimate.