Another Christ

the priesthood

A Catholic person is taught that there is a specific identification between Christ and the priest. This is put in no uncertain terms, for even the Catechism of the Catholic Church states in paragraph 1548, “Now the minister comes by reason of the sacerdotal consecration which he has received, is truly made like to the High Priest and possesses the authority to act in the power and place of Christ himself.” In the New Testament of the Bible, there is no mentioned of sacerdotal priests nor a priestly order of leadership. In fact the Bible warns the followers of Jesus Christ to be watchful for those who will come trying to impersonate Him.

Para 1548 …Now the minister, by reason of the sacerdotal consecration which he has received, is truly made like to the high priest and possesses the authority to act in the power and place of the person of Christ himself (virtute ac persona ipsuis Christi). Christ is the source of all priesthood: the priest of the old law was a figure of Christ, and the priest of the new law acts in the person of Christ.

Para 1549 Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers. In the beautiful expression of St. Ignatius of Antioch, the bishop is typos tou Patros: he is like the living image of God the Father.

Hebrews 7:24-26 But this man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus;

Matthew 23:8 For one is your master even Christ and ye are all brethren.

Para 1551 …The sacrament of Holy Orders communicates a "sacred power" which is none other than that of Christ. The exercise of this authority must therefore be measured against the model of Christ, who by love made himself the least and the servant of all. "The Lord said clearly that concern for his flock was proof of love for him."

Mathew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Para 1563 …Through that sacrament priests by the anointing of the Holy Spirit are signed with a special character and so are configured to Christ the priest in such a way that they are able to act in the person of Christ the head.

Mathew 24: 4-5 …Take heed that no men deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mathew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders;

Summary of issue:

The contrast between Christ’s priesthood and the Old Testament priesthood is very clear. The priests before Jesus Christ were the Jewish Levite (Levitcal) priests. They were mere mortal men and it was necessary that their office should pass to other hands. Jesus Christ, in contrast, is an eternal Priest and His priesthood is untransferrable and needs no successor for it is eternal. But this man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood Hebrews 7:24.

Christ Jesus did away with the sacrificial priesthood and its many priests when He died on the cross, …“behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” Matthew 27:51, this event removed the barrier of priestly mediation between God and Man. Prior to Jesus, the mediation between God and man was carried out through the Jewish Levitcal priesthood. The office of the many priests of the Old Testament was done away with because the one Priest, Jesus, continues forever and the sacrificial work completed once for all!

Have you come to God through the one and only High Priest [Jesus] to save you to the uttermost? Or have you fallen pray to those who professes to be your mediator and who make earthy sacrifices for your sins. Do not be deceived, For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:5