Priests
Are priests needed to mediate between God and man?
According to the Catholic Catechism, priests are needed to mediate between God and man:
“The priests are ‘appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins’ ” (para. 1539).
This statement cites three Bible passages: Exodus 29:1–30, Leviticus 8, and Hebrews 5:1. All three of these passages refer to the Jewish priesthood as it existed before Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Bible compares the priesthood as it existed in the Old Testament to the priesthood as it exists today:
“Those priests were many because they were prevented by death from remaining in office, but he [Jesus], because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away. Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:23–25).
This passage tells us that before Jesus was born, many priests were needed, because, as some got older and died, others were needed to replace them. But now, since Jesus has risen from the dead and is alive today, there is no need for any other priests to act on our behalf before God. Jesus Christ acted on behalf of men in relation to God when He offered Himself on the cross, and He continues to intercede for us today. Why then does the Catholic Church continue to ordain new priests when the Bible tells us that Jesus’ priesthood does not pass away and that “he is always able to save those who approach God through him”?
In addition to hearing confession, another responsibility of Catholic priests is to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, which are considered on the page, "Gifts and Sacrifices for Sin."
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