MONDAY October 20, 2025

An Earthly Priesthood

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.
Hebrews 5:1-2

Hebrews is an amazing book! Again, the reason Paul the Apostle wrote to the Jewish Christians was because he saw they were heading in the wrong direction. They were influenced by Judaizers to return to the ceremonial laws of Judaism. They were moving away from grace and faith in Christ for their salvation.

In the Old Testament, God established a Levitical priesthood. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest offered a sacrifice for his sin and for the sins of the people. Earthly priests continually offered sacrifices for sin, but not Christ; He had no sin. He was perfect––sinless. He offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin––once and for all:

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God... (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Think about it: If a Roman Catholic heard the Gospel, repented, and placed their faith in Jesus alone for salvation, but, after a time, became convinced to go back to praying to idols, confessing their sins to an earthly priest, or relying on keeping the sacraments to gain salvation, then they would have left the principles of simple faith in Christ.

Jesus, our High Priest, has become our Intercessor: ...Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Catholics are taught that Mary, the mother of Jesus, makes intercession for them as sinners. That is not right: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus... (1 Timothy 2:5). Believers must grow in their knowledge of Christ and not go back to the vain traditions of men.

Are you relying on an earthly priest for salvation? Do not. Rely on Jesus.

...if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
~1 John 2:1~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!