"Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when He offered up Himself." ( Hebrews 7:27 ) "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many;" ( Hebrews 9:28 )
"By the which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all... But this man ( Jesus ), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;" ( Hebrews 10:10 & 12 )
Transubstantiation is a tradition of men that comes forth primarily from the Catholic religious community. It is not ever included in the practices of the early church. Priests were then and still are in large numbers all appointed by men. Generally, priests come from a line of successors, stepping into high offices promoted by a highly patriarchal religious system. In fact, there was a saying during the dark ages “That in Europe, priests were as numerous as black flies.”
May we also suggest that with a host of priests comes an oft times corrupted message -- another gospel -- that is in stark contrast to the good news gospel message that Jesus delivered.
In this case, the gospel message they delivered was as polluted as a nasty infestation. The only retardant to the progress of their religious pursuit was that death curtailed their expansion, at least temporarily. In other words, when we converse concerning the Priesthood of God, we recognize that God’s unchangeable priesthood continues ever.
This explains why -- as it is written, Jesus, is the same yesterday, today and forever. He knows all about your life, the ups and downs, the tears, and even the sorrows. That is why He is a Faithful High priest touched with the feelings of our infirmities. One who is compassionate. For God Himself, as a son was tempted and tried in all points, just like we are.
That is why we speak of Jesus as being our one and only High Priest. There is no other. When we profess that Jesus is GOD Himself as a son, He is mankind’s priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.
Jesus, God Himself, is the only mediator between man and God. (I Timothy 3:16) The scriptures declare this. There is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus the Christ. His Priesthood is un-transferrable. Why? Because Jesus' priesthood is permanent and does not hail from a long list of successors, as our religious priests do.
This is why when we come to Jesus, everything in our life changes. Jesus turns "our" light switch on to the point that you will never be the same person again. He is able to save you completely, totally and absolutely all those who approach His priestly office. Yes! Here is the High priest who willingly responds to our every need. In so doing, He whispers sweet peace to me and you. The stormy sea subdues and the strong wind ceases and as a consequence, we find rest. Safe in the arms of Jesus!
There is no con artist at work. No impostors. He came to you first so that He could be your friend. Yes He did. And with God on our side, who shall accuse us of anything? Christ has died for our sin once and for all. He rose from the grave confirming our justification. God, swearing Himself to an oath, that stated tha all of our sins and iniquities, He would remember no more. And, without a shadow of a doubt, there is also ow no more sacrifice for sin.
Therefore, run as fast as you can to Jesus. He is the one and only author of salvation. What he has promised to do for you He will perform. It is impossible for God to lie. And why would He? Here is the same God who created us willing to become a man to bring us salvation. Comfort one another with these words. Remember too that God as a son sacrificed Himself. The battle is over. The victory is won. Come just as you are to Jesus.
Read the record in Hebrews. Melchisedec was the king of the city of Salem and priest of the most high God. Abraham returning from a battle (known as the battle of the kings) was blessed by Melchisedec. What was the blessing? Melchisedec brought forth bread and wine. There stood Abraham who is spoken of in the scriptures as the father of the faithful before Melchisedec receiving a blessing represented as bread and wine.
So what does all this mean? In the first place His name primarily means King of Righteousness and Justice. Melchisedec is without a record of father, or mother, or lineage. There is simply no genealogy, no pedigree or ancestry in the records. Further, there is no record of birth or a record indicating the end of His life. Indeed, it would appear that He was never born nor, did He ever die. His life is a true symbol of the Son of God, and now as a priest He blesses Abraham, appearing with bread and wine.
He continues to be a priest without interruption. No successor. Mark the dignity of this man. How great this man must have been. Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ! The One and Only! The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. He is our everything, which is why we often sing the song beoe.
Rock of Ages cleft for me ... Let me hide myself in thee ... Let the water and the blood ... From thy wounded side which flowed. Such is our High Priest.
Think on these things this day. Study His Word for truth. Stand in the offering plate.
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