The Priesthood

The Catholic Church claims for her Bishops and Priests a sacramental identification with Christ Himself.  The Catholic priest, it is claimed, is truly made like unto Christ the High Priest, possessing His authority and power.  Catholics are taught that the Bishop is the living image of God the Father.  Both priest and bishop, it is claimed, share in the one identical priesthood and ministry of Christ.

In contrast, the Scripture teaches that no human can take Christ’s place as priest.  In fact the Bible warns us to ...Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13:5-6

Jesus Christ’s unending priesthood cannot be transferred to any other person, as stated in Hebrews 7:24, “But this man [Jesus Christ], because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.”  Thus Rome’s sacrament of “Holy Orders”, which claims to pass on Christ’s sacrificial priesthood by “sacerdotal consecration”, is a tradition of men that contradicts revealed Biblical truth.

The Roman Catholic church does not have Christ’s New Testament sacrificial priesthood let alone any higher grade of bishop. The Catholic priesthood is created in order to perpetuate her seven physical sacraments, which she claims are necessary for salvation.  The whole life of the Church of Rome revolves around her Bishops and Priests and the sacraments that they perform.

According to the Bible all believers have immediate access to God in the Lord Christ Jesus; all share in the royal priesthood of praise. (I Peter 2:9)