Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the Law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” (Heb 8:4-5)
So if the priesthood according to the Law also came to an end, and the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek offered sacrifice and made further sacrifices unnecessary, why do the priests of the New Covenant perform the sacramental liturgy? It is clear to those versed in divine things, however, that it is not another sacrifice we offer. Rather we perform the commemoration of the one, saving sacrifice. The Lord himself, remember, required this of us, “Do this in remembrance of me,” so that we should recall with insight the type of the sufferings undergone for us, kindle love for the benefactor, and look forward to the enjoyment of the good things to come.
So if the priesthood according to the Law also came to an end, and the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek offered sacrifice and made further sacrifices unnecessary, why do the priests of the New Covenant perform the sacramental liturgy? It is clear to those versed in divine things, however, that it is not another sacrifice we offer. Rather we perform the commemoration of the one, saving sacrifice. The Lord himself, remember, required this of us, “Do this in remembrance of me,” so that we should recall with insight the type of the sufferings undergone for us, kindle love for the benefactor, and look forward to the enjoyment of the good things to come.
Theodoret of Cyrus, “The Epistle to the Hebrews”
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