I do not believe that when you commit a sin that a man can tell you to say three Hail Mary's, and you will be forgiven of that sin. There is only one way you are forgiven of your sins, and it ain't through a Pope or a priest.
Another misconception. God forgives sins. He does that through the priest.
No.....there is not a "Middleman".
A priest is
by definition a middleman (intercessor; mediator) who is now, according to the very plan words of Hebrews, unnecessary.
Hebrews 4:14
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus[a] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (Esv)
The whole book of Hebrews outlines the many ways that Christ is better than the Judaic order under the old covenant. He is not only better but He is said to be the substance of that which those former things were the shadow.
The reality has come; the precursor or “type” is useless.
Pointless.
Yes, even evil or, as my previous post said, “anti-Christ”.
