Melchizedek and the Last Supper: Biblical and Patristic Evidence for the Sacrifice of the Mass

by Erick Ybarra

Christians have always believed that the Law of Moses and the Prophets of Israel foretold the expiration of the Old Covenant and the coming of a New Covenant that would restore the people of God under a new Davidic King who would rule the world from Jerusalem and serve as an everlasting Priest " according to the order of Melchizedek " (Psalm 110:4). Jesus of Nazareth, proclaimed as Lord and Messiah, is firmly believed to be Israel's long-awaited King and Priest who, after offering His human body as a propitiatory sacrifice to God in violent death, rose again and ascended to God's right hand to minister in the heavenly sanctuary on behalf of the covenant people. The Old Covenant administration sustained a live priesthood according to the order of Aaron (Heb 7:11), but the New Covenant priesthood under Jesus Christ was designed to be according to the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure whom Moses introduced in Genesis as a Priest who presented bread and wine (Gen 14:18), blessed Abraham, and then received his tithe. What is the significance of Melchizedek's priestly service, accompanied by the elements of bread and wine, and Christ's Last Supper? This book will explore the Scriptural and Patristic witness for how Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood requires that His New Covenant oblation includes the offering of bread and wine. Written for readers who are investigating the teachings of ancient Christianity, this book will explain the rich typology between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ, both Kings of Salem (peace) and Priests whose bread and wine serve as elements reflecting their priesthood. Hidden in this story are evidences for the belief in Eucharistic transubstantiation and the sacrifice of the Mass as held by the Church Fathers and Apostolic Churches for nearly 2,000 years.

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Religion, Christian

102 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Tom Willis]

A concise biblical and patristic defense of the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist.

This edition of the book is unfortunately riddled with typographical errors. I understand that patristics is basically Mr. Ybarra side-gig, so this is still an impressive little book.

[Andreas Østergaard Jacobsen]

Erick Ybarra imponerer igen! I denne bog viser Ybarra, hvordan Melkizedeks offer af brød og vin i 1 Mos 14 kaster lys over det eukaristiske offer, som Kristus bragte skærtorsdag og i historien i kirker verden over som "præst på Melkizedeks vis". Ybarra viser overbevisende, at Kristi melkizedekiske præstedømme demonstrerer, at messeofferet er velfunderet i Skriften og i Traditionen. Ybarra gennemgår også 21 kirkefædre (heriblandt Kyril af Jerusalem, Ambrosius af Milano, Johannes Chrysostomos og Augustin) og viser, at den tidlige kirke forstod Kristi præstedømme på Melkizedeks vis sådan, at messeofferet er en sand, ublodig repræsentation af Kristi ene blodige offer på korset. Et must read, hvis man gerne vil forstå og vurdere den katolske lære om Eukaristien.

[Anthony Bruns]

Ybarra presents a compelling argument for the Sacrifice of the Mass from the typological connection between Melchizedek and Christ.

[Andrew Silagi]

I’m starting to become more and more skeptical of the apologetics genre as a whole. Is it worth reading books, watching videos, or listening to podcasts that have the entire agenda of convincing you of a particular theological tradition’s or even religion’s truth? The second half of the book takes an unashamed “take excerpts from the Fathers and just show that they talked about sacrifice” approach , which really turns me off to Ybarra’s scholarship. I really think that a lot of these books can be a bit ignorant of other positions beyond the stereotypical church history–illiterate evangelical, which makes it a lot less thorough of a work.

Still, I appreciate getting quick and broad access to some Church Fathers—and to be honest, medieval theologians that he interestingly claims are fathers for some reason—on the topic of the sacrifice of the Mass. they don’t all talk about it the same way, and there are definitely some developments over time. I’ll have to chew on the different views on this sacrifice a bit more. Unfortunately, this topic requires a more precisely-argued book for which I’m not sure I want to make time.

[London]

Whether or not one agrees with the conclusion of this book, I don’t think it can be denied that it was done very well.

I feel like for a book of this size (roughly 100 pages), this is the perfect format. Many books this size aren’t able to clearly present their arguments in this format. Erick succinctly presented his Biblical argument, gave feedback from the opposing side (Protestants), and presented writings from church history with his analysis. The last part is important. Many authors will list quotes or passages as if it’s just the job of the reader to figure out how it proves the author’s point. Erick decided to include his feedback, and on top of that, put in big bold letters what he’s emphasizing in the quote.