When Did Jesus Finish His Sacrifice?

Protestants say ‘one and done.’ Catholics say the sacrifice continues forever. Who's right?​

Both Catholic and Protestant Christians believe that Christ’s one sacrifice of Calvary provides atonement for our sins, yet Protestants teach that Jesus “finished” his redemptive work on the cross (John 19:30) and that we can access his related reservoir of grace thereafter through prayer. Consequently, Protestants also believe that the sacrifice of the Mass and related ministerial priesthood are blasphemous, because they mistakenly infer that these Catholic doctrines necessarily teach that Jesus’ one sacrifice is somehow inadequate for the Redemption of mankind.

In marked contrast, Catholic doctrine teaches that Jesus’ one sacrifice culminated in everlasting glory at his ascension in fulfilling the Day of Atonement/Yom Kippur sacrifices (Heb. 9:11-12; see also Lev. 16), so that Jesus retains his priesthood in always offering his one sacrifice to the Father in the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf (Heb. 7:23-25, 8:1-3; see also 5:1).

In addition, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 35), Jesus also fulfills the Old Covenant Passover sacrifice(John 19:36; 1 Cor. 5:7), enabling his Church to offer anew and partake of his self-offering at every Mass, as heaven and earth unite in carrying out his New Covenant Passover command to do this in remembrance of him(Luke 22:19-20). We receive his body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine—i.e., according to the order of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20).

What’s finished, and what continues?​

Continued below.