John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 8:3

"For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that this [high priest] also have somewhat to offer." — Hebrews 8:3 (ASV)

For every high priest, and so forth. The Apostle intends to show that Christ’s priesthood cannot coexist with the Levitical priesthood. He proves it in this way — “The Law appointed priests to offer sacrifices to God; from this it appears that the priesthood is an empty name without a sacrifice. But Christ had no sacrifice, such as was offered under the Law; it therefore follows that his priesthood is not earthly or carnal, but one of a more excellent character.”

Let us now examine every clause. The first thing that deserves notice is what he teaches: that no priest is appointed except to offer gifts. It is therefore evident that no favor from God can be obtained for men except through the intervention of a sacrifice. Therefore, for our prayers to be heard, they must be founded on a sacrifice; the audacity of those who pass by Christ and forget his death, and yet rush into the presence of God, is therefore altogether pernicious and fatal. Now, if we wish to pray effectively, we must learn always to keep before us the death of Christ, which alone sanctifies our prayers. For God will never hear us unless he is reconciled; but he must first be pacified, for our sins cause him to be displeased with us. Sacrifice must necessarily precede, so that there may be any benefit from prayer.

We may therefore further conclude that no one, either among men or angels, is qualified for pacifying God, for all are without any sacrifice of their own which they can offer to appease God. And this abundantly exposes the effrontery of the Papists, who make Apostles and martyrs share with Christ as mediators in the work of intercession; for they assign them such an office in vain, unless they also supply them with sacrifices.