There is, of course, a sense in which Christ performed His priestly office on earth in the days of His flesh (5:7), offering His own body as a sacrifice upon Calvarys cross as the altar. On that day people will acknowledge Him as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16) and every knee shall bow to Him (Philippians 2:10). The armies follow him (Rev. This aspect of the priesthood may find its supreme expression in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. But that is exactly the status, the office, of King Jesus. And as a king, He rules over the church and over the universe as well. We find no trace in the Scripture of a distinction between accepting Christ as Savior and acknowledging Him as Lord, as if some people could take the former step while refusing the latter. 1. He rules in the church, particularly as his people follow his lordship. If you are interested in translating our content or are interested in joining our community of translators,please reach out to us. First, Jesus is the ultimate Prophet. There are two major ways in which Christ performs His sacerdotal office; oblation and intercession, to which a word may be added about healing. Those who hold the office of prophet are those by whom Gods people are given necessary knowledge about God. The Three Offices of Christ. In v. 20, Jesus is called the Christ. ), and of prophet (1 Kings 19:16; and Isa 61:1; cf. Presently, he intercedes for his people on the basis of their justification, that they will be forgiven of their daily sins, and that they will be more perfectly sanctified. Required fields are marked *, 2023 Biblical Christianity | Powered by, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 27:11). In the same way, theologians sometimes speak about the offices of Christ: particular roles of authority that Christ fulfils. Christ means Anointed One, and in the Old Testament, prophets were anointed with oil. A prophet is a person used by God to transmit messages that God desires to communicate to men (Exod 7:1; Deut 18:18). In this article obviously the latter must receive primary consideration, but a brief paragraph on the former is needed as well, since Christ as Great High Priest offered Himself (Heb 7:27; 9:14). This is precisely what Christ accomplished. In keeping with the dominant orientation of the Bible as a whole, it is incumbent upon us to view the priesthood as a divinely initiated and sanctioned institution, evident well before the Mosaic legislation, articulated with great fullness and notable centrality in that legislation, and brought to its full bearing and significance in the work of Jesus Christ as the great mediator. B. By the way, God is called the King in Psalm 95:3, For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. So, if it does not diminish Gods deity to be called a king, then it does not diminish or deny Christs deity by calling him a Kingor, for that matter, a Prophet and a Priest. What are some signs of grieving the Holy Spirit? 40:12, 2731; Zeph. He described these words as spirit and life (John 6:33). 13:57 Jesus speaks about a prophet having no honor in his home town, and that is why he did not do many miracles there. The Old Testament priests were appointed by God to offer sacrifices. View our current career opportunities. Hes both the offering and the offerer. Christology has been traditionally divided in three parts: (1) The Person of Christ (His deity and humanity united in one person); (2) The states of Christ (the humiliation and exaltation of the Mediator); (3) The work of Christ. So, now we can continually draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:21-22). Sproul shows that the truths of Scripture relate to each other in perfect harmony. Do you have difficulties reconciling Gods behavior in the Old Testament with that of Jesus in the New? About The Show Transcript BETA In the Old Testament, there were prophets like Isaiah, priests like Aaron, and kings like David. Jesus' Threefold Office as Prophet, Priest, and King The Three Offices of The Christ - Earther Rise Astrology The mediatorial rule of Christ, on which we focus our attention in thi. Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. Because of their subjection to mortality, OT priests inevitably passed away from the scene and new ones had to be appointed, but Christs priesthood is established for ever (6:20; 7:16, 17, 24, 25, 28). and more recently of W. Milligan and B. F. Westcott. So the Christ, the Anointed One, was the One anointed for this unique threefold office of Prophet, Priest and King. This three-fold division of the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ has become traditional in Protestant theology. John emphasized Christs prophetic role in his prologue by emphasizing that the Word was God, and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and that, though no man has seen God at any time, this divine Word, who lives forever at the Fathers side, has made him known. (John 1:118). The kingdom of Christ involves not only His sovereign rule over creation, but His victory over all enemies (Pss 2:9; 110:6; John 16:33; 1 Cor 15:54-57; 2 Cor 2:14; Col 2:15; Rev 6:2; 19:15-21 etc.) The revelatory role of Christ comes in his pre-incarnate work as the Logos spoke through the prophets and in theophanies. But Hes so much more than the priests of the Old Testament. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Moreover there are many passages referring to the blood of Christ (Matt 26:28; Acts 20:28; Eph 1:7; Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:18, 19; etc.) But whats the scriptural basis for this? Help TGC bring biblical wisdom to the confusing issues across the world by making a gift to our international work. Jesus was both Priest and sacrifice. in chs. In the light of this relationship we may feel some confidence in asserting that the primary purpose of the intercession of Christ is to provide a continued application of the merits of His life and death for those whom He has redeemed, so that they are sheltered from the righteous wrath of a Holy God and, viewed through the interposition of Christ, their covenant head, they are in a position to receive the full measure of the blessings which flow from His redeeming activity (cf. Heb. In v. 20, Jesus is called the Christ. as well as Jesus prayers during His life on earth.). The kingship of the Herods was a far cry from what the people of God desired, and the pious souls in Israel were yearning for a promised renewal of the rule of David, the king after Gods own heart. Summary The everlasting preservation of the church is founded on the eternal throne of Christ who has been appointed to this office and this certain victory by Gods immutable decree (49798). : , H5431) which means The Anointed One. Now in the OT three offices were commonly inaugurated by a ceremony of unction as indicative of Gods sanction: the offices of priest (Exod 30:30; 40:13, 15 and many other references), of king (1 Sam 10:1; 15:1, 17; 16:3, 12, 13; 1 Kings 1:34; 19:15, 16 etc. See also Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 15:25. He set His own statements on a level with the Word of God in the OT law (Matt 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44; 19:9), not of course to discredit inspired writ, but to provide a divinely accredited interpretation of the OT law. This point is surely made amply clear in the Epistle to the Hebrews. The idea of the threefold office goes all the way back to the fourth-century writer Eusebius of Caesarea, and it was fleshed out later by John Calvin and other Reformed theologians. also John 14:13; 15:7; 16:23, etc. The true disciples therefore were always eager to receive Christs teaching. Jesus was both the sacrifice and the priest who offered the sacrifice. What won the hearts of men since the days of the apostles is the good news that by His oblation Christ has wiped out the sins of those who believe in Him. But only Jesus Christ holds all three of these offices. Question and answer 42 of the Westminster Larger Catechism put it this way: Our mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost above measure; and so set apart, and fully furnished with all authority and ability, to execute the offices of prophet, priest, and king of his church, in both his humiliation and exaltation.. Two of these offices were at times united in the same person, as Moses was both priest and prophet, and David prophet and king. He always prays for us according to the Fathers will so we can know that His requests will be granted. Offices of Christ - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway Christ fulfills in perfection the destiny which had been appointed to Adam (Gen 1:26, 28). God has even now committed to us authority over various areas in this world or the church. 26:11, 23). Behold! Isaiah wrote as the words of the Lord: My servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom my soul delights! (He is exalted above others as a son is above a servant [Heb 3:3-6]; He, like Melchizedek, is greater than Abraham [Heb 7:4-10]; He is higher than angels [Heb 1:4; 2:9].). If you want to be really flashy, the theological Latin is munus triplex. This anointing is seen as the ultimate indication of unity, joy, and pleasantness, like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes life forevermore (Ps. Jesus authority over the church and over the universe will be more fully recognized by people when He returns to earth (Matthew 26:64; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 19:11-16). Another element implicit in this language is the representation that Christ as the ruler leads His troops into battle and assumes for them the role of the champion who engages in the death-struggle for the sake of His people (John 16:33; Eph 6:10-17; Col 2:15; 1 Tim 6:12; Heb 2:14-16; Rev 6:2; 19:11-16. The three "offices" of Christ are nothing else than the three interrelated aspects of the one office of mediator (munus triplex). 'The Three Offices of Christ' Deuteronomy 17:14-18:22 September 27, 1992. Example. We have a prophetic role as we proclaim the gospel to the world. This one so anointed by the Spirit will redeem (42:67), reveal (42:9), and reign (42:13). While nothing could diminish the impressiveness of the incarnation as an act of power, wisdom, infinite intelligence, unsurpassable humiliation, and sublime beautyan act that in itself should prompt worship (as it did on the night of the birth of Jesus)it was also a necessary transaction for the full redemption of Gods elect. In keeping with some critical views of the Scripture and of the development of religious ideas among the Jews, it often has been fashionable of late to deprecate priesthood and to view the whole priestly establishment of Israel as a corruption of the nobler outlook favored by some of the OT prophets. The Prophetical Office of Christ. The author of Hebrews also views us as priests who can enter into the holy of holies (Hebrews 10:19, 22). He asserted that mens ultimate destiny could depend on their treatment of His words (Matt 7:24-27; Mark 8:38; John 8:24; 12:48). Jesus title Christ itself points towards this. Moses, the author of the first five books of the Bible (Pentateuch), was the first major Old Testament prophet. The author of Hebrews emphasizes this aspect of the work of Christ, esp. Indeed, Peter recognized Jesus as the prophet about whom Moses spoke, The Lord will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. An exploration of the Messiah as prophet, priest, and king will greatly increase our understanding and appreciation of the Savior, Jesus the Messiah. Today, Barry Cooper describes the glory of Jesus threefold office. ), (In Matt 20:22, 23; Mark 10:38, 39 there is an arresting case of the use of the terminology of baptism and of the cup with reference to the death of Christ. So what are the three offices of authority that Jesus Christ holds? In the last scene of Revelation we see the fullness of prophetic revelation, the eternal consequences of his priestly work, and the gracious kingly rule bound up in the Christ: No longer will there be anything accursed (priest), but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it (king), and they will see his face for the Lord God will be their light (prophet) (Rev. Then we will speak only the truth about God and His world. While there were early church fathers who spoke about different offices of Christ, it was John Calvin in his Institutes (2.15) who systematized the idea of the threefold office of Christ: (1) Prophet; (2) Priest, and (3) King. This is a difficult question, inasmuch as many passages assert that the kingdom is forever (Ps 45:6; Isa 9:7; Dan 2:44; Luke 1:33; 2 Pet 1:11; Rev 11:15; 22:5), while other Scriptures appear to teach some limit of time (1 Cor 15:24-28; Rev 20:1-7). Home | Newman Review This was true of Aaron and his descendants (Heb 5:4), as well as of Melchizedek and of Christ (5:5, 6, 10). The nature of the transaction is not indicated in this term, and the context must determine whether this is in a favorable, or unfavorable sense. Undoubtedly, Jesus did this when he came to do the will of the Father (Luke 22:42), to reveal the Father (Matt. The context is clearly about Christ. Upon entering into heaven, he demonstrated this perfect victory being seated at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.. That Christ is Prophet, Priest, and King, ministering in these three offices on behalf of His elect, is evident throughout the Holy Scriptures. C. Ministry of healing. The High Priest was one who would enter the Holy of Holies once a year and offer a sacrifice for sins on the Day of Atonement and place the blood of the sacrifice on the Ark of the Covenant. When Jesus spoke with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, He took them through the Old Testament, showing how the prophecies pointed to Him (Luke 24:25-27). These offices often are classified as prophetic, priestly and kingly. However, his belief in Jesus messiahship and deity did not come until John 9:37, after a subsequent conversation with Jesus. Summary 1. The magnitude of Christs mind and heart transcends in His intercession the limits of time and space that usually circumscribe us. This is the precise point of the Scriptures which speak of this theme. We may do well to distinguish here between the eternal kingship of the Son, the second Person of the Trinity, and the mediatorial kingship of Christ the God-man. Isaiah Whose curse was avoided by the virgin birth of Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 3:16-17, But looking at the gospels we see that Jesus is not primarily viewed as a prophet or as, It is important to note that Jesus is never called a prophet or, Jesus was not merely a messenger of revelation from God like all other prophets but was Himself the, Notice that rather than saying, Thus says the Lord, as all the Old Testament prophets did, Jesus spoke with divine authority. 42:1). Victim). Beyond the rule over Israel is the dominion of the anointed of God over His people and over the cosmos. Furthermore, Jesus refers to himself as a prophet. His deity qualifies Him to find acceptance with God and to perform a work of eternal significance and power. Ezek 4:5; Hos 1; etc.). The Samaritan woman at the well said Jesus was a prophet when He told her something about her past life (John 4:19). Concerning the Three Offices of Christ | Monergism The kings of Israel were charged with carrying out Gods rule on earth. Does it seem disconcerting that God tells us not to kill others but He then takes part in some of the bloodiest wars and vindictive genocides in history? Jeconiah There is some question whether the miracles of Christ fit more appropriately under His kingly office or under His prophetic functions. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. These three offices were distinct. B. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Jesus Christ fulfilled all three of these offices. 91-114). As Son of God Christ naturally shares in the universal dominion of God. This fact does in no wise minimize the significance of His life and teaching, but it marks an emphasis which no serious student of the NT can afford to ignore. Christ is Priest. As a prophet, He reveals God to us and speaks Gods word to us. The Bible tells us that we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. The earlier prophets, priests, and kings were mere shadows; Christ is the reality to whom they were all pointing. The Offices and Titles of Christ - AFN Jesus is telling them that Gods Anointed King is right there, in their very midst, speaking to them directly. The Threefold Office of Christ Jesus Christ, Threefold Office of - Christian Classics Ethereal Library In the case of the prophet, he delivers the word of God from the top down. Just as Gods people in the Old Testament had their prophets, priests, and kings, so in the New Testament Gods people finally meet their ultimate Prophet, Priest and King, Jesus Christ. The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a great tool . He introduced the discussion with this heading: To know the purpose for which Christ was sent by the Father, and what he conferred upon us, we must look above all at three things in him: the prophetic office, kingship, and priesthood. Calvin asserted that the minds of the pious had always been imbued with the conviction that they were to hope for the full light of understanding only at the coming of the Messiah (see John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1:495). He is the summit of a long line of prophets, priests, and kings, even the very best of whom were flawed and fallible, and none of whom were all three at once. 16-25, xx. These are distinct, but inseparable aspects of the priestly work of Christ, and they appear in conjunction in a number of crucial texts (e.g. Grit: A Lesson for Today's Catholics. prominence in all the strata of its teaching (cf. There are three major offices among the people of Israel in the Old Testament: the prophet, the priest, and the king. A. Christ - Mt. 4:1112). B. Warfield, The Lord of Glory [1907] and W. Foerster and G. Quell KYRIOS, TWNT, Eng. In Nothing but the Blood of Jesus, J. D. Myers shows how the death of Jesus on the cross reveals the truth about the five concepts of sin, law, sacrifice, scapegoating, and bloodshed. Perhaps the best summary of this aspect of Christs ministry came from the lips of soldiers who were sent to arrest Him: No man ever spoke like this man (John 7:46). possibly 2 Pet 1:21). Likewise John 14:16 introduces us to the intercessory ministry of Christ after the resurrection. After carefully defining each, this book shows how these definitions provide clarity to numerous biblical texts. also Mark 16:18; Acts 5:16, and James 5:14, 15). 783 Jesus Christ is the one whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and established as priest, prophet, and king.The whole People of God participates in these three offices of Christ and bears the responsibilities for mission and service that flow from them. The sacrifice which Jesus offered for sins was not the blood of animals such as bulls or goats (Hebrews 10:4). In the Book of Revelation we read that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10). The Threefold Office of Christ Prophet, Priest and King I n the Old Testament the several offices were distinct. One of the most significant (and common) designations of Jesus is the Christ (Heb. He stresses that one could not assume this office at will, but that only divine appointment would permit one to appear in Gods presence. Paul affirms the same point when he says Christ is the one who makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Jesus' Three Offices: Prophet, Priest, and King Some matters, however, may be clarified at once. Meet Worker Who Went Blue Collar During the Great Recession As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission when you use any links on this page to make a purchase, but at no additional cost to you. The English word "office" unfortunately has come to have two meanings. 63-74.). Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin. Though God spoke in the past through the prophets in a variety of ways and times, in the last days he has spoken to us by his Son. The Son is perfectly fit to speak because he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. His priestly work can have nothing added to it as indicated by the phrase, [after] making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. These words also indicate that the completed work of priest culminates and perfects his messianic assignment by fitting the incarnate Son of God to be the Redeemer-King: But of the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. What the author of Hebrews points out is that these earthly events do not exhaust the meaning of the transaction, but that there are cosmic implications which can be recognized fully only in the perspective of heaven, that is to say, in divine terms. See also Acts 3:22-26. II, 1:425-429. view Him merely as a prophet, or as a priest, or as a king. Christ Jesus is worthy of our highest allegiance because of all that He does for us. Please make sure all fields are filled out. 16:13). Failure to give sufficient attention to the forensic aspect is at the foundation of the onesided views of the Socinians in the 16th cent. Combined, these three offices of Christ work out our salvation. What is the Difference between the Sabbath and the Lords Day. There is also the kingship of Christ over the universe. 6:10). The Three Offices of The Christ The King Reigns The Prophet Reveals The High Priest Raises KING, PROPHET & HIGH PRIEST We are all Christs, a Collective Christ, called to serve a tri-fold office as King, Prophet and Priest to bring about the Kingdom of God on Earth. prophet, priest, OR king Give the New Testament name for the Old Testament Joshua. Now, Jesus reigns as king over all of creation and exercises Gods reign perfectly as God. Chapter 27 Quiz Flashcards | Quizlet also v. 26). A. Instruction. One of the chief activities of our Lord in His earthly ministry was preaching (Matt 4:17; 11:1; Mark 1:38; Luke 4:18, 43) and teaching (Matt 7:29; 11:1; Luke 11:1; Acts 1:1). 2:2), and Jesus accepts that title in Matt. (DOC) The three offices of Jesus.docx | SRI A - Academia.edu Later on Israel desired to have visible kings, even as the surrounding nations (1 Sam 8:5; etc.). Christ is the mouthpiece of God as the Prophet, speaking and teaching the Word of God, [8] infinitely greater than all prophets, who spoke for God and interpreted the will of God. In the NT the designation of Christ as a priest and the ascription to Him of sacerdotal functions preclude endorsement of such positions. Today, Barry Cooper describes the glory of Jesus' threefold office. In the OT, this sacred office was carefully protected, perhaps more so than any other (cf. How long will Christs future kingdom last? This is called the hypostatic union, but this isnt all we know about the person and work of Christ. Thus, Jesus did not rebuke His disciples who cried out, Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord Luke 19:38). This term has a rich content involving even an acknowledgement of deity when used in a religious sense (cf. Jesus is now the great High Priest who has passed through the heavens (Hebrews 4:14). We may perhaps be content to note that, even if this type of kingship is to be envisioned, it will be at best a temporary one and does not need to retain our attention here in a primary manner. In Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology , R.C. He occupies the whole of it at the same time. David Nunn - Jul 1, 2023 | In this sermon, elder and attorney David Nunn presents three days/three nights as a dramatized court case against the ''Friday Jesus'' listen to the evidence, and return a verdict in favor of the Real Jesus Christ. The statement itself cannot do the justification of His work. Yet "Sound of Freedom" isn't a work of art like Lukas Moodysson's "Lilya 4-Ever" (2002), the one great movie that's been made about sex trafficking. Also, in Matt. Those who opt exclusively for one alternative encounter serious exegetical difficulties. Certain NT designations of Christ manifest with great clarity the connection of His work with the practice of OT sacrifices. Where the first Adam forfeited his privileges by his rebellion, the second Adam has excelled in His obedience (Rom 5:19) and obtained the glorious fulfillment of the divine plan for man. Interested in joining the Ligonier team? Jesus taught us to pray, Thy Kingdom come. (Matt. New International Version (NIV), Encyclopedia of The Bible Offices of Christ. As Samuel established Saul as the first king of Israel and made his farewell speech to Israel, twice he referred to Saul as His [the Lords] anointed (1 Sam. As the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews points out, these restrictions were fraught with the important lesson that the OT priesthood was still imperfect, and that Gods people must be looking expectantly to one who can represent man without being himself entangled in sinfulness, one whose appearing before a Holy God is not merely temporary, but perennial. Luke 13:33, Just at that time some Pharisees came up, saying to Him, Go away and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You. 32 And He said to them. 27:11). Acts 3:15 speaks of Jesus being raised from the dead. Jesus perfectly revealed the Father to us (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:1-2). The nature and variety of Christs miracles are considered elsewhere in this encyclopedia. Christ, as the Word, the Logos, is the source of revelation. In other words, Jesus functions and/or has functioned in these offices. The prophecy of Isaiah 53:4, Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, is interpreted by Matthew to have reference, at least in part, to Jesus healing activity (Matt 8:17). Its not just that He offers a sacrifice on behalf of His people; He Himself is the sacrifice for the sins of His people. With the first office, the prophetic, the true God is revealed. Is there a kingdom of God without a King? If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. A king cumulated legislative, executive, judiciary, economic and military prerogatives within his realm. Reference: Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, Recommended Resource: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: How the Sacrifice of Jesus Saves the World from Sin by J. D. Meyers. In addition to the passages mentioned above where the word king and its derivatives are used, we note the texts where Christ is presented the head of the Church and the Church as the body of Christ (1 Cor 11:3; 12:27; Eph 1:22, 23; 4:15; 5:23; Col 1:18; 2:10, 19. The Threefold Office of Christ - Monergism The time of Christs kingship. These three offices were first clearly outlined and described by John Calvin and have served as an organizing principle for the ministry and person of Christ in later confessions and catechisms. This office of Mediator between God and man is proper only to Christ, who is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God; and may not be either in whole or any part thereof transferred from him to any other. 18:15, The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him. This prophecy is quoted by Peter in Acts 3:22-23 in reference to Jesus, Moses said, The Lord God shall raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him, you shall give heed in everything He says to you. II. In the New Testament, Jesus was born to be King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). In a number of cases there is no express indication as to the contents of these prayers, but there are several vv. Therefore, in the one person of Jesus are two distinct natures. 3. Christology: Jesus Christ Both of these perspectives appear to be firmly imbedded in the scriptural outlook. His food was to do the will of him who sent Him (John 4:34). Anointing and Anointed One. God King Priest Prophet God Jesus' resurrected body was transformed in two stages (resurrection and ascension), whereas the resurrection of our bodies in the future will be a one-step process. intercede, means to deal or transact with one person in reference to another (W. Milligan, The Ascension and Heavenly Priesthood of Our Lord [1908], p. 151).