06/04/2025
Christ is understood to hold three distinct offices namely Prophet, King, and Priest. These offices are rooted in the Old Testament and are seen as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, Christ's roles are essential to understanding His work and mission.
CHRIST AS PROPHET
Christ's role as Prophet is rooted in His ability to reveal God's will to humanity. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses speaks of a prophet who will come and speak the words of God. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of this prophecy, as He speaks the words of God and reveals God's will to humanity (John 1:1-14). As Prophet, Christ teaches and guides His people, providing them with a clear understanding of God's plan and purpose. The apostle John writes, "No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known" (John 1:18). Through His teachings, Christ reveals the nature and character of God, providing His people with a deep understanding of God's will and plan. Furthermore, Christ's prophetic role is not limited to His earthly ministry, but continues through His Spirit, who guides and teaches His people today (John 16:13). As the Prophet, Christ is the ultimate source of truth and wisdom, and His teachings are the foundation of the Christian faith. In addition, Christ's prophetic role is also seen in His ability to interpret the Scriptures, as He often quotes from the Old Testament and provides new insights into its meaning (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34). Christ's prophetic role is also seen in His ability to reveal the future, as He prophesies about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age (Matthew 24:1-35).
CHRIST AS KING
Christ's role as King is rooted in His authority and power. In Psalm 2:6, it is written, "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill." Jesus is seen as the King of Kings, ruling over all creation and exercising His authority on behalf of His people (Revelation 19:16). As King, Christ protects and defends His people, providing them with guidance and direction. The apostle Paul writes, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him" (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). Through His kingly role, Christ exercises His authority to protect and defend His people, providing them with salvation and eternal life. Moreover, Christ's kingly role is not limited to His future return, but is also exercised through His Spirit, who guides and directs His people today (Romans 8:14). As the King, Christ is the ultimate authority and ruler of all creation, and His kingdom is the foundation of the Christian faith. In addition, Christ's kingly role is also seen in His ability to govern His people, as He provides them with leadership and guidance through His Word and Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-16). Christ's kingly role is also seen in His ability to judge His people, as He separates the sheep from the goats and rewards the faithful (Matthew 25:31-46).
CHRIST AS PRIEST
Christ's role as Priest is rooted in His ability to mediate between God and humanity. In Hebrews 5:5-6, it is written, "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'; as he says also in another place, 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.'" As Priest, Christ offers sacrifices and intercedes on behalf of His people, providing them with forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The apostle Paul writes, "But now he has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). Through His priestly role, Christ provides His people with forgiveness and reconciliation, making it possible for them to approach God with confidence and intimacy. Furthermore, Christ's priestly role is not limited to His earthly ministry, but continues through His intercession, where He advocates for His people before God (Romans 8:34). As the Priest, Christ is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, and His priestly role is the foundation of the Christian faith. In addition, Christ's priestly role is also seen in His ability to provide spiritual nourishment and sustenance to His people, as He feeds them with His Word and Spirit (John 6:35, 48-51). Christ's priestly role is also seen in His ability to cleanse His people from sin, as He washes them with His blood and makes them white as snow (Revelation 7:14).
THE UNION OF CHRIST'S OFFICES
The offices of Prophet, King, and Priest are not separate or distinct, but are rather intertwined and inseparable. Christ's role as Prophet informs His role as King, and His role as King informs His role as Priest. As the ultimate mediator, Christ's offices are essential to understanding His work and mission. Through His offices, Christ provides His people with guidance, protection, and reconciliation, making it possible for them to know and worship God. Furthermore, Christ's offices are not limited to His earthly ministry, but continue through His Spirit, who guides, directs, and intercedes for His people today.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Christ's roles as Prophet, King, and Priest are essential to understanding His work and mission. These offices are rooted in the Old Testament and are seen as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, Christ's roles provide guidance, protection, and reconciliation to His people. Through His offices, Christ has made it possible for His people to know and worship God, and to receive the benefits of salvation and eternal life. As the apostle Paul writes, "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him" (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). May we therefore give thanks and praise to Christ, our Prophet, King, and Priest, for His work and mission on our behalf.
[email protected]
The Expositor's Life