One of the challenges in our theology is in regards to how we view Christ. Our theology of Christ (Christology) is vital in regards to how we interact with the Word of God and how we relate to scripture. In fact, our theological framework serves as the lens in which we apply the text in our lives. So, if we don’t consider the wider and deeper implications of theology, our interpretation and application can be found limited and undeveloped. One of the areas that is incredibly important is how we view Christ. As we unpack the character and nature of Christ we find that he serves as the perfect prophet, priest, and king. In fact, Calvin taught the work of Christ in the context of Prophet, Priest and King. As we are able to unpack the nature of Christ and see how he functions in these three particular categories, our understanding of how marvelous Christ is will expand.

Christ As Prophet:

Throughout the Old Testament we find God interacting with his chosen people. Prior to Genesis 3 God spoke intimately with Adam and Eve face to face. After the fall and as sin enters humanity we see a shift in communication as God uses specific people as his spokesmen. The term prophet as used in the Old Testament can be closely associated in terms of a person who is the actual “mouthpiece” of someone else, in this instance, the prophets of the old testament are “mouthpieces” of God. However, these prophets are limited and found wanting. They deliver a specific message from the Lord, but they themselves are not a clear and perfect reflection of God. As Christ enters in the New Testament he calls himself a prophet (Lk 13:33) bringing the message of his Father. He also functions perfectly as a prophet as he foretells (Mt 24), speaks with authority (Mt 7:29), authenticates his message with signs, and is recognized by the people as a prophet (Mt 21:11, Lk 7:16, Jn 3:2). While the prophets of the Old Testament proclaimed the truth, Jesus Himself was and is Truth (jn 14:6).

As we read through the Old Testament and encounter these incredible prophets such as Moses and Aaron we can remember that as great as they were, they are but a shadow of who Christ is. Jesus is our perfect Prophet and a clear reflection of God the Father.

Christ as Priest:

As we consider Christ as our Priest we can turn to Hebrews 5-7 which gives us a clear picture of this great High Priest who intercedes on behalf of His people. Again, throughout the OT we see the offie of the priest hood established. These priests served as a form of mediator between a fallen humanity and a perfect God. They interceded on behalf of fallen humanity, yet, they themselves needed cleansing and purification because they were with sin. One interesting fact is that once a year the High Priest would enter into the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice. The priests would tie a rope around his ankle just in case he went in and was struck down dead due to unrepentant sin. No one was allowed into the Holy of Holies, and even the High Priest could be slain and struck down for his sin. How wonderful to know that we have a High Priest who intercedes, is in the very presence of God right now, and is for us! He was found without sin and therefore is counted as the perfect High Priest

As we read through the Old Testament and see how the priests function and serve the people of God we can take hope in Christ who serves as the perfect High Priest and continually intercedes on our behalf.

Christ as King:

Throughout the entirety of Scriptures there has never been a priest who was also a king other than Melchizedech King of Salem (Ge 14:18-20). Christ, enters into humanity in many ways as the suffering servant. He comes and humbles himself, in obedience to the will of the father, to death on the cross. During his time on earth he teaches his disciples of the coming Kingdom. He conquers both sin and death and ascends into heaven giving a promise to his disciples that he would return again. In revelation we find that kingdom of this present world will come under the final rule and authority of Christ as King and within the boundaries of His Kingdom (Rev 11:15). Geerhardus Vos describes Christ’s final Kingdom reign by stating, “It is the ocean into which all the rivers of history roll their waters from the beginning of the world”*.

As we consider  the tragedy that takes place in our world, we can find rest and assurance in the coming Messiah who will bring all the broken fragments of this world under His perfect Kingship and authority to create the most magnificent Kingdom.

The Perfect Jesus:

As we study and consider our perfect Jesus we see that he exercises all three offices. As prophet he declares both the law and his gospel and outshines the prophets of the Old Testament. As priest, he is not limited to an earthly temple but ministers in the true sanctuary in the presence of the Father. Finally, as King he entered humanity, conquered sin and death, setting the prisoners free from the bondage of the law. Jesus is perfect. He is sufficient. He is Prophet, Priest, and King.

—

Geerhardus Vos, The Teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews (repr., Eugene, Ore.: Wipf & Stock, 1998), 194.

The post Seminary 101: Christ as Prophet, Priest, King appeared first on Joel's Travels.