Summing Up the Offices of Christ

the offices of christ: SAVING US & SHAPING US

We’ve spent our Christmas sermon series learning about the Offices of Christ, their role in our redemption, and their role in our lives as the redeemed. To help you remember what we’ve learned and continue to reflect upon the glory of Christ, here’s a brief summary along with some additional resources.

Two questions and answers from the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), nicely capture the significance of the Offices of Christ and the on-going role they play in the life of the people of Christ:

Question 31: Why is he called "Christ", that is anointed?

Answer: Because he is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our redemption; and to be our only High Priest, who by the one sacrifice of his body, has redeemed us, and makes continual intercession with the Father for us; and also to be our eternal King, who governs us by his word and Spirit, and who defends and preserves us in that salvation, he has purchased for us.

Jesus has saved us through the perfect execution of these roles and has made us his redeemed people. A people of Christ, who have come to share in the roles of Christ:

Question 32: But why are you called a Christian?

Answer: Because I am a member of Christ by faith, and thus am partaker of his anointing; that so I may confess his name (prophet), and present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him (priest): and also that with a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan in this life and afterwards I reign with him eternally, over all creatures (king).

We’ve been born again into God’s family and made a people of Christ who have been anointed to be prophetic, priestly, and kingly. These roles have redeemed us and shape our identity and mission as Christ’s redeemed (1 Pet 2:4-5, 9-10). These offices even set our marching orders into eternity (Rev 22:1-5).

All glory be to Christ! The One in whom every office is fulfilled and all we need is found. What a privilege we have to be the people of the One True Prophet, Priest, and King!

FOR FURTHER READING

Jesus’ Threefold Office as Prophet, Priest, and King by Joel Beeke. A quick overview of the Offices of Christ.

The Church and the Offices of Christ by Barry J. York. An extended discussion on how the Offices of Christ practically function in the local church.

Prophet, Priest, and King: The Roles of Christ in the Bible and Our Roles Today by Richard Belcher Jr. Our November 2021 Book of the Month recommended once again.