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God the Son – Christ’s Threefold Office

Introduction

The name “Jesus” means “Savior-God”; the title “Christ” or “Messiah” means “Anointed.” These esignations describe the Son of God in the flesh and summarize His work: He is our God and Savior; He is the One who has been anointed “with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38).

  1. For what purpose was Jesus anointed?
    Jesus was anointed, or consecrated to be Prophet, High Priest and King.


  2. How has Christ carried out His office as Prophet?
    As Prophet, Christ, by word and deed, revealed Himself as the Son of God and Redeemer of the world, and he continues to do so through the preaching of His Word and the administration of the Sacraments.



  3. How has Christ carried out His office as High Priest?
    As High Priest, Christ offered up Himself for the sins of the whole world, and He still intercedes for me and all people before His Father in heaven.



  4. How did Christ offer up Himself?
    Christ offered up Himself by perfectly fulfilling the law in our place, and by suffering death on the cross as the punishment for our sins (active and passive obedience).



  5. How does Christ carry out His office as King?
    As King, Christ rules over a three-fold kingdom:

    • The Kingdom of Power –by which He rules over all creation,

      • The Kingdom of Grace –in which He governs and protects His Church on earth, and through which He leads its members to

    • The Kingdom of Glory –which is the Church in heaven. (See Question 250.)




  6. How do you receive all the benefits of Christ’s redemptive work?
    I receive all the benefits of Christ’s redemptive work when the Holy Ghost creates in my heart a living faith in Christ as my Savior.

Conclusion

In fulfilling the prophecies conerning His mission on earth, jesus has shown Himself to be our Prophet, Priest and King. Through the Holy Spirit we are led to believe in Him as our Savior who continues to serve us in this three-fold office, speaking to us in his Word, interceding for us and ruling over all things for our benefit.

Hymn

Jesus, my Shpeherd, Guardian, Friend
My Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End.
Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart
And cold my warmest thorugh;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought. (ELH 155:5, 6)

Bible Readings

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