Prophet, Priest, and King in Biblical History (Part 4, conclusion)

Now we conclude this series on the 3-fold office of prophet, priest, and King. Last time we looked at how the office find their ulimate fulfillment in Christ. Now we look at how the church continues these offices as those “in Christ.”  The church, as the purified and renewed people of God continues the purpose that was originally given to Adam and recommisioned to Israel.

Prophet- We, as those united to Christ through faith, are given the privilege of continuing the prophetic task. We are to speak forth the word of God without compromise, as well as a love for love to which we speak. We also are called to speak true words about God, and that will include both the comforting message of forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Interestingly enough, the very commissioning words to the prophets, “Go”, and “I will be with you,” are the words Christ uses to send out His body into the world to preach the gospel and teach the world all things that Christ has commanded us. (cf. Jer. 1:7-8 with Matt. 28:20)

Priest- As a kingdom of priest, the Church is to minister the blessing of God to the world. We are to aid the widows and the orphans, to care for those who suffer justice, to cloth the naked, and to show love to our cities, especially those of the household of faith (i.e. fellow brother and sisters in Christ, Gal 6:10). 

Also, the Church of Christ is the beacon of light in this lost world, pointing the way to the ultimate light of the world, the ultimate blessing of God, Christ Himself.

King-As redeemed images of God, renewed in the image of Christ, the Church is still to serve as a vice-regent with God. We are to commit ourselves to spiritual warfare, not warring on flesh and blood, but on everything that sets itself up against the knowledge of God (2 cor. 10:4-6, Eph. 6:12). We are to have dominion over the earth, not to use it as a resource for our own sinful pleasure, but to be godly stewards, using it’s resources in ways that help mankind and thus bring glory to God.