Christ Is Not a Last Name
Christ is not Jesus' last name. It is a title. The Greek word Christos and the Hebrew word Messiah both mean the same thing: the Anointed One. To say that Jesus is the Christ is to say He is the One God set apart with holy purpose, the One all Israel was waiting for.
In the Old Testament, oil was poured on people God set apart. Priests were anointed (Leviticus 8:12). Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 16:13). At least one prophet was anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Each stood in a place only that office could fill. Then came Jesus: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power (Acts 10:38). Every line of anointing meets in Him.
This is more than a tidy outline. It answers the three great needs of every human being. We do not know God, and we need a Prophet to tell us the truth. We are guilty before God, and we need a Priest to deal with our sin. We are helpless and rebellious, and we need a King to rescue us and rule us. Jesus does not meet one of those needs and leave the others to someone else.
We believe that Jesus Christ alone is Prophet, Priest, and King. Since He has come, we need no further prophet to add to His word, no further priest to add to His sacrifice, and no rival king for our hearts. He is coming back to reign, and there will be no king after Him.
The teaching that Jesus Christ, as the one Mediator, fulfills the three anointed offices of the Old Testament: Prophet, who reveals God; Priest, who reconciles us to God; and King, who rules for God.
Which of the three do you find easiest to accept, and which do you keep at a distance? Many of us want a Priest who forgives, with no Prophet who corrects and no King who commands.
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For Deeper Study
- Jesus Christ Our LordAmazon John F. WalvoordDispensational. A full study of the person and work of Christ, including His offices, His present work, and His coming reign.
- He Will Reign Forever: A Biblical Theology of the Kingdom of GodAmazon Michael J. VlachPremillennial. A full biblical theology arguing that Jesus sits now at the Father's right hand and will reign from David's throne on the earth.
- Faith That Endures: A Practical Commentary on the Book of HebrewsAmazon J. Dwight PentecostDispensational. A verse-by-verse walk through the book that says the most about Christ as Prophet and Priest.
- Prophet, Priest, and King: The Roles of Christ in the Bible and Our Roles TodayAmazon Richard P. Belcher Jr.Presbyterian. A readable biblical study of the three offices. He writes from a Reformed, covenant framework, so weigh what he says about the kingdom against the Scripture above.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
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The Ascension and Present Ministry of Christ
Jesus ascended bodily into heaven and sat down at the Father's right hand, where He lives today as a man: our one Mediator, Intercessor, and Advocate, the Head of His church, and the One preparing a place for us.
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