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Study 01 of 18

Introduction: The Three Offices

Christ is Prophet, Priest, and King, in succession, to save and restore humanity.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Jones explains that the manifestation of Christ reveals Him in three distinct offices: Prophet, Priest, and King. These offices are successive and preparatory: as Prophet, He taught us; as Priest, He intercedes for us; and as King, He will reign. His priesthood is the essential, all-important study for us today because it is His present work. By contemplating Him in His successive offices, we are prepared for our own destiny as priests and kings who will reign with Him. This study emphasizes that Christ's offices are not simultaneous, but sequential, guiding us from His past earthly ministry to His current heavenly intercession, and finally to His future return in glory. Understanding this order is vital for our Christian experience, as it allows us to receive the benefits of each office and prepare for the world to come.

Key points

  • Christ appears in three distinct offices: Prophet, Priest, and King.
  • These offices are successive, not simultaneous; He finished His work as Prophet before becoming our Priest.
  • Christ's present office and work is that of our great High Priest, making His priesthood our all-important study.
  • Christ's priesthood prepares us to eventually reign as priests and kings with Him for eternity.

Key texts

  • Deuteronomy 18:18-19
  • Hebrews 8:4
  • Revelation 20:6

From the book

Chapter 0 · Hebrews 8 · Read this chapter

  • “The three offices are successive. He is prophet first, then after that He is priest, and after that He is king.” (ch. 0)
  • “He is now just as truly Priest as, when He was on earth, He was that Prophet.” (ch. 0)
  • “His priesthood being the present office and work of Christ, this having been His office and work ever since His ascension to heaven, Christ in His priesthood is the all-important study for all Christians, as well as for all other people.” (ch. 0)

Put it into practice

  • Reflect on Jesus' past work as your Prophet (Teacher).
  • Study Jesus' current work as your High Priest (Intercessor).
  • Look forward to His future work as King of kings (Ruler).
  1. Comprehension

    1. What are the three offices of Christ, and in what order are they fulfilled?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. Why is it important to recognize that these offices are not simultaneous?

  3. Scripture

    3. According to the author, what is the all-important study for all Christians today?

  4. Comprehension

    4. What did Jesus do in His prophetic office on earth?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. How are the offices of prophet and priest related to the office of king?

  6. Contrast

    6. What is the difference between Christ's earthly prophetic work and His heavenly priestly work?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What is our destiny as described by the author?

  8. Application

    8. How does studying Christ's priesthood today change your prayer life?