How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Christ executeth the office of prophet in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
Proofs
- Christ executeth the office of prophet in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation. (John 1:18; 1 Peter 1:10–12; John 15:15; 20:31)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Was Christ’s prophetical office foretold under the Old Testament?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee, from the midst of thee, a prophet like unto me, (Deuteronomy 18:15)
Was Moses then a great prophet?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: There arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, (Deuteronomy 34:10)
Was Christ like unto Moses raised up from amongst his brethren?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For he was taken from among men, (Hebrews 5:1)
Was he like Moses in meekness?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Learn of me, for I am meek, (Matthew 11:29)
And in faithfulness?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: All things that I have heard of the Father, I have made known unto you, (John 15:15)
Did he like Moses confirm his doctrine by miracles?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The works that I do, bear witness of me, (John 5:36)
But was he greater than Moses?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For Moses was faithful as a servant, but Christ as a Son, (Hebrews 3:5)
Section 2
Did Christ as a prophet foretell future events?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, (Revelation 19:10)
Did he open the way of salvation by himself?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, (John 1:17)
Did he make a fuller discovery of a future state than had been made before?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, (2 Timothy 1:10)
Did he reveal the whole will of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I have given them the words which thou gavest unto me, (John 17:8)
Section 3
Was Christ a divine teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We know that thou art a teacher come from God, (John 3:2)
Was he a plain teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Now speakest thou plainly, (John 16:29)
Was he a prudent teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He taught them as they were able to bear, (Mark 4:33)
Was he an affectionate teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They wondered at the gracious words that proceed out of his mouth, (Luke 4:22)
Was he a powerful teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He taught them as one having authority, (Matthew 7:20)
Was he an eloquent teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He had the tongue of the learned, (Isaiah 50:4)
But was his success in teaching equal to his qualifications for it?
Answer: No.
Proof: All day long I have stretched forth my hands to a disobedient and gainsaying people, (Romans 10:21)
Section 4
Did Christ execute the office of a prophet before his incarnation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For he went and preached to the spirits in prison, (1 Peter 3:19)
Did he execute this office whilst upon earth?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Jesus went about teaching in their synagogues, (Matthew 4:23)
And doth he execute it in heaven?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He speaketh from heaven, (Hebrews 12:25)
Doth Christ reveal the will of God objectively by his word?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: These things are written that ye might believe, (John 20:31)
And subjectively by his Spirit?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth, (John 16:13)
And is the latter as well as the former necessary to our salvation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his, (Romans 8:9)
Practical response
Should we learn of this teacher?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Hear ye him, (Matthew 17:5)
And is it at our peril if we do not?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Every soul that will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people, (Acts 3:23)