Christology:

In part one of this blog, we briefly explored the threefold office of Christ and how it is presented in Scripture. In this second part, we will consider why this doctrine is significant for our ministry to children and young people.

Why a Whole Conference on Prophet, Priest, and King?

Let us suggest three key outcomes we hope attendees will gain from focusing on this doctrine of the threefold office of Christ.

1. Greater Theological Confidence

Studying doctrine provides a strong foundation for our faith, equipping us to navigate the complexities of life and ministry with assurance. Theological confidence comes from knowing not just what we believe, but why we believe it. By studying doctrines such as the threefold office of Christ—Prophet, Priest, and King—we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and the fullness of His work. This deepened understanding is vital for several reasons:

• Clarity in Belief: In a world filled with varying beliefs and opinions, having a clear and solid understanding of core doctrines helps us discern truth from error. It grounds us in the essentials of the Christian faith, enabling us to confidently articulate what we believe. When we understand the biblical basis for seeing Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, we can better communicate these truths to others and defend the faith when challenged.
• Stability in Faith: Knowing sound doctrine stabilises our faith, especially during times of doubt or hardship. Understanding Jesus’ roles as Prophet, Priest, and King gives us assurance of His ongoing work in our lives: He speaks truth into our confusion (Prophet), offers forgiveness and intercedes for us (Priest), and rules over all circumstances with power and love (King).
• Courage in Witness: Theological confidence also emboldens us in our witness. When we know and are convinced of the truth of the gospel and the significance of Christ’s work, we can share it more boldly and clearly with others. Understanding that Christ is our Prophet, Priest, and King equips us to answer questions, address doubts, and share the good news of salvation with conviction and clarity.

2. Richer Expositions of Scripture

As those who minister to others, especially to children and young people, having a well-formed doctrinal foundation ensures that we are teaching faithfully. Theological confidence helps us avoid the pitfalls of shallow or incorrect teachings. When we are grounded in a solid understanding of Christ’s roles, our teaching will be more consistent and aligned with the truth of Scripture, offering our listeners a reliable biblical explanation of the threefold offices of Christ.

A deeper grasp of doctrine enriches our regular Bible teaching. For instance, consider how we often present the doctrine of sin in children’s and youth ministry. It can sometimes be reduced to simple phrases like, “Shove off God, I’m in charge, No to your ways!” While memorable, such explanations may overlook the full biblical picture of sin, which reveals us to be ignorant, guilty, and corrupt.

Swiss theologian Francis Turretin described the threefold office of Christ as the divinely revealed solution to this threefold problem of our ignorance, guilt, and corruption:

• Ignorance: Christ’s prophetic office addresses our ignorance. His Word illuminates our darkness, revealing the truth about our sinful nature and showing us the way to salvation. When we teach the Bible, we do so with confidence that His Word will expose the ignorance within young hearts, guiding them toward truth.
• Guilt: Christ’s priestly office addresses our guilt. In a world where people try to manage guilt by repressing, rationalizing, or running from it, young people, especially those with sensitive consciences, can be overwhelmed by guilt. One of the most pressing pastoral questions we face is, “How can I deal with my guilt?” Jesus, as our great High Priest, has taken our guilt upon Himself, atoning for it once and for all on the cross. This is the good news our young people need to hear repeatedly. A deeper understanding of Christ’s priestly work is invaluable here.
• Corruption: Our inherent corruption makes us rebellious and self-centred, desiring to rule our own lives. Society often encourages us to ‘follow our hearts’ in pursuit of our ‘authentic selves.’ However, in His kingly office, Christ alone can subdue our hearts. He transforms our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), leading us to desire obedience rather than rebellion. In His role as King, Christ liberates us from the bondage of sin and death, conquering our greatest enemies. His victory becomes ours, even though we did nothing to earn it. Again, this is the transformative message our young people need to hear.

The doctrine of Christ’s threefold office enables us to teach Scripture in a richer, more thoughtful manner. It provides a framework for understanding His person and work in a way that is theologically sound, biblically faithful, and pastorally effective. This is what our Bible teaching should aim to be.

3. More Love for Jesus

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the more we gaze upon the beauty and glory of Jesus, the more we will love Him. John Owen eloquently describes this in his writings:

“One of the greatest privileges a believer has, both in this life and for eternity, is to behold the glory of Christ. Only a sight of His glory, and nothing else, will truly satisfy God’s people. Indeed, it is by beholding the glory of Christ that believers are gradually transformed into His image, and then brought into an eternal enjoyment of it, because they shall be ‘forever like him,’ for they ‘shall see Him as He is’ (2 Cor. 3:18; I Jn. 3:1-2). On this depends our present comforts and future blessedness. This is the life and reward of our souls (Jn. 14:9; 2 Cor. 4:6).”

The greatest privilege of our lives is to behold the glory of Christ. Nothing else compares. The more we see Him, the more we become like Him, finding deep joy, rest, and satisfaction in Him.

The goal of our conference is to focus on this aspect of Christ’s person and work, and in doing so, to help one another grow in our love for Him. If we achieve nothing else but this, our time together will have been well spent. We invite you to join us in January as we behold the glory of Christ together.