As we come to the end of our Prophet, Priest, and King series, we want to consider how the resurrection and the ascension confirm Christ as the one who ultimately fulfills each of these offices. In the aftermath of Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in Acts 2 and they immediately went to the temple to proclaim Christ to those who feared the Lord.

Quoting extensively from the Old Testament, Peter summarizes his sermon in Acts 2:36 stating, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God as made him both Lord and Christ (Messiah), this Jesus whom you crucified.” These two titles establish Jesus as the anticipated fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament regarding the Threefold Office. As Lord and Messiah, He is the Prophet who fully reveals God and who pours out the Spirit on His people (Joel 2:28; Isa. 44:3). He is also the King to whom David himself owed his allegiance (Ps. 110:1) and to whom all of God’s people must respond in worship (Acts 2:38-39). Finally, He is the Priest (Jer. 30:21; 33:18) whose work secures the forgiveness of sins which had been anticipated by the prophets (Isa. 53:3-12).

In light of all that we have considered in this study, we must understand that Christ is Prophet, Priest, and King as our substitute, exercising each of these roles faithfully in our place during His earthly life so that we might receive the benefits of His work (Rom. 5:18-19). In His resurrection and ascension we also come to understand that He is Prophet, Priest, and King on our behalf.  As Prophet, He is the one who reveals God to us through His Word and by His Spirit (Heb. 1:1-3). As Priest, He is the perfect sacrifice which has secured payment for our sins (Heb. 2:17) and who intercedes on our behalf (Heb. 7:25). Finally, as King, we can trust that He has been crowned with glory and honor and is sovereign over all things (Heb. 2:5-9), is worthy of our worship and praise (1 Tim. 6:13-16), and who has conquered our greatest enemies (Rev. 1:17-18).

Join us this Sunday as we come together to worship our risen and ascended Savior, proclaiming the glory of His great name and anticipating His return!

Soli Deo Gloria.

-Thomas