Articles
Jesus The Christ
The Hebrew term “Messiah” and the Greek work “Christ” have the same meaning (John 1:41; 4:25). Translated into English, both mean “Anointed”. In this definition are to be found many lessons.
Under the religious system ordained by God in the Old Testament three classes of individuals were anointed in connection with their office or function. These were Prophets (1 Kings 19:16; Psalms 105:15), Priests (Exodus 28:41; 40:13-15), and Kings (1 Sam 15:1; 16:13). The Old Testament foretold the coming of a prophet, king and priest (Deut 18:15-19; Zech 6:12,13). Hence, the people were in expectation of the coming of the Messiah or Christ.
Jesus was and is the Christ, because all three of these functions are combined in Him and Him only. Every function of the Christ corresponds to the need of man. Man is ignorant of God’s will, guilty of sin, and in rebellion to divine government. Therefore:
- Christ is the prophet through whom God has revealed His will in these last days (Acts 3:22,23; Heb 1:1,2).
- He is the great high priest over God’s house, who has offered His own blood, and makes intercession for His people (Heb 4:14-10:25).
- He is the King of kings with all authority to rule us and to save us (Rev 17:14; 19:16; Matt 28:18; John 17:1,2).
Thus, Jesus, as the Christ fulfills man’s every spiritual need. But we enjoy the benefits of His being Christ only if we hearken to His message as Prophet, accept His offering and intercession as Priest, and yield obedience to Him as King.
