I Believe in the Christ

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: John 6:69; Lord's Day 12
Psalters: 267, 24, 45, 302
Series: Heidelberg Catechism
  1. Faith that He is Christ.
    1. Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) mean “the anointed one” indicating that God gave Him the office.
      1. Adam had it originally, but the fall into sin changed the office into a service of the devil.
      2. In the Old Testament anointing symbolized God giving His Spirit, giving him the right and ability to function in office.
    2. Was realized on Jesus when he was baptized by John, a voice was heard from heaven, and the Spirit (dove) descended.
    3. As our chief Prophet He revealed the Father (Acts 3:21,22; John 1:18) in His words, person, and work.
      1. He not only revealed the way of salvation, but His cross makes Him to be the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
      2. He still functions as prophet through the office of the ministry of the Word – an on-going revelation of redemption.
    4. As the great High Priest He was consecrated and dedicated to doing God’s will (Heb. 5:4-6; 10:7,9; 4:15,16).
      1. In perfect obedience He gave Himself as the sacrifice, bearing all of God’s wrath for His own (Heb. 9:14,28).
      2. As our Priest Jesus intercedes for us, serving as our Advocate before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).
    5. As King He fought the battle of the Lord (Matt. 21:5) and rules today as universal king (Eph. 1:20-22).
      1. He fought by going to hell to destroy the power of Satan and to crush the Prince of darkness.
      2. As the King of kings He rules over all things for the sake of the Church.
  2. Those who are in Christ are partakers of His anointing and thus are Christians, anointed ones.
    1. To have the right to be called a Christian is a gift of grace.
    2. This means that we can and must live the life of Christians.
      1. As prophets we confess His name and have our speech seasoned with the Word.
      2. As priests we present ourselves as living sacrifices of thankfulness (Rom. 1:21).
      3. As kings we manfully fight against sin and Satan in this life, and afterwards reign with Him in eternity.