30 October 2007

Wetsminster Wednesday

WSC #29
Ques. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
Ans. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

A brief and simple explanation from Vincent: Q. 1. By whom was our redemption purchased? A. Our redemption was purchased for us by the blood of Christ. "By his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." — Heb. 9:12.
Q. 2. By whom is our redemption applied? A. Our redemption is applied by the Holy Spirit, in his effectual operation upon us. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour." — Tit. 3:5, 6.

With the above in mind, the next several questions of the catechism elaborate on the steps, so to speak, of salvation. We must comprehend and be mindful of these steps as others today ignore these or group them all under one heading. Let's not be confused.

1. Effectual calling - Calling and Regeneration
2. Conversion - Repentance and Faith
3. Justification
4. Adoption
5. Sanctification
6. Glorification

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27 October 2007

Masculine Christianity


John Piper has recently posted his notes on his message Some Sweet Blessings of Masculine Christianity. If you will allow me to press home his second point: Men are more properly attracted to the Christian life when it does not appear that he must become effeminate to be a Christian. (Dominance of female leadership undermines the proper sense of a man’s call to be a leader, protector, and provider.) This is so true. Men are often turned off by what they perceive as the feminity of Christianity. Churches need to to realize this now and begin to cater to the needs of men, both the lost that they are trying reach and those attending that they need to keep. May I add that point #8 is well stated, too. The feminization of modern worship music is a tragedy that needs to stop now. Piper states, The corporate worship teams are not dominated by women and the songs chosen are not dominated by a one-sided feel of intimacy or majesty. The presence of masculine men and strong theology and music give the corporate worship a feel of strength that helps men discover and express the fullness of the emotions toward God that God calls for. Read the entire post here.

Pumpkin Ale

After seeing and reading about a seasonal brews that are pumpkin flavored I thought I may give one a try although I did so with great trepidation. To my surprise, Saranac's Pumpkin Ale is quite good. The pumpkin flavor is not overpowering, just enough to let you know its there. I recommend it. Its only 5.4% ABV so you can have a couple while reading the works of your favorite theologian (there is a story of Van Til and Machen on at least one occasion having a beer together, anyone know it?)
And, Great Lakes Brewing already has there Christmas Ale out in stores which makes me quite happy! If you have the opportunity to imbibe either of these fine brews, go for it!

Meditation

One of my favorite books is Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes. From time to time I pull it off the shelf and and read a chapter. This week I re-read chapter 7, Discipline of Devotion. This work is not an in depth theological study rather it is a book full of information to improve our daily walk. This chapter is no different. Under the header of Meditation Hughes explains Psalm 1:2, When the Psalmist speaks of meditating on the Law of God day and night (Psalm 1:2), he uses a word which means "to mutter." This word is used to describe the murmurings of kings in Psalm 2:1, and for the chattering of doves in Is. 59:11. In fact, St. Augustine translated Psalm 1:2, "On his law he chatters day and night." Meditation is intrinsically verbal. This means the Psalmist memorized God's Word - for one cannot continually mutter the Scripture without memorizing it, and vice versa. OK, this has not ever been my standard method of memorizing or meditating on Scripture but I'm willing to give it a shot. So if you see me talking to myself, don't interrupt - I'm meditating.

For most of us, meditation is difficult. Hughes uses Scripture to explain the benefits of meditation:

Revival -"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul" (Psalm 19:7).
Wisdom - "The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7); "Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me" (Psalm 119:97, 98).
Increases in our faith - "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).

Hughes continues, The discipline of meditation is a must. Moses told Israel as he finished the "Song of Moses": Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day...They are not just words for you - they are your life" (De. 32:46, 47).

25 October 2007

Noticed this week

I came across a couple of blog posts worth noting this week. First, in consideration of the upcoming presidential elections I think this post endorsing Gov. Huckabee is worth a read.
Secondly, I have a great interest in textual criticism and this quiz is worth the few minutes it'll take to test your knowledge. Really, I think most of us should have at least in introductory knowledge of textual criticism, don't you think?
Third, check out the Don Whitney downloads over at the Irish Calvinist. I've only listened to the first one so far but it was outstanding! Don't wait another minute, jump over there now and start downloading.

24 October 2007

Westminster Wednesday

Dart Estuary, Dartmouth


Let's hit #28 this week.

Q. 28 Wherein consists Christ’s exaltation?
A. Christ’s exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day; in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

John Flavel's exposition on this is simply stated but first-rate:
Q. 1. What is the first step of Christ’s exaltation?
A. His resurrection from the dead.
Q. 2. How doth his resurrection appear?

A. By the scripture prophecies accomplished in him; 1 Corinthians 15:4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures.
Q. 3. Why did Christ rise again?

A. To establish our faith, and abolish our sins; 1 Corinthians 15:17. And if Christ be not risen, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Q. 4. What other end was there of Christ’s resurrection?

A. To declare his divine power; Romans 1:4. and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. And to evidence the fulness of his satisfaction; John 16:10. Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.
Q. 5. Did Christ rise in the same body he laid down?

A. It was substantially the same; John 20:27. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.
Q. 6. What doth Christ's resurrection teach us?

A. The certainty of our resurrection after death; 1 Corinthians 15:20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
Q. 7. What is the second step of Christ’s exaltation?

A. His ascension after forty days into heaven; Acts 1:2-3. Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost, had given commandment unto the apostles, whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Q. 8. Why did Christ stay so long on earth?

A. To assure the truth of his resurrection, and to settle the due government of his church, Acts 1:2-3.
Q. 9. For what end did he ascend?

A. To take possession of his glory; John 17:5. And now, 0 Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. And that as our fore-runner, Hebrews 6:20. Whither the Fore-runner is for us entered, even Jesus, &c.
Q. 10. In what manner did Christ ascend?

A. Triumphantly, and magnificently; Psalm 47:5. God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
Q. 11. What doth his ascension teach us?

A. Heavenly-mindedness; Colossians 3:1-2. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right-hand of God; set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth. And an encouragement iii our Christian race; Hebrews 12:1-2. Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the despising the shame, and is set down at the right-hand of the throne of God.

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20 October 2007

Packer on Evangelism

I find quite a few little gems reading Packer. I recently pulled out my copy of Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God and while perusing it I came across the following that I had highlighted.

The truth is that real personal evangelism is very costly, just because it demands of us a really personal relationship with the other man....If you wish to do personal evangelism, then - and I hope you do; you ought to - pray for the gift of friendship. A genuine friendliness is in any case a prime mark of the man who is learning to love his neighbor as himself.

This is so true. We must all take a step back and look at where we are and where we're going. I admit I have much work to do in this area. May God bless us all in this important work of evangelism.

17 October 2007

Westminster Wednesday


WSC #27

Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?
Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the misteries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Keach's catechism again reads the same.

Westminster Larger catechism 46-49:
Q. 46. What was the estate of Christ's humiliation?
A. The estate of Christ's humiliation was that low condition, wherein he for our sakes, emptying himself of his glory, took upon him the form of a servant, in his conception and birth, life, death, and after his death, until his resurrection.
Q. 47. How did Christ humble himself in his conception and birth?
A. Christ humbled himself in his conception and birth, in that, being from all eternity the Son of God, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased in the fullness of time to become the son of man, made of a woman of low estate, and to be born of her; with divers circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.
Q. 48. How did Christ humble himself in his life?
A. Christ humbled himself in his life, by subjecting himself to the law, which he perfectly fulfilled; and by conflicting with the indignities of the world, temptations of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh, whether common to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that his low condition.
Q. 49. How did Christ humble himself in his death?
A. Christ humbled himself in his death, in that having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world, condemned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors; having also conflicted with the terrors of death, and the powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God's wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sin, enduring the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.

Thomas Vincent explains:

Q. 1. In what things did Christ humble himself?
A. Christ did humble himself — 1. In his birth. 2. In his life. 2. In his death.
Q. 2. How did Christ humble himself in his birth?
A. Christ humbled himself in his birth, in that he, being the eternal Son of God, in time became man, and was born, not of a great princess, but of a mean virgin; not in a stately palace, but in a stable of an inn; and instead of a cradle, was laid in a manger. "He hath regarded the lowly estate of his hand-maiden." — Luke 1:48. "And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." — Luke 2:7.
Q. 3. How did Christ humble himself in his life?
A. Christ did humble himself in his life, in that — 1. He subjected himself to the law. "God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." — Galatians 4:4. 2. He conflicted with the temptation of the devil. "Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil." — Matthew 4:1. 3. He endured the contradictions, reproaches, and indignities of wicked men. "Consider him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself." — Hebrews 12:3. "If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household?" — Matthew 10:25. 4. He underwent the sinless infirmities of the flesh, such as weariness, hunger, thirst, and the like, in regard to his body; and grief and sorrow in regard to his soul. "Jesus being wearied with his journey, sat on the well." — John 4:6. "When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterwards an hungered." — Matthew 4:2. "He is a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." — Isaiah 53:3.
Q. 4. How did Christ humble himself in his death?
A. Christ humbled himself in his death — 1. In regard of the antecedents of it. 2. In regard of his death itself. 3. In regard of the consequences of it.
Q. 5. How did Christ humble himself in regard of the antecedents of his death?
A. Christ humbled himself in regard of the antecedents of his death — 1. In permitting Judas to betray him. 2. In submitting himself to the officers to take him. 3. In hearing Peter deny him. 4. In suffering the people to mock him, spit on him, buffet him, and Pilate to scourge and condemn him; with many affronts and indignities which were offered to him. — Matthew 26, Matthew 27.
Q. 6. How did Christ humble himself in regard of his death itself?
A. Christ humbled himself in regard of his death itself, in that — 1. The kind of his death was an accursed and disgraceful death, as also a lingering and painful death, being the death of the cross. "He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" Philippians 2:8. "Christ was made a curse for us; as it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." — Galatians 3:13. 2. he, together with the pain of his body on the cross, endured the wrath of God due for man's sin in his soul. "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" — Matthew 27:46.
Q. 7. How did Christ humble himself in regard of the consequents of his death?
A. Christ humbled himself in regard of the consequents of his death, in that — 1. He was buried. "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb." — Matthew 27:59-60. 2. He continued under the power of death for a time, namely, until the third day. "As Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." — Matthew 12:40.
Q. 8. What doth Christ's humiliation assure us of?
A. Christ's humiliation assures us of our redemption, through the merits of his sufferings. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." — Ephesians 1:7.
Q. 9. What doth Christ's humiliation, especially his death, teach us?
A. Christ's humbling himself unto death doth teach us — 1. To humble ourselves and be lowly, like unto our Master. "Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." Matthew 11:29. 2. That as Christ died for our sins, so we should die to sin, and not be unwilling to suffer and to die for his sake, if called thereunto. "If we be dead with Christ, we shall also live with him. Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin." — Romans 6:8, 11. "Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind." — 1 Peter 4:1.

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16 October 2007

Preachers & Theologians

Stephen at Reformed Christian UK has posted in interesting piece on the theologians that have most influenced him and asked for others opinions. I found this very thought-provoking. I cannot limit the list to 4 as Stephen has but here goes (in no particular order):

Cornelius Van Til - various writings
Herman Bavinck - The Doctrine of God
Lorraine Boettner - The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, The Millennium
A.W. Pink - various writings
Ken Gentry - various writings
James Jordan - Through New Eyes
Greg Bahnsen - By This Standard
R.J. Rushdoony - various writings
John Frame - Worship In Spirit & Truth and other various writings

Thomas Manton - Psalm 119
Samuel Rutherford - The Trial & Triumph of Faith
John Flavel - everything he has written - still my favorite Puritan to read - Keeping the Heart is outstanding!
Thomas Boston - The Beauties of Boston

John Calvin - need I say it - Institutes

As I go on in this life I'm sure there will be more and I'm sure there are more than this who have profoundly affected my Christian walk and journey through this life.


13 October 2007

Scottish Presbyterian Poll


What Scottish Presbyterian Church would you feel at home in?
created with QuizFarm.com
You scored as Disruption Free Church

You score as 'Disruption Free Church'. You think that the spiritual independence of the Church is vital, but you do not disapprove of Establishment

Disruption Free Church

70%

Reformed Presbyterian

65%

Free Presbyterian Church

58%

United Presbyterian

58%

Auld Kirk

43%

18th Century 'Moderate' Auld Kirk

25%


I'm somewhat surprised by the results of this poll. But, some of the questions simply had no correct answer - as usual the questions and results are biased based on the author's own ideas. Nevertheless, its fun taking these and they make you think through some issues. Take the poll yourself and let me know how it turns out for you.

New Poll on Christian History Author

Please vote for your favorite Christian History author on the sidebar and leave a message why you think your author is the best. Its hard for me to decide as I've been reading so much history lately I quite like them all. I guess I'll throw my vote to Gonzalez for now. For those that voted already please leave a message.

12 October 2007

Spurgeon on Election

I believe the doctrine of election, because I am quite sure that if God had not chosen me I should never have chosen him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why he should have looked upon me with special love. - Charles Spurgeon

Blogs Worth Noting

Highland Theological College


A couple of blogs have caught my attention lately and worth a mention. Stephen Barton's blog is definitely worth a look. I believe he's in his third year at Highland Theological College and has posted some good stuff and I look forward to more. Scrape, whose blog is called Legendary Truth, has an insightful blog. Pilot & family man, his blog is good read.

11 October 2007

An Evening Praise


Giver of all, another day is ended and I
take my place beneath my great
Redeemer's cross, where healing streams
continually descend, where balm is
poured into every wound, where I wash
anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured
that Thou seest in me no spots of sin. Yet
a little while and I shall go to Thy home
and be no more seen; help me to gird up
the loins of my mind, to quicken my step,
to speed as if each moment was my last,
that my life be joy, my death glory.

Quoted from the Valley of Vision

Morning Needs


O God the Author of all good, I come to
Thee for the grace another day will
require for its duties and events. I step
out into a wicked world; I carry about
with me an evil heart. I know that without
Thee I can do nothing, that everything with
which I shall be concerned, however
harmless in itself, may prove an occasion
of sin and folly, unless I am kept by Thy
power. Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe.....


Quoted from the Valley of Vision


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10 October 2007

Westminster Wednesday

Let's jump right into #26 this week.

WSC
Q. 26. How does Christ execute the office of a King?
A. Christ executes the office of a King, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Keach's Catechism reads the same.

Westminster Lareger Catechism
Q. 45. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.

Let's turn to Matthew Henry for an exposition on this weeks q&a:

1. Is Christ put into the office of a King? Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Sion, Ps. 2:6. Does he execute that office? Yes: he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, Luke 1:33. Is he King as Mediator? Yes: he hath authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man, John 5:27. Is his kingdom a spiritual kingdom? Yes: my kingdom is not of this world, John 18:36.

2. Is Christ universal monarch? Yes: for all power is given to him both in heaven and on earth, Matt. 28:18. Has he a right to rule all? Yes: he is Lord of all, Acts 10:36. Does he rule all? Yes: he is the governor among the nations, Ps. 22:28. Does he rule all for the good of his church? Yes: he is head over all things to the church, Eph. 1:22. Is he in a special manner the church's King? Yes: 0 daughter of Sion, thy King comes, Zech. 9: 9.

3. Does Christ, as a King, subdue his people to himself? Yes: Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, Ps. 110:3. Does he do it by the word of his grace? Yes: he draws with the cords of a man, and with the bands of love, Hos. 11:4. Does he do it effectually? Yes: he makes ready a people prepared for the Lord, Luke 1:17. Does he conquer the opposition of the carnal mind? Yes: for the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, 2 Cor. 10:4. Does he set up his throne in the soul? Yes: bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. 10:5. And does he rule there? Yes: for he writes his law in their hearts, Heb. 8:10.

4. Does Christ, as a King, reign in his church? Yes: The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, Isa 33:22. Does he enact laws? Yes: he gave commandments to his apostles, Acts 1:2. Does he commission officers? Yes: By me kings reign, Prov. 8:15. Does he give judgment? Yes: we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor 5:10. Is homage and allegiance due to him? Yes: for at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Phil. 2:10. Does he rule in righteousness? Yes; the sceptre of his kingdom is a right sceptre, Ps. 45:6.

5. Does Christ, as a King, protect his subjects? Yes: for he shall be as a hiding place from the wind, Isa 32:2. And does he secure the peace of his kingdom? Yes: for this man shall be the peace, Mic. 5:5. Has he authority to pardon sin? Yes: the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sin, Matt. 9:6. Has he authority to reward services? Yes: I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. 2:10.

6. Does Christ, as King, restrain his enemies? Yes: on this Rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Matt. 16:18. Will he conquer them at last? Yes: for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet, 1 Cor 15:25. Will he conquer death itself? Yes: the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, 1 Cor 15:26. Does he count those his enemies that will not have him to reign over them? Yes: Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me, Luke 19:27.

7. Is Christ a merciful King? Yes: he is meek, and having salvation, Zech. 9:9. Is he the poor man's King? Yes: he shall deliver the needy when he cries, Ps. 72:12. Has he a large kingdom? Yes: he shall have dominion from sea to sea, Ps. 72: 8. Have we reason to hope it shall be larger than now it is? Yes: for the kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, Rev. 11:15. Shall it be a lasting kingdom? Yes: his throne shall be as the days of heaven, Ps. 89:29. And when the mystery of God shall be finished, shall the kingdom of the Redeemer be resigned to the creator? Yes: then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the father, 1 Cor 15:24.

8. Ought we to rejoice in Christ's dominion? Yes: Let the children of Sion be joyful in their King, Ps. 149:2. Must we accept him for our King? Yes: Take my yoke upon you, Matt. 11:29. Must we pay tribute to him? Yes: Send ye the Lamb to the ruler of the land, Isa. 16:1. Must we obey him? Yes: for he is the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, Heb. 5:9.

07 October 2007

Westminster Shorter Catechism Books

In light of our Westminster Wednesday study of the WSC, check out this brief selection of outstanding books on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Psalm 119:33-40


Pslam 119:33-40
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.
39 Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.
40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

I particularly like and need to often reflect on verse 36. Our own natural inclination is not for the things of the Lord but our own selfish desires. Couple that with verse 38 as we spend so much time looking and lusting after what we don't need. All we need can found in the Lord.

03 October 2007

Psalm 28:3-4

I was listening to Ian Hamilton this morning on the way into work speaking on Psalm 28. When he came to vss. 3&4 he gave an excellent explanation for the statement by the Psalmist, Do not drag me off with the wicked, with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors while evil is in their hearts. Give to them according to their work and according to the evil of their deeds; give to them according to the work of their hands; render them their due reward. Rather than explain away that under the New Covenant the concept of forgiveness has changed somehow, he directed the listener to Luke 18:7 which states, And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? In other words, the Psalmist is just asking the Lord to do what he says He will do in Deuteronomy, that is, bless those who are obedient and curse those who are not. Luke 18:7 simply confirms that nothing has changed under the New Covenant.

The imprecatory Psalms so often confound modern commentators. They are, and sometimes very creatively, explained away. Others ignore them and others choose not to believe they are canonical. The above is one of the simplest and most direct explanations I have heard. Many thanks to Ian Hamilton for making what others think so difficult and easy concept to understand.

Westminster Wednesday

Let's delve into Q&A 25 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Ques. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
Ans. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.

Number 29 of Keach's Catechism is the same:
Q. 29. How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executes the office of a priest, in His once offering up of Himself, a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.

Q&A 44 of the Westminster Larger Catechism reads this way:
Q. 44. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for the sins of the people; and in making continual intercession for them.

Matthew Henry explains:

1. Did fallen man need a Priest? Yes for every high priest is ordained for man in things pertaining to God, Heb. 5:1. Did Christ execute the office of a Priest? Yes: We have a great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, Heb. 4:14. Was he appointed to this office? Yes: for Christ glorified not himself to be made a High Priest, Heb. 5:5. Was he confirmed in this office? Yes: for the Lord swore, and will not repent, thou art a Priest for ever, Heb. 7:21.
2. Did Christ as a Priest, make atonement for sin? Yes: he is a merciful and faithful High Priest, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people, Heb. 2:17. Did he do this by the sacrifice of himself? Yes: He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. 9:26. Was be himself the Priest? Yes: for through the eternal Spirit he offered himself, Heb. 9: 14. Was he himself the sacrifice? Yes: he made his soul an offering for sin, Isa. 53:10. Was he himself the altar? Yes: for we have an altar, Heb. 13:10. Would not the legal sacrifices serve? No: for it was not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin, Heb. 10:4. Did God declare them insufficient? Yes: Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, ver. 5. Was this sacrifice necessary then? Yes: what the law could not do, in that it was weak, that Christ did, Rom. 8:3.
3. Did Christ as a sacrifice, bear our sins? Yes: his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, 1 Pet. 2:24. Did he bear them by the Father's appointment? Yes: the Lord laid on him the iniquities of us all, Isa. 53:6. Did he suffer for them? Yes: he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, ver. 5. And not for any sin of his own? No: Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself, Dan.9:26. Did he suffer to satisfy for sin? Yes: he was once offered to bear the sins of many, Heb. 9:28. And was the satisfaction accepted? Yes: he gave himself for us a sacrifice to God of a sweet smelling savour, Eph. 5:2.
4. Did Christ offer himself voluntarily? Yes: No man taketh my life from me, but I lay it down of myself, John 10:18. Was it his own act and deed to make his soul an offering? Yes: for he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit, Luke 23:46. Did this sacrifice need to be repeated? No: for by one offering he perfected for ever them that are sanctified, Heb. 10:14. Did Christ do this for the purchase of our pardon? Yes: for when he did it, he said, Father forgive them, Luke 23:34. Was it designed to save us from ruin? Yes: he gave his life a ransom for many, Matt. 20:28. And to reconcile us to God? Yes: for he made peace through the blood of his cross, Col.1:20. Is this our plea for peace and pardon? Yes: Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, Rom. 8:34. Is Christ then the great propitiation? Yes: he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world, 1 John 2:2. And have we hereby access to God? Yes: he suffered the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, 1 Pet. 3:18. And had the Old Testament saints the benefit of this sacrifice? Yes: for he was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, Rev. 13:8.
5. Does Christ, as a Priest, make intercession? Yes: for he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors, Isa. 53:12. Is he always doing this? Yes: he ever lives, making intercession, Heb. 7:25. Does he do this as an Advocate? Yes: if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, 1 John 2:1. And as a High Priest? Yes: Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, Exod. 28:12. Does he make intercession in the virtue of his satisfaction? Yes: for by his own blood he entered into the holy place, Heb. 9:12.
6. Is Christ a Priest after the order of Aaron? No: but after the order of Melchisedec, Ps. 110:4. Is he a royal Priest? Yes: for he is a Priest upon his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both, Zech. 6:13. Is he a Priest that needs a successor? No: for this man, because he continueth forever, hath an unchangeable priesthood, Heb. 7:24. Is he a priest that needs a sacrifice for himself? No: for the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath makes the Son, who is consecrated for evermore, Heb. 7:28. Have all believers an interest in Christ's priesthood? Yes: for we have a High Priest over the house of God, Heb. 10:21. Is this an encouragement in our approaches to God? Yes: let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, Heb. 4:16. And is this it we must depend upon for our acceptance with God? Yes: for spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2:5.

This q&a is well worth some time to ponder the wonder of Christ's work as preist for us. Let's spend some time meditating on this this week with grateful hearts.