The Pattern of Wholesome Words, Chapter 18
CHAP. XVIII. Of the Propheticall office of Christ.
HItherto concerning the principles, that looke vponupon the office of Christ in the whole. The principles that concerne the parts of his office follow.
First, there are three sorts or parts of the offices of Christ.
1. His Propheticall office.
2. His Priestly office.
3. His regall office.
This diuision may be proued two waies:
By the degrees of mans misery: there are three degrees of mans misery.
1. Ignorance of the euill into which he is plunged, and of the good he wants.
2. Ataxy or disorder in all parts of his heart and life.
3. Guiltinesse arising hereby: Now in the offices of Christ is a threefold remedy.
1. His prophesie heales ignorance.
2. His kingdome takes away disorder.
3. His priesthood abolisheth guiltinesse.
By the parts of the typicall annointing in the old Testament. For by oyle there was a threefold inauguration: 1. of Prophets: 2. of Priests: 3. of Kings, which shadowed out by externall oyle the anointing of Christ.
First, of the Propheticall office of Christ: where,
1. What it is.
2. The parts of it.
3. The maner of executing of it.
1. The prophesie or propheticall offices of Christ is that worke of his, by which hee instructs his Church concerning the will of God, especially his secret counsell about redeeming mankind.
2. The parts are two: First, the externall promulgation of doctrine. Secondly, the internal illumination of the heart, or the making of doctrine effectuall by the spirit, renewing and inclining the mind and will of man.
The externall promulgation of doctrine hath three things in it:
1. The preaching of the Gospell, or the doctrine concerning Gods grace or redemption in Christ, Esa. 61.1.
2. The interpretation of the law according to the minde of the law-giuer, Matth. 5.17. &c.
3. Prediction of things to come.
The manner of execution of this office was
1. Mediately by Patriarches and Prophets in the old Testament: and by Apostles and ministers of the Gospell in the new Testament.
2. Immediatly, and that either by his diuine nature, or by both natures: By his diuine nature he instructed the Patriarches and Prophets in the old testament, by visions, Oracles, and dreames. By both natures, by word of mouth in the new Testament hee himself taught amongst men, 1. Pet. 3.19. and 1. Ioh. 1.5.
The principles concerning the Propheticall office of Christ are.
1. That in Christ are all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge, Colos. 2.3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge.
2. That it is Christ onelyonly, that reueales the truth out of the bosome of his Father, Mat. 11.27. All things are giuen vntounto mee of my Father, and no man knoweth the Sonne but the Father: neither knoweth any man the Father but the Sonne, and he to whom the Son will reueale him.
Ioh. 1.18. No man hath seene God at any time, the onelyonly begotten Sonne which is in the bosome of the Father, he hath reuealed him.
Ioh. 6.68. Then Simon Peter answered him, Master, to whom shall we goe, thou hast the words of eternall life.
3. That Christ hath himselfe taught doctrine amongst men, Hebr. 1.2. In these last dayes he hath spoken vntounto vsus by his Sonne.
Esa. 61.1. The spirit of the Lord God is vponupon me, therefore hath the Lord annointed me; hee hath sent me to preach good tidings vntounto the poor, to bind vp the broken-hearted, to preach liberty to the captiues, and to them that are bound, the opening of the prison, &c.
4. That he hath reuealed the whole counsell of God, Ioh. 15.15. For all things that I hauehave heard of my Father, hauehave I made knowne vntounto you.
Ioh. 17.8. For I hauehave giuen vntounto them the words which thou gauest me, and they hauehave receiued them, and hauehave knowne surely that I came out from thee, &c.
Deut. 18.18. I will raise them vp a Prophet from among their brethren like vntounto thee; and will put my words into his mouth, and hee shall speake vntounto them al that I shall command him.
5. That the Ministery in the Church is by authoritie from Christ, Matth. 23.34. Wherefore behold, I send vntounto you Prophets, and Wisemen, and Scribes. Ephes. 4.11. He therefore gaue some to bee Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Euangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers▪ &c.
2. Cor. 5.20. Now then are wee Embassadours for Christ, as though God did beseech yee through vsus, wee pray you in Christs stead, that yee bee reconciled to God, &c.
6. That the whole efficacy of doctrine either recorded in scriptures, or thence taught vntounto mē, depends vponupon Christ, 2. Pet. 1.20.21. So that ye first know his, that no prophesie in the Scripture is of any priuat motion:
For the prophesie came not in old time by the wit of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moued by the holy Ghost.
1. Cor. 3.6. I hauehave planted, Apollos watred, but God gaue the increase.
7. That the Prophesie of Christ belongs generally vntounto all Nations, Isaiah 49.6. And he said, it is a small thing, that thou shouldst be my seruant to raise vp the tribes of Iacob, & to restore the desolations of Israel. I will also giuegive thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou maiest be my saluation vntounto the ende of the world; though especially Christ was sent vntounto the lost sheep of Israel, Mat. 15.24. But he answered, and said, I am not sent but vntounto the lost sheepe of Israel.
Zach. 9.10. He shall speake peace vntounto the heathen, and his dominion shall bee from sea vntounto sea, and from the riuer vntounto the end of the Land.
These principles may serue:
For information, and that in diuers things:
1. First, we may hereby vnderstand the reason, why Christ is called the messenger, the Angel of the Couenant, the Word, Wisdome; the Minister of Circumcision; Pastor, Doctor, Arch-bishop; the Apostle of our profession, &c. namely, because of his Prophetship, and Ministery in reuealing Gods will to the Church.
2. We may here take notice of the dignity of the Ministry; we al serue vnderunder Christ, and hauehave our commissions signed, and sealed by him. Christ himselfe was a Minister of Circumcision, Rom. 15.8. And anointed to preach the Gospell, Isai. 61.1.
And he worketh mighty things by the seruice of men, and that the calling might bee the more honourable, he would not write Scripture himselfe, nor continue his preaching, but left both to his seruants (so the head did dictate and the members did write it). Wherefore let men esteeme vsus, as the dispensers of the secrets of Christ, 1. Cor. 4.1.2. And be perswaded by vsus, 2. Cor. 5.20.
3. Thirdly, we must here know, that we must depend vponupon Christ onelyonly for doctrine needful to saluation. There is but one Law giuer: away with traditions and reuelations of mens owne hearts; if an Angell from heauen would teach vsus otherwise, let him be accursed, Gal. 1.8. Iam. 4.12. Will any man teach God? Iob 21.22.
4. We may here see the horrible estate of such, as will be still ignorant and liue in their sinnes, hauing the Scriptures, and preaching in the name, and by the authoritie of Christ. Iohn 1.10. Ioh. 3.19. Christ in these crieth, but men regard not, Prou. 1.20. &c.
5. Wee must take heed that we mistake not, and that in two things.
1. First, about the difference of Christ, and all others in teaching.
2. About the continuance of this propheticall office: Christ teaching in his owne person did excell all other, so as wee might truly say, who teacheth like him? Iob. 36.22.
1. For first he taught with more authoritie, Matth. 7.29. For hee taught them, as one hauing authority, and not as the Scribes.
2. He teacheth by his spirit not by sound of words onelyonly, or by inke and paper.
3. He graueth his words not in stone, but in the fleshly tables of mens hearts, 2. Cor. 3.3. &c. And for the continuance of prophecy, wee must know, that it lasts but for this life: for in the other world prophecie shall cease, 1. Cor. 13.8. LoueLove doth neuer fall away, though that prophesyings be abolished, or the tongues cease, or knowledge vanisheth away.
For instruction, and so these principles may teach,
First, all in Generall, and so diuers duties:
1. First, with all carefulnes therefore to heare the voice of Christ, Mat. 17.5. Behold, there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloued Sonne, in whom I am well pleased: heare him.
2. In all wants to run vntounto Christ, and pray that he would teach vsus, Psal. 25.5. Leade mee forth in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my saluation: In thee doe I trust all the day, &c. Psalm. 143.10. Teach me to doe thy will, for thou art my God, let thy good Spirit leade mee into the land of righteousnesse.
3. But then, if wee would euer profit by Christs teaching, we must be poore in spirit, broken in hart, & mourne for our sinnes, Isaiah 60.1. &c. Malach. 3. from the 1. to the 7. And make conscience to leaue all sinne, and bee renewed throughout, Eph. 4.17. to 23.
4. To louelove the house of God, where the Son of God exerciseth his prophecying, Psalm. 84.4.10. Blessed are they that dwell in thine house, they will euer praise thee: For a day in thy courts is better, then a thousand other where; I had rather be a doore-keeper in the house of my God, then to dwell in the Tabernacles of wickednes, Mat. 12.42. We should long for it, and call vponupon one another, Isaiah 2.3.
5. To cleaue to the counsels, reproofes, doctrines, and exhortations of Christ in the execution of his office, Ioh. 6.68. And to receiue the truth with al ful assurance, Heb. 3.6. 2. Pet. 1.19.
6. Not to be too busie one against another in doubtfull, or indifferent things, Iam. 4.11.12. There is one Law-giuer, which is able to saue and destroy; who art thou that iudgest another man?
Secondly, hence Ministers may learne diuers things:
1. Not to affect the praise of men for the greatnesse of their gifts, or glory of their work. They must not be called Rabbi, seeing one is their Doctor, euen Christ, and they hauehave nothing, but what they hauehave receiued from him, Matth. 23.8. But rather learne of Iohn Baptist, Iohn 3.30.31. who said, He must increase, but I must decrease.
2. When they discharge their duties; not to be affraid of men, or to bee ouermuch carefull in their trouble, what to speake or doe. They should settle this in their hearts: for Christ will giuegive them a mouth and wisdom, which all their aduersaries shall not be able to gainsay, or resist; one haire of their head shall not perish, and therefore in patience they should possesse their soules, Luke 21.14. to the 20.
3. To be diligent in the execution of their office, seeing they must make vp their accounts to Christ, whose Embassadours they are, and they should speak as the words of Christ, and not their owne words, Rom. 12.6.7.8.
Thirdly, here is singular consolation to al the godly from the propheticall office of Christ, and that if we consider three things:
1. What Christ will teach vsus.
2. How he will teach vsus.
3. Whom he will teach.
For the first, it may bee an exceeding comfort that God hath giuen vsus his Sonne to bee our Prophet: for thereby we may bee assured, that he will be our counsellor in all estates, Isaiah 9.6. Hee will teach vsus to profit, Isaiah 33.22. And when wee are deiected and broken in heart, and mourne for our corruptions, hee doth acknowledge it to be a part of his office to apply the Gospell to vsus, and to proclaime the acceptable yeere of the Lord, and to poure vponupon vsus the oile of gladnesse for the Spirit of heauines.
For the second: Christs teaching is wonderfull comfortable: for the Scripture shewes, that he will teach vsus
1. Freely: he will giuegive vsus our teaching, hee stands not vponupon hire, Iohn 17.8. For I hauehave giuen vntounto them the words, which thou gauest me, &c.
2. Powerfully and effectually, so as if our harts were dead within vsus, yet he will reuiue them; the dead shall heare his voice, Iohn 5.25.
3. Familiarly, and with great delight, as a mother would instruct her childe at home in a chamber, Canticles 8.2.
4. Fully: keeping from vsus nothing, that may bee needfull for vsus, hee will teach vsus all things, Iohn 15.15. Hence forth call I you not seruants: for the seruant knoweth not, what his Master doth, but I hauehave called you friends: for all things that I hauehave heard of my Father, hauehave I made knowne vntounto you? Col. 2.3. In whō are hid al the treasures of wisdom, and knowledge, &c.
5. Gloriously, and with a maruelous shining light of knowledge; that may rauish our harts, and much affect vsus, 2. Cor. 4.6. For God, that commanded the light to shine out of darkenesse, is he which hath shined in our hearts, to giuegive the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ. 2. Cor. 3.18. But we all behold as in a mirrour, the glory of the Lord with open face, and are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the spirit of the Lord.
6. Confidently: Hee will so teach vsus the truth, as hee will bee ready to iustifie it, as a neuer failing faithfull, and true witnesse, Reuel. 3.14. And vntounto the Angell of the Church of the Laodiceans write, These things saith Amen the faithfull, and true witnesse, the beginning of the creatures of God.
Isaiah 55.4. Behold, I gaue him for a Witnesse to the people, for a Prince, and a Master vntounto the people, &c.
7. Inwardly, as well as outwardly: to this end hee hath giuen vsus the anointing, euen his spirit in our hearts to teach vsus all things, 1. Iohn 2.27. But the anointing which ye receiued of him dwelleth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and it is true, and is not lying, and as it taught you, ye shall abide in him.
8. Compassionately with singular tendernesse, fitting himself to eueryevery ones nature and ability, Iohn 10.11. I am the good shepheard; the good shepheard giueth his life for his sheepe.
Ezech. 34.23. And I will set vp a shepheard ouer them, and hee shall feede them, euen my seruant Dauid, he shall feede them, and hee shall bee their shepheard, &c.
Isaiah 40.11. He shall feede his flocke like a shepheard, he shall gather the lambes with his arme, and carry them in his bosome, and shall guide them with young, &c.
For the third: It is exceeding comfortable, that he will teach al that come vntounto him, euen al that are giuen to him of God, all the godly, of what sex, condition, or nation soeuer; They shal be al taught of God, from the least to the greatest: A b c daries, as well as they of higher formes, Isaiah 54.13. And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and much peace shall be to thy children.
Ier. 31.34. And they shall teach no more euerie man his neighbour, and eueryevery man his brother, saying, know the Lord: for they shall all know me from the least of them vntounto the greatest of them, saith the Lord.
And therefore let vsus obserue these things, and acknowledge this goodnesse, and receiue his testimony: for thereby we seale, that God is true, Iohn 3.33. Hee that hath receiued his testimony, hath sealed, that God is true, &c.
Thus much of his propheticall office.