Book Review: The Work of Christ

"I have chosen to shape our discussion around Christ's threefold office of Prophet, priest and king." (Pg. 19) Says, Robert Lethem, in this ground breaking work which will serve the church to understand with a great level of depth in what manner each was to be exercised. Now this can also be classed as the great truth concerning His Messianic work. The Christian Faith, is build around two immovable facts: the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; and each of these office flow of necessity to and from these historical facts.  The prophethood is a prerequisite of both of them for He had to make clear that these things must take place; the Priesthood flows from the death because the work of a priest is established upon a death; and the Kingship flows from the resurrection. 

Now in this work we have each of these offices laid out and expounded upon in order that we can get a clear picture of each; on at a time. How does this book work out? There are four sections: (1) foundations. There are four chapter dealing Christ's work. (2) Christ as Prophet. Here he deals with this in one chapter. (3) Christ as Priest. Here we have four chapters dealing different aspects of the atonement; and the priestly work. (4) Christ as King. Here we have 2 chapters dealing with it. And finally we have an appendix: the intention of the atonement. To me, I believe, each chapter is great in what it does to extol The Lord with regards to His work and His offices.  

Two chapter which deserve an honorary mention 

In the first section, we are given two chapters which stand out as important because of what they seek to establish. And this can be found in the first major section given: the foundations. 

Christ and the kingdom of God (chapter 3): in the first subhead he seeks to show two major truths about the kingdom (a) that is here and now; (b) that it is still to come.  How are these things worked out without there being a contradiction? simple: they both are true as they are dealing with two different realities which are true; we can describe it as being a partial fulfilment at this point; and a full fulfilment when Christ returns. 

Union with Christ (chapter 4): this is a pretty powerful chapter and it is broken down into six subsections: (a) Christ's representative and vicarious role. (2) Christ through his incarnation. (3) effected by the Holy Spirit through Faith. (4) through His death and resurrection. (5) from eternity. (6) the future. More could and should be said here. But the main thing is that we are to understand that this union with the Lord is integral to everything else and some manner a prerequisite. 

And I leave off with a quote from the beginning of chapter two: "The concept of covenant is highly important for an understanding of scriptures."  And this is what all comes down to knowing what is involved in this New covenant. 

The most important chapter in this work

Now do not get me wrong there are other chapter hold a significance; but the one to which I hold before you as being 'most important' is  on a topic which does not really get much coverage while other two do as they are abundantly expressed. I, of course, speak of Christ as a Prophet. Let us notice what we are told.

Christ and the Word of God (chapter 5): The basic lay out this key chapter is as we see from the following subheads:
(1) Jesus' prophetic ministry.
(2) Christ's continuing prophetic role through the Apostles.
(3) Christ's continuing prophetic role in scriptures. 

It should be noted that in this chapter are number of fantastic statements that we must consider:

"Theologically, the most crucial factor is His own personal identity. As the incarnate Son of God, he was infinitely greater than any of the Prophets in the Old Testament. They were, all of them, sinful men."  (Pg. 91)

"On our part, obedience to Jesus' teaching is seen as love for God. Moreover, God comes to those who obey Jesus' instruction. The Spirit marks out those who follow His prophetic ministry." (Pg. 94)

"In short, there were three prominent characteristics of the Apostles. Firstly, they received a definite appointment from Christ Himself. Secondly, the Apostles were associated with the ministry of Jesus Christ from the beginning. Thirdly, they functioned as witnesses of Christ's resurrection."  (Pg. 96-97)

"It is appropriate to regard scripture itself as an aspect of the prophetic ministry of Christ"  from this four deductions:  "first, the risen Jesus Christ has sent the Holy Spirit to His church. Secondly, the Holy Spirit is the original author of scriptures. Third, scriptures as the Word of God is consequently the word of Christ. Fourth, scriptures being a aspect of Christ's prophetic ministry we can get a more integrated grasp of the gospel." (Pg. 100-102)

I warmly recommend this book to every Christian.

 

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