Prophet, Priest, and King: The Roles of Christ in the Bible and Our Roles Today

by Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Publisher:

P&R

, 2016

Overview

Although early church fathers recognized the different roles of Christ, John Calvin was the first to call attention to his distinct offices of prophet, priest, and king. Starting in Genesis, these offices recur time and again throughout the Bible. Viewed alongside Christ’s humiliation and exultation, they give us a fully rounded understanding of his work, as well as insight into the ongoing work of the church. In this biblical theology, Richard Belcher explores and defines the basic functions of prophets, priests, and kings through an analysis of key Old Testament texts before discussing the fulfillment of these offices in Christ and the transformation of these offices for the church, its leaders, and individual believers. Includes study questions.

Key Features

• Examines the multi-dimensional role of Christ in Scripture
• Presents a biblical-theological approach to the study of Jesus as prophet, priest, and king
• Traces the thematic development through various old covenant phases and new covenant consummations

Contents

• The Importance of Prophet, Priest, and King
• The Role of the Prophet in the Old Testament
• Christ as Prophet: Mighty in Word and Deed
• The Role of the Priest in the Old Testament
• Christ as Priest: Consecrated as Mediator for God’s People
• The Role of the King in the Old Testament
• Christ as King in His Humiliation and Exaltation
• Prophet, Priest, and King: Implications for the Church

Top Highlights

“Disobedience also leads to a disruption of fellowship with God, which affects the priestly role” (Page 11)

“The work of the prophet centers on the word of God and prayer” (Page 17)

“Thus a prophet is someone who is a mediator between two sides. On one side is God, and on the other side is the people.” (Page 21)

“Simply, a prophet is someone who speaks the words that God gives him to speak (Deut. 18:18). This” (Page 21)

“Israel is not to receive her information from God in these ways. She does not have to manipulate God or situations to seek to control what happens to her; her life is in the hand of a sovereign God who is working out his purposes for the nation.” (Page 20)

Praise for the Print Edition

The Reformation viewed the threefold office of prophet, priest, and king (munus triplex) as fundamentally important to the understanding of Christ’s work in redemption, and Dr. Belcher’s impressive treatment of these offices in their biblical-theological setting is essential reading in understanding their comprehensive nature. This book deftly combines biblical and pastoral insight that is most welcome in furthering our understanding of Scripture and the person and work of Christ. Enthusiastically recommended.

——Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

“It is common today for Christians to speak of Christ as the fulfillment of all that the Scriptures teach. Richard Belcher has shown how this is true by focusing on the developments of prophetic, priestly, and royal themes in the Bible. As delightful as this is, he has gone further. Rather than simply speaking of Christ as the fulfillment of these themes, he has also drawn out the practical implications of prophetic, priestly, and royal service for all who follow Christ. Belcher’s work points us all toward the importance of keeping the centrality of Christ in view as we address the manifold challenges that Christians face as we long for his return in glory

—Richard L. Pratt Jr., President, Third Millennium Ministries

Although Reformed theologians have long recognized the importance of the three offices of Christ, there have been few sustained works on this essential topic in the last few generations. Thankfully, Dick Belcher has stepped forward to fill this gap in biblical scholarship. With wisdom, clarity, and grace, Belcher guides the reader to a richer and fuller vision of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King

—Michael J. Kruger, President and Samuel C. Patterson Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Prophet, Priest, and King: The Roles of Christ in the Bible and Our Roles Today
• Author: Richard P. Belcher Jr.
• Publisher: P&R
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 224
• Resource Type: Biblical Theology
• Topic: Doctrine of Christ

About Richard P. Belcher Jr.

Richard P. Belcher Jr. is the John D. and Frances M. Gwin Professor of Old Testament and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. His books include Job: The Mystery of Suffering and God’s Sovereignty, Ecclesiastes: A Mentor Commentary, and Prophet, Priest, and King. He is a contributor to IVP’s Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Writings and Poetry.