The Works of Christ.

Soteriology is the Doctrine of Salvation, theology dealing with salvation especially as effected by Jesus Christ.

The Functions of Christ historically, has been customary to categorize the work of Christ in terms of three “offices”: Prophet, Priest, and King.

A Prophet:

Jesus clearly understood Himself to be a Prophet, for when His ministry in Nazareth was not received, He said, “A prophet is not without honor except in His own town and in His own home” (Matt. 13:57). That He was a Prophet was recognized by those who heard Him preach, at least by His followers. Moreover, at the time of His triumphal entry into Jerusalem the crowds said, “This is Jesus, the Prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (Matt. 21:11). When, at the end of a discourse later that week, the Pharisees wanted to arrest Him, they feared to do so because the multitudes held Him to be a Prophet (Matt. 21:46). The two disciples on the road to Emmaus referred to Jesus as “a Prophet, powerful in word and deed” (Luke 24:19). The Gospel of John tells us the people spoke of Jesus as “the Prophet” (6:14; 7:40). The blind man whom Jesus has healed identifies Him as a Prophet (9:17).

Jesus as a Prophet was a fulfillment of prophecy, Peter specifically identifies Him with Moses’s prediction in Deuteronomy 18:15: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people” (Acts 3:22). Thus, the prophecies about Jesus spoke of Him as the successor not only to David as king but also to Moses as prophet.

King:

The Rule of Christ:

The Gospels picture Jesus as a king, the ruler over the entire universe. Isaiah had anticipated a future ruler who would sit on David’s throne (Isaiah 9:7). The writer to the Hebrews applies Psalm 45:6–7 to the Son of God: “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom” (Heb. 1:8). Jesus Himself said that in the new world the Son of Man would sit on a glorious throne (Matt. 19:28).

The kingdom of God, over which Christ reigns, is present in the Church. He is the head of the body, the Church (Colossians 1:18). When He was on earth, His kingdom was present in His disciples’ hearts. And wherever believers today are following the lordship of Christ, the Savior is exercising His ruling or kingly function.

Priest:

The Bible records numerous instances of Jesus’s interceding for His disciples while He was here on earth. The most extended is His high priestly prayer for the group (John 17), where He prayed that they might have His joy fulfilled in themselves (v. 13). He did not pray that they be taken out of the world, but that they be kept from the evil one (v. 15). He also prayed that they might all be one (v. 21). In addition, this last prayer was for those who would believe through the disciples’ word (v. 20). Also, on the occasion of the Last Supper, Jesus mentioned specifically that Satan desired to have Peter (and apparently the other disciples as well) “to sift [them] as wheat” (Luke 22:31). Jesus, however, had prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail, and that when he had turned again (or converted), he might strengthen his brethren (v. 32). Jesus continues this intercession for all believers during His heavenly presence with the Father.

What is the focus of this intercession?

Jesus presents His righteousness to the Father for our justification, He also pleads the cause of His righteousness for believers who, while previously justified, continue to sin. And finally, it appears, particularly from the instances during His earthly ministry, that Christ beseeches the Father that believers might be sanctified and kept from the power of the evil tempter.

The spiritual meaning of Atonement is the process by which people remove obstacles to their reconciliation with God.

May blessings and peace multiplied to you.