A. Very much; for Christ hath instituted ministers as instruments, by whom he will teach us; Eph. iv. 11, 12. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists and some pastors, and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the mi- nistry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins.
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Q. 5. Can no man savingly know the will of God without the teachings of Christ ?
J. No ; though common knowledge may be obtained in a natural way, yet not saving; Matth. xi. 25. At that time .Jesus answered, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord, of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast re- vealed them unto babes.
Q. 6. How appears it that Christ is appointed to this oflTiice ?
A. We have the written word for it ; Acts iii. 22. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things, whatsoever he shall say unto you.
Q. 7. What is the first instruction from hence ?
A. None need be discouraged at their natural weakness, if Christ be their teacher ; Matth. xi. 25. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Psalm, xix. 7. The testimonies of the Lord arc sure, making wise the simple.
Q. 8. AVhat is the second instruction ?
A. That it is a dreadful judgment to be spiritually blinded under the gospel ; 2 Cor. iv. 3. 4. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost ; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Q. 9. What is the third instruction ?
A. That prayer is the best expedient to obtain saving knowledge ; James i. 5. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Q. 10. What is the last instruction ?
A. Learn hence the transcendent excellency of the knowledge of Christ above all other knowledge ; Phil. iii. 8. Yea, doubtless, I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.
Of Chrisfs Priesthood,
Quest. 25. XXOW doth Christ execute the office of a priest ?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest^ in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice y and recmicile us to Godf and in making continual intercession for us.
Q. 1. What is the priesthood of Christ in general ?
A. It is his expiation of our sins by the sacrifice of himself, and obtaining God's favour for us ; Col. i. 20. And (having made peace through the blood of his cross) by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Q. 2. What are the parts of Christ's priestly office ? A. It hath two parts. Firsts Oblation, or offering of himself; Heb. ix. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge youf consiiences from dead works, to serve the living God ? Secondly^ In- tercession for us; Heb. vii. 9,5. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Q. 3. What is the end of Christ's oblation ? A. The end of it, as to God, was to satisfy his incensed justice ; Rom. iii. 25. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, througli faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. And as to men, to put away their sins ; Heb. ix. 26. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world ; but now once in the end of the world, hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Q. 4. What is the first difference between Christ and other priests ? A. Other priests offered the blood of beasts ; Christ his own blood ; Heb. ix. 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Q. 5. What is the second difference ?
A. They offered many sacrifices ; Christ perfected all by one offer- ing, Heb. X. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Q. 6. What was the sacrifice Christ offered to God.? A. His body ; Heb. x. 10. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And h s soul ; Isa. hii. 10. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin.
Q. 7. Whence is the efficacy of this sacrifice ? A. From the divine Person to whom that soul and body was united ; Acts xv. 28. Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Q. 8. What is the first inference from hence ? A. That believers are discharged by Christ from all their sins and debts ; Acts xiii. 39. And by him, all that believe are justified from all things. -
Q. 9. What is the second inference ?
A. That it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an absolute God ; Luke xxiii. 31. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry ?
Q. 10. What is the third inference.?
A. That it is impossible for man to satisfy God for his own sins ; J*sal. cxxx. 3. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, wlio shall stand ?
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Q, 11. What is the last inference ?
A. That the Christian religion only settles the conscience in peace; Heb. ix. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God ?
Of Christ's Kingly Office,
Quest. 26. JtlOW doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ exectiteth the office of a king, in subduing us to hivu self, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquer- ing all his and our enemies.
Q. 1. How manifold is Christ's kingdom ?
A. Twofold. First, Internal in men's souls ; Lukexvii. 21. Be- hold, the kingdom of God is within you. Secondly, External, over all the world ; Eph. i. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be Head over all things to the church.
Q. 2. What is the end of Christ's providential kingdom ?
A. The good and salvation of the church ; John xvii. 2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Q. 3. Wherein doth he exercise his kingly power ?
A. In restraining his, and his people's enemies; Psal. Ixxvi. 10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee ; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.