When, therefore, the Messiah was predicted as a prophet it was predicted that He should be the great organ of God in communi- cating his mind and will to men. And when our Lord appeared on earth it was to speak the words of God. " The word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." (John xiv. 24.) " Jesus of Nazareth which was a prophet mighty in deed and word." (Luke xxiv. 19.)
§ 2. Sow Christ executes the Office of a Prophet.
In the execution of his prophetic office, Christ is revealed to us, (1.) As the eternal Word, the Ao'yos, the manifested and manifest- ing Jehovah. He is the source of all knowledge to the intelligent universe, and especially to the children of men. He was, and is, the light of the world. He is the truth. In Him dwell all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ; and from Him radiates all the light that men receive or attain. (2.) This, although independent of his official work as prophet in the economy of redemption, is its necessary foundation. Had He not in Himself the plenitude of divine wisdom He could not be the source of knowledge, and es- pecially of that knowledge which is eternal life to all his people. Under the old dispensation, or before his advent in the flesh, He made known God and his purposes and will, not only by personal manifestations of Himself to the patriarchs and prophets, but also by his Spirit, in revealing the truth and will of God, in inspiring those appointed to record these revelations, and in illuminating the minds of his people, and thus bringing them to the saving knowl- edge of the truth. (3.) While on earth He continued the exercise of his prophetic office by his personal instructions, in his discourses, parables, and expositions of the law and of the prophets ; and in all that He taught concerning his own person and work, and concern- ing the progress and consummation of his kingdom. (4.) Since his ascension He performs the same office not only in the fuller revelation of the gospel made to the Apostles and in their inspira- tion as infallible teachers, but also in the institution of the ministry and constantly calling men to that office, and by the influences of the Holy Ghost, who cooperates with the truth in every human heart, and renders it effectual to the sanctification and salvation of his own people. Thus from the beginning, both in his state of humiliation and of exaltation, both before and after his advent in the flesh, does Christ execute the office of a prophet in revealing to us by his Word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation.