An Exposition of the Assembly's
Shorter Catechism

by

John Flavel

Q23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ, as our Redeemer, doth execute the office of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Q. 1. What are the states and conditions of our Redeemer?
A. Christ’s states are twofold; namely, his state of humiliation, and his state of exaltation; Philippians 2:8-9. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name.

Q. 2. How many offices belong to Christ in these states?
A. Christ hath a threefold office; namely, of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king.

Q. 3. Why doth Christ take all these three offices?
A. Because they are all necessary for our salvation, and we have the benefit of them all; 1 Corinthians 1:30. Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

Q. 4. Can no man take Christ in one office, and not in another?
A. No; whoever will have the benefit of any one, must receive him in all; Acts 5:31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince, and a Saviour, for to give repentance unto Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Q. 5. What respect have the offices of Christ to the promises?
A. The promises flow out of them as out of their fountain; 2 Corinthians 1:20. For all the promises of God in him, are yea, and in him, Amen.

Q. 6. What promises flow out of the prophetical office?
A. All promises of illumination, guidance, and direction flow out of Christ’s prophetical office?

Q. 7. What promises flow out of the priestly office?
A. All the promises of a pardon and peace flow out of it.

Q. 8. What promises flow out of the kingly office?
A. All the promises of defence, protection, and deliverances.

Q. 9. What is the first instruction?
A. Hence we learn the completeness of Christ for all the Wants of his people; Colossians 2:10. And ye are complete in him.

Q. 10. What is the second instruction?
A. Hence we learn the folly and misery of all those hypocrites that partially with Christ. Close

Q. 11. What is the third instruction?
A. Hence we learn the singular dignity of the Lord Jesus: None ever having had all those offices but Christ.

Q. 12. What is the last instruction?
A. That faith is a considerate act; and requires much deliberation.