Spiritual Gifts part 266: Becoming useful to the Master.

Spiritual Gifts Part 266: Becoming useful to the Master.

3. Reward:
to each according to his deeds; crowns.
Mat 5:11-12; Mat 10:40-42; Luk 6:35-36; 1Co 3:8-15; Col 3:23-24; Jam 1:12; 2Jo 1:8; Rev 2:10; Rev 22:10-14

We are also in union with Christ to participate in His work of service.

The WORK of Christ-His SERVICE - is to minister God to the creation – to be the mediator between God and man.

As the mediator between God and man, Christ has three offices:
prophet, priest, and king.

The prophet speaks the message of God to the people.
He explains God to the people.

The priest speaks and acts on behalf of the people to God. He offers the sacrifice and He intercedes.

The king gathers up the people and governs them. He exercises authority to the glory of God and for the good of the people.

A mediator is a middle person between two parties. The mediator places himself between two parties who are in a conflict, and works to gain the reconciliation.

God did nothing wrong, so He only required a communicator to explain Himself to His creation in the darkness.
This is Christ in His office as Prophet.

But mankind was the guilty party. So the Mediator had to perform the duties of rendering satisfaction and also interceding on behalf of mankind. This is Christ in His office as Priest.

And once He has reconciled the creation – man – to God, He remains there in place to exercise authority and rule over the redeemed creation. This is Christ in His office as King.

Mat 17:5
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

The Lord Jesus Christ as High Priest made the efficacious sacrifice for the sins of the world, and now intercedes for the saints at the right hand of God.

A prophet approaches men with revelations from God.

A priest approaches God on behalf of men.

A priest approaches God on behalf of men.

His chief business is to offer sacrifice and make intercession.

The book of Hebrews provides the rich, comprehensive description of our Lord Jesus Christ functioning in His office of High Priest.

Finally, Jesus Christ exercises Kingly authority over all creatures, to the glory of God and the good of His people. This includes delivering us and protecting us from our enemies.

God has also deposited every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ for distribution to His children.

Christ will serve in His office as King for all of eternity.

So Christ reconciles all things to the Father.
Then He turns around and gives the church the ministry of reconciliation.