Authority of Christ

Pastor Martin shows that Christ is uniquely fitted to be the great prophet of His church, not merely because He was appointed, but because of who He is. He opens two of three planned arguments: the unequal dignity of His person (from John 1:14-18 and John 3:11-13, the God-only-begotten who comes out of the bosom of the Father), and the unrivaled authority of His position as mediator (the Father having given Him all things). He draws out implications for our understanding of Scripture, for refusing the tyranny of men over conscience, and for the simplicity of true biblical worship.

Pastor Martin opens up the corporate implications of Christ's prophetic office, focusing on the first of two great dangers: undervaluing the ministry of the Word. Building on Ephesians 4 he argues that the pastor-teachers Christ gives to His church are nothing less than the appointed instruments through whom Christ Himself, as great Prophet, continues to speak to His people. To despise or trivialize the preaching of those whom He sends is to reject Christ Himself, while to recognize them as His gifts is to encounter the living Christ in the proclamation of His Word.