Mount of Transfiguration

Pastor Martin traces Christ's prophetic function across four periods of redemptive history: preparation (theophanies, the Angel of Jehovah, and the Spirit of Christ in the Old Testament prophets, 1 Peter 1:10-11, 3:18-20), manifestation (the incarnation, John's testimony, the Mount of Transfiguration, and Christ's own authoritative preaching), explanation (the apostolic writings as the completion of Christ's teaching through the Spirit), and expansion/culmination (the preserved Scriptures and the standing office of pastor-teacher in the church).

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 draws out the individual implications of Christ's prophetic office. From the Father's command at the Transfiguration — 'Hear ye him' — he shows that hearing must be the hearing of disciples (not beasts or mere rational creatures) in three spheres: personal safety (receiving Christ's hard teachings on the heart, new birth, narrow gate, exclusive claims), personal assurance (John 8:47 — he that is of God heareth the words of God), and personal direction in duty (Manton on swallowing what Christ teaches without dissecting). Preached during Christmas season.