Chap. XI. -- Of the Offices of Christ; and, First, of His Kingly.

Q. 1. How many are the offices of Jesus Christ?

A. Three; first, of a ^aKing; secondly, of ^ba [45] [46] Priest;
thirdly, of a ^cProphet.
^aPs. ii. 6. ^bPs. cx. 4. ^cDeut. xviii. 15.

Q. 2. Hath he these offices peculiar by nature?

A. No; he only received them for the present dispensation, until the work of redemption be perfected. Ps. cx. 1; Acts ii. 36, x. 42; 1 Cor. xi. 3, xv. 27, 28; Phil. ii. 9; Heb. iii. 2, 6, ii. 7-9.

Q. 3. Wherein doth the kingly office of Christ consist?

A. In a two-fold power; first, his power of ruling in and over his church; secondly, his power of subduing his enemies. Ps. cx. 3-7.

Q. 4. What is his ruling power in and over his people?

A. That supreme authority which, [47] [48] for their everlasting good, he useth towards them, whereof in general there be two acts; first, ^ainternal and spiritual, in converting their souls unto him, making them unto himself a willing, obedient, persevering people; secondly, ^beternal and ecclesiastical, in giving perfect laws and rules for their government, as gathered into holy societies under him. ^aIsa. liii. 12, lix. 20, 21, with Heb. viii. 10-12; Isa. lxi. 1, 2; John i. 16, xii. 32; Mark i. 15; Matt. xxviii. 20; 2 Cor. x. 4, 5. ^bMatt. xvi. 19; 1 Cor. xii. 28; Eph. iv. 8-14; 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17; Rev. xxii. 18, 19.

Q. 5. How many are the acts of his kingly power towards his enemies?

A. Two also first, ^ainternal, by the [49] mighty working of his Word, and the spirit of bondage upon their hearts, convincing, amazing, terrifying their consciences, hardening their spirits for ruin; secondly, ^bexternal, in judgements and vengeance, which ofttimes he beginneth in this life, and will continue unto eternity. ^aPs. 110; John vi. 46, viii. 59, ix. 41, xii. 40; 2 Cor. x. 4-6; 1 Cor. v. 5; 1 Tim. i. 20. ^bMark xvi. 16; Luke xix. 27; Acts xiii. 11; Rev. xvii. 14.

[45] In the exercise of these offices, Christ is also the sole head, husband, God first-born of the church.

[46] Papal usurpation upon these offices of Christ manifests the pope to be the Man of Sin.

[47] Christ's subjects are all born rebels, and are stubborn, until he make them obedient by his Word and Spirit.

[48] Christ hath not delegated his kingly power of law-making for his church to any here below.

[49] The end of Christ in exercising his kingly power over his enemies, is the glory of the gospel and the good of his people.