A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

First, it noteth the nature of his Offices under the Old Testament three sort of persons were anointed, Kings, Priests, and Prophets, and all these relations doth Christ sustain to the Church. Men that were to be saved lay under a threefold necessity, ignorance, distance from God, and inability to return to him; suitably Christ is a Prophet to show us our misery; a Priest to provide a remedy; a King to instate us in that remedy; therefore according to these three Offices doth the Scripture use words in describing the benefits we have by Christ, John 14. 6. I am the way, the truth, and the life. Christ is the way As a Priest, for his oblation and intercession, we have the boldness to come to God; the truth as a Prophet, the life as a King; take life either for the royal donatives of Grace or Glory. So 1 Cor. 1. 30. He is made to us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We are ignorant, foolish creatures, therefore Christ is made to us Wisdom as a Prophet; we are guilty creatures, and therefore righteousness as a Priest; sinful creatures, therefore sanctification; miserable creatures, liable to death and hell▪ therefore redemption, and both these as a King: 'twas necessary that the way of our salvation should be opened, effected, and applied, therefore did Christ first come from heaven as a Prophet to preach the Gospel, and then offer up himself through the eternal Spirit as a Priest, and last of all seize upon the Mediatorial throne, as King of the Church. Well then, if our blindness and ignorance troubleth us, let us make use of Christs Prophetical Office, that he may teach us the whole counsel of God; if we are haunted by troubles, and the accusations of our own conscience, let us sprinkle our hearts with the blood of our high Priest, that they may be pacified; if we have any desire to be granted, let us make use of his intercession; if we be discouraged by our own weakness, and the power of our spiritual ⟨p. 230⟩enemies: let us run for protection to our King through whom the Saints are more then Conquerors.

First, it noteth the nature of his Offices under the Old Testament three sort of persons were anointed, Kings, Priests, and Prophets, and all these relations doth Christ sustain to the Church. Men that were to be saved lay under a threefold necessity, ignorance, distance from God, and inability to return to him; suitably Christ is a Prophet to shew us our misery; a Priest to provide a remedy; a King to instate us in that remedy; therefore according to these three Offices doth the Scripture use words in describing the benefits we have by Christ,