A Threefold Office
Reflect on these words about the passion of the Lord Jesus:
The threefold misery of men introduced by sin-ignorance, guilt and the tyranny and bondage by sin — required this conjunction of a threefold office.
Ignorance is healed by the prophetic;
guilt by the priestly;
the tyranny and corruption of sin by the kingly.Prophetic light scatters the darkness of error;
the merit of the Priest takes away guilt and procures a reconciliation for us;
the power of the King removes the bondage of sin and death.The Prophet shows God to us;
the Priest leads us to God;
and the King joins together and glorifies us with God.The Prophet enlightens the mind by the Spirit of illumination;
the Priest by the Spirit of consolation tranquilizes the heart and conscience;
the King by the Spirit of sanctification subdues rebellious affections.
