HenryWSC 24

Matthew Henry’s Westminster Shorter Catechism Commentary on Question 24

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Does Christ execute the office of a Prophet? Yes: We know that thou art a Teacher come from God,
John 3:2
. Does God speak to us by him? Yes: he hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son,
Heb. 1:2
. Were there prophets under the Old Testament? Yes: God sent his servants the prophets,
Jer. 25:4
. But was Christ above them all? Yes: for he is the Lord God of the holy prophets,
Rev. 22:6
,
Col. 1:11
. And were they his agents? Yes: it was the Spirit of Christ in them that testified,
1 Pet. 1:11
.
Was Moses the great type of Christ as a prophet? Yes: Aprophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me,
Acts 3:22
. But was Christ greater than Moses? Yes: for Moses was faithful as a servant, but Christ as a Son,
Heb. 3:5–6
. And is the doctrine of Christ better than that of Moses? Yes: for the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,
John 1:17
. Was Christ completely qualified to be a Prophet? Yes: for in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Col. 2:3
. Was ever any other so well qualified? No: for no man knows the Father, but the Son,
Matt. 11:27
.
Has Christ, as a Prophet, revealed God’s will to us? Yes: for he said, my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me,
John 7:16
, [[John.12.49-John.12.50]]. Has he revealed God’s will concerning our duty? Yes: for he did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfil,
Matt. 5:17
. And concerning our happiness? Yes: for he was anointed to preach the acceptable year of the Lord,
Luke 4:18
.
Did Christ execute this office when he was on earth? Yes: for he taught them as one having authority,
Matt. 7:29
. Did he introduce his doctrine with Thus saith the Lord, like the Old Testament prophets? No: but Verily, Verily, I say unto you,
John 3:3
. Did he confirm his doctrine by miracles? Yes: believe me (said he) for the very works’ sake,
John 14:11
. Were his miracles many? Yes: many signs did Jesus in the presence of his disciples,
John 20:30
. Were they profitable? Yes: He went about doing good,
Acts 10:38
. Did Christ teach by the example of his life? Yes: that we might follow his steps,
1 Pet. 2:21
.
Does he still execute this office? Yes: for he said, I have declared thy name unto them, and will declare it.
John 17:26
. Does he reveal God’s will to us by his word? Yes: for these things are written that we may believe.
John 20:31
. And by his Spirit? Yes: the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost: he shall teach you all things,
John 14:26
. Does Jesus Christ teach his people? Yes: All thy children shall be taught of the Lord,
Isa. 54:13
. And does he teach effectually? Yes: for the Son of man is come, and hath given us an understanding,
1 John 5:20
. And does he teach compassionately? Yes: for he can have compassion on the ignorant,
Heb. 5:2
.
Must we learn of this Teacher? Yes: learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart,
Matt. 11:29
. Are we to receive his doctrine? Yes: let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
Col. 3:16
. And must we abide in it? Yes: if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed,
John 8:31
.
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