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 ^ba⁴⁵⁴⁵   In the exercise of these offices, Christ is also the sole head, husband, God first-born of the church. ⁴⁶⁴⁶   Papal usurpation upon these offices of Christ manifests the pope to be the Man of Sin. 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,⁴⁷⁴⁷   Christ’s subjects are all born rebels, and are stubborn, until he make them obedient by his Word and Spirit. ⁴⁸⁴⁸   Christ hath not delegated his kingly power of law-making for his church to any here below. 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 the⁴⁹⁴⁹   The end of Christ in exercising his kingly power over his enemies, is the glory of the gospel and the good of his people. 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.