Chapter 17: Of the Priesthood of Christ

Q. Is Christ also a Priest?

A. Yes, and is frequently so called (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 2:17; 3:1; 4:14, 15; 5:5, 6, 10; 8:1; 9:11).

Q. Was he a Priest after the order of Aaron?

A. No, but after the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110:4; Hebrews 7:11, 21).

Q. How may that appear?

A. Aaron was of the tribe of Levi, but Christ was of the tribe of Judah; and whereas Aaron had father and mother, Christ as he was man was without a father, and as God without mother.

Q. How else?

A. Aaron and his successors being sinners, had need to offer sacrifice first for their own sins, and then for the people's: but Christ being altogether without sin, did offer sacrifice only for the people (Hebrews 5:3; 9:7; 7:26, 27).

Q. Is there not some difference between the priesthood of Aaron and Christ's priesthood, in respect of the manner of entrance in the same and continuance therein?

A. Yes, for Aaron and his successors were ordained without an oath; but Christ with an oath. And whereas the priests of the law died and had successors, Christ has an unchangeable priesthood, continuing Priest for ever.

Q. How do these priesthoods differ in respect of the sacrifices offered thereby?

A. The one offered the bodies and blood of beasts; but Christ offered up himself, and so was both Priest and Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12, 14, 26).

Q. Is there not some difference in regard of the number of their sacrifices?

A. The sacrifices of the law were many, because of their imperfections, but Christ has offered up himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27; 9:25, 26; 10:12, 14).

Q. What are the works performed by him as a Priest?

A. Oblation or offering a sacrifice, and making request or intercession for his people.

Q. What was the sacrifice which he offered?

A. Himself as he is man, his human soul, and body.

Q. What kind of sacrifice was this?

A. It was bloody, or by blood, it was spotless, and perfect, and most pleasing to God.

Q. What altar did he offer this sacrifice upon?

A. The altar must needs be heavenly, as the Priest and Sacrifice were; and the use of an altar being to sanctify the gift, and therefore greater than it; and therefore it was not the cross of wood, but the Godhead of Christ, which was the altar on which he sacrificed himself.

Q. Whether is Christ the only Priest to God in these days, or are there not others who are Priests also?

A. All Christians are called priests to offer up to God the spiritual sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving, and the like; but to be a priest to offer up a propitiatory sacrifice is proper and peculiar to Christ only.

Q. What acts does Christ perform in making intercession for his people?

A. He appears in the presence of God for them, presenting before God the virtue and value of his death and bloodshedding, with some expression of his will before God for their good.

Q. In what manner does he make this intercession?

A. Not with tears and words, and prostrating of his body, as he did on earth, but in such a manner as is suitable to his state of glory.

Q. What are the benefits of this intercession of Christ?

A. Forgiveness of sins daily continued and applied, with continuance in God's favor, and acceptance of our imperfect services.

Q. What are the benefits of this intercession?

A. Hereby believers are defended and secured against the accusations of all their enemies, with certainty of salvation in Heaven.