Greg Elmquist's sermon, "The Honor of Christ," addresses the theological doctrine of Christ as the faithful high priest within the framework of the Reformed tradition. The preacher articulates the dangers posed by false teachings, exemplified by the actions of Eli's corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who rob God of His glory and mislead the people regarding true peace and salvation. Elmquist emphasizes that all priestly roles of the Old Testament ultimately point to Jesus, who fulfills the perfect sacrifice and establishes an eternal priesthood (1 Samuel 2:30; Hebrews 2:14). He affirms that Jesus' sacrificial death is necessary for reconciliation with God and asserts the exclusivity of Christ's atonement, challenging the doctrine of universal atonement by citing key Scriptures (e.g., Hebrews 2:9-12, 1 John 2:2). The practical significance of Elmquist's message calls believers to rest in Christ alone for salvation, highlighting the futility of works-based righteousness.
Key Quotes
“Very simple, very clear message here... any preaching that would direct our attention away from Christ to ourselves... loses all our peace.”
“We need a priest. The world is full of men who are faithless and men who would rob us of our peace.”
“The Lord Jesus Christ... is our faithful high priest... the only hope that we have for peace.”
“Faith honors Christ.”
The Bible teaches that God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).
In 1 Samuel 2:30, the Lord declares, 'For them that honor me, I will honor; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.' This passage emphasizes the principle that God's honor is reciprocated by those who acknowledge and worship Him. To honor God means to recognize His authority, to trust in His provision of salvation through Christ, and to submit to His will. The biblical narrative shows that those who seek Him sincerely are blessed and acknowledged. This thematic representation underscores the importance of reverence and true worship in the life of believers.
1 Samuel 2:30
Jesus is our faithful priest because He perfectly fulfilled the role of priest by offering Himself as the sacrifice acceptable to God (Hebrews 2:17).
Hebrews 2:17 states, 'Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.' This underscores the reality that Jesus, by taking on human nature, was able to empathize with our weaknesses while remaining sinless. He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, thereby reconciling us to God. His priesthood is established on His perfect obedience and sacrifice, making Him the only one capable of bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Hebrews 2:17
The priesthood of Christ is crucial because it signifies our access to God through His perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-16).
In the New Testament, the priesthood of Christ serves as a foundation for each believer's relationship with God. Hebrews 4:14-16 articulates this beautifully: 'Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.' Through Christ, believers have direct access to the Father, without the need for earthly priests or mediators. His role as the High Priest provides assurance that our sins are forgiven and that we can approach God's throne with confidence. This access brings peace and security, knowing that we are sanctified and accepted in Him.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus uniquely fulfills all three roles—prophet, priest, and king—bringing God’s revelation, redemption, and reign to His people.
Historically, the offices of prophet, priest, and king were distinct within Israel’s leadership. However, Jesus embodies each of these roles perfectly. As a prophet, He reveals God’s truth and ultimately embodies the Word of God. As a priest, He offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, reconciling us to God. And as king, He reigns sovereignly over His Church and the creation. This comprehensive fulfillment ensures that all of God’s purposes are achieved in Christ, presenting Him as the central figure in salvation history.
Hebrews 1:1-3, Hebrews 4:14, Philippians 2:9-11
Christ being the propitiation means that He bore God's wrath for our sins, satisfying divine justice (1 John 2:2).
In 1 John 2:2, it is stated, 'And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.' The term 'propitiation' refers to the appeasement of God's wrath through the sacrifice of Christ. By bearing the penalty for sin, Jesus satisfies God's justice while demonstrating His mercy towards those who believe. This means that the judgment for sin has been fully dealt with in Christ, allowing believers to stand righteous before God, accepted in His beloved Son.
1 John 2:2
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