“What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
(Philippians 1:18)
The gospel proclaims Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah, the One in whom every prophetic promise finds its fulfillment. He is not one Savior among many, nor simply an example of holiness, but the Christ foretold by the prophets and sent by the Father for the redemption of His people.
In addition, Christ is both God and man. His divine nature ensures the infinite worth of His obedience and sacrifice, while His human nature enables Him to stand as the Mediator who obeyed, suffered, and died in the place of sinners. The union of these two natures in one Person is the foundation of all saving hope. Apart from the God-man, there is no reconciliation with God.[1]
The glory of Christ is further displayed in His offices. He is the Prophet who reveals God, the Priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, and the King who rules His church with sovereign authority. Every true proclamation of the gospel exalts Christ alone as the all-sufficient Redeemer, refusing every rival that would diminish His honor or share His saving work.
Because Christ is Lord as well as Savior, the gospel calls sinners to submit to His rule. The law exposes our guilt, repentance turns us from sin, and holy living honors the gospel. Yet all these serve the greater purpose of bringing sinners to Christ and conforming believers to His likeness.
To behold Christ in His person, natures, offices, and kingdom is to behold the fullness of God’s saving wisdom. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. Every true sermon, every faithful witness, and every act of worship reaches its proper end when Christ alone is magnified.
Contemplations:
- Adoring Christ As The Promised Messiah. I adore You, Lord Jesus, as the promised Messiah, foretold by the prophets and sent in the fullness of time. Every promise of God finds its fulfillment in You. You are the Christ whom the Father appointed to accomplish the salvation of His people, and there is no other Redeemer besides You.
- Adoring Christ As God And Man. I adore You, eternal Son of God, who became truly man without ceasing to be God. In Your one glorious Person, divine majesty and perfect humanity are united forever. You alone are worthy to stand as my Mediator.
- Adoring Christ In His Saving Offices. I adore You as my Prophet, Priest, and King. You reveal the Father perfectly, intercede for Your people continually, and reign over Your church with absolute authority. Every grace I possess and every hope I cherish rests entirely on Your perfect work and sovereign rule.
- Adoring Christ As Lord Of His Church. I adore You as the rightful Head of Your church. Your Word is truth, Your commandments are righteous, and Your kingdom shall never end. Grant that my worship, obedience, and confession may always exalt You alone, for You alone are worthy to receive all glory, honor, and praise.
Prayer (Adoration):
Most glorious Lord Jesus, I worship You as the promised Messiah, the eternal Son of God made flesh for the salvation of Your people. I praise You that every prophecy, every promise, and every purpose of redemption finds its fulfillment in You.
I adore You as the God-man, perfect in Your deity and perfect in Your humanity. In Your wisdom You became what You were not, while remaining what You have always been, that You might reconcile sinners to God through Your obedience, sacrifice, and resurrection.
I praise You as my Prophet, who teaches me the truth; my Priest, who has made full atonement for my sins; and my King, who governs Your church with righteousness and power. There is no other mediator, no other Savior, and no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved.
Receive the worship of my heart, and cause my life to proclaim Your majesty. Let every thought, word, and deed bear witness that You alone are worthy of all glory. May I delight in Your rule, trust wholly in Your finished work, and rejoice that You reign forever as Lord over all.
In Your holy and glorious name, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Phil. 1:15; Acts 9:20; Romans 9:1; 1 Cor. 11:1
[1] Anthony Burgess, An Expository Comment, Doctrinal, Controversial, and Practical upon the Whole First Chapter to the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, (London: A.M. for Abel Roper .., 1661), 557–560.
