Podcast Summary: The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson

Episode: Question & Answer 23
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Date: November 4, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Sinclair Ferguson and the Ligonier team explore the twenty-third question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: “What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?”. The discussion centers on Christ’s foundational roles—prophet, priest, and king—emphasizing their significance in both his humiliated and exalted states. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate how comprehending these offices shapes a Christian’s faith, spiritual growth, and discipleship efforts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• The Threefold Office of Christ

  • Q23 Recitation:
    • "What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer? Christ as our Redeemer executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation." [00:02]
  • Dr. Ferguson opens by reciting the catechism and unpacking the profound interconnectedness of these three offices in Christ's ministry.
  • Prophet: Christ reveals God’s will to us, acting as the ultimate teacher and messenger.
  • Priest: Christ offers Himself as a sacrifice, intercedes for believers, and provides access to God.
  • King: Christ rules, protects, and leads His people both now and forever.

• Viewing Christ as a Whole Person

  • Sinclair emphasizes that “We must see Christ as the complete Redeemer, not focusing on only one of His roles.”
  • He notes how some traditions may accentuate Christ’s priestly work (sacrifice), while others may highlight His prophetic (teacher) or kingly (ruler) aspects, but a biblically faithful view requires holding them together.

• Humiliation and Exaltation

  • The episode discusses how Christ fulfills all three offices both in His earthly life (humiliation) and after His resurrection and ascension (exaltation).
    • “Even as a baby in Bethlehem, He was prophet, priest, and king—in humility; today, He continues those offices in glory.”
  • This dual aspect demonstrates the continuity of Christ’s roles and their present relevance.

• Discipleship and Teaching Others

  • Sinclair highlights practical applications, especially for pastors, parents, and teachers:
    • Teaching the “milk” (basic doctrines) equips Christians for the “solid food” (deeper truths).
    • Understanding Christ's threefold office is foundational for growth and stability in faith.

• Encouragement for Listeners

  • The episode urges listeners to reflect on the richness and wholeness of Christ's redeeming work.
  • Listeners are persuaded to continually return to the person of Christ and His offices for comfort and instruction.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Importance of the Threefold Office
  • “The wonderful thing is that you and I don’t need to look anywhere else for a teacher, a mediator, or a protector—Christ is all three for us.” — Sinclair Ferguson [Approx. 01:20]
• On Humiliation and Exaltation
  • “It’s not just that Jesus was a prophet, priest, and king back then, but that He continues to be these, now, at the Father’s right hand, for you and me.” — Sinclair Ferguson [Approx. 03:10]
• Practical Pastoral Advice
  • “If we are leading others in the faith—children, friends, a congregation—help them first to grasp who Christ is in His fullness, so they can look to Him in every circumstance.” — Sinclair Ferguson [Approx. 04:00]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02: Catechism Question 23 Recitation
• 01:00: Explanation of the Prophet, Priest, and King Offices
• 02:40: Christ’s Roles in Humiliation and Exaltation
• 04:00: Applying the Doctrine to Discipleship and Daily Life

Tone and Language

The episode is gentle, pastoral, and instructive, with Sinclair Ferguson thoughtfully guiding listeners through both doctrine and practical application. His language is clear and rooted in scriptural conviction, aiming to nurture faith and foster greater appreciation for Christ.

Takeaway

Understanding the offices of Christ as prophet, priest, and king deepens believers’ relationship with Him and provides a solid foundation for spiritual growth, discipleship, and everyday Christian living. As Sinclair Ferguson reminds us, Christ’s completeness as Redeemer means all our needs are met in Him—yesterday, today, and forever.