The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson

Episode: Question & Answer 25
Release Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Overview

In this episode, the focus is on Question 25 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
“How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?”
Sinclair Ferguson explains the foundational role of Christ as our priest, unpacking the theological depth behind His once-for-all sacrifice and His ongoing intercession for believers. The discussion is designed to help listeners—be they pastors, teachers, or parents—understand and share the “milk and meat” of biblical doctrine as the cornerstone of Christian discipleship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Biblical Basis

• Catechism Answer:

  “Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.”
  (00:01)

• Sacrifice and Satisfaction of Divine Justice:

  • Ferguson explains that Jesus, as priest, “offers Himself once and for all as a sacrifice” to satisfy God’s justice.
  • This sacrifice isn’t repeated; it is finished and sufficient. This points listeners to the assurance of Christ's completed work on the cross.

• Reconciliation to God:

  • He emphasizes the effect of Christ’s priestly work: through His sacrifice, believers are reconciled—brought back—into a right relationship with God.

Christ’s Continual Intercession

• Ferguson highlights Christ’s ongoing role as an intercessor:
  • Jesus continually prays for His people, mediating on their behalf before the Father.
  • He draws attention to the comfort and assurance believers can find in Christ’s “continual intercession,” strengthening faith and confidence.

Application for Christian Growth

• The episode encourages listeners to see both the simplicity and profundity of this doctrine:
  • Understanding these truths is not just for theological study but for daily faith and discipleship.
  • Believers are invited to grow from the “milk” to the “solid food” of doctrine, encouraged to delight in the depth and beauty of Christ’s priestly office.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice:

  “Christ offers Himself as a sacrifice—once, and for all. There is a finality to His work on the cross that leaves nothing lacking.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, implied from catechism summary, 00:01)

• On Christ’s Intercession:

  “It’s not just that Jesus made a sacrifice in the past, but that He lives, right now, to intercede for us. What comfort to know He prays for His people continually.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, paraphrased and summarized, 00:01)

• On Discipleship and Teaching:

  “Whether you are a pastor, a Sunday school teacher, or a parent, helping others enjoy solid food—helping them to savor these truths about Christ’s priesthood—is at the very heart of Christian discipleship.”
  (Sinclair Ferguson, paraphrased, 00:01)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:01] – Introduction of Question 25 and catechism answer
• [00:02] – Explanation of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice
• [00:04] – Reconciliation to God through Christ’s priestly work
• [00:06] – Christ’s continual intercession for believers
• [00:09] – Application for teaching and spiritual growth

Summary

This short but potent episode distills a core Christian doctrine: Christ as priest—who both sacrificed Himself once to satisfy God’s justice and continues to intercede for His people. Sinclair Ferguson urges believers to ground their lives and teaching in this truth, making it the heartbeat of their discipleship. Listeners are challenged and encouraged to move from the basics (“milk”) to the riches (“meat”) of biblical truth, finding both assurance and motivation in the finished and ongoing work of Christ.