The Office of Christian Believer Rev. Greg Lubbers
Introduction
The Source of the Office of Christian Believer
In recent articles, we have surveyed briefly the offices of elder and of deacon. What then of the average person within the pew? What role and responsibility do they have in the life of the Christian community? The rediscovery of and recommitment to the biblical teaching regarding the offices of elder and deacon, as well as minister of the Word and sacraments, is vital to the well-being of the churches. But, so is an understanding and dedication to the office of Christian believer.
Christian believers are persons, individually and corporately, who are saved by the person and work of Jesus Christ. In reference to the office of Christian believer, we agree with Abraham Kuyper when he wrote, “To be called to an office simply means to be charged by Jesus, the King, with a definite task.”2 As redemptive king, Jesus Christ charges his followers to engage in certain holy activities.
R. B. Kuiper wrote, “One of the most significant accomplishments of the Protestant Reformation was that it restored the universal office of believers to the place of honor which it deserves.” For this restoration we may be thankful. Kuiper went on to write, “Protestantism, which once extolled [the universal office of believers], now largely neglects it.”1 The office of Christian believer is a rich spiritual truth that summarizes the identity as well as role of the Christian community. Peter writes, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9, New King James Version).
It is especially the person of the Holy Spirit who equips those who are called to the office of Christian believer. The Holy Spirit accomplishes this initial and continual equipping by spiritually indwelling the soul of the Christian believer, thereby bringing all of the blessed benefits of redemption to impact the life of the Christian. This truth is summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism’s question and answer 53, “What do you believe concerning ‘the Holy Spirit’? First, that the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, that he is given also to me, so that, through true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his benefits, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.”3 It is the spiritual indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit that causes the reality of the office of Christian believer.
July/August 2022 | 5
