Systematic Theology (Vol 2) - Hodge - XXXIII - Chapter 4 (The mediatorial work of Christ) & Chapter 5 (Prophetic office)

Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 4 (The mediatorial work of Christ) and Chapter 5 (Prophetic office).

My summary
Today Hodge firstly teaches us about the mediatorial work of Christ.  We learn that:
(i) Christ is the only mediator;
(ii) Christ is qualified for the work;
(iii) Christ has a threefold office (prophet, priest and king).

Then Hodge begins to unpack the prophetic office of Christ.  He discusses:
(i) the nature of the prophetic office;
(ii) how Christ executes the office of a prophet.

What grabbed me
I liked Hodge's firm position that Christ is the only mediator: 'The other principle is involved in the doctrine of merit as held by Romanists. According to them, good works done after regeneration have real merit in the sight of God. It is possible for the people of God not only to acquire a degree of merit sufficient for their own salvation, but more than suffices for themselves. This, on the principle of the communion of saints, may be made available for others. The saints, therefore, are appealed to, to plead their own merits before the throne of God as the ground of the pardon or deliverance of those for whom they intercede. This according to the Scriptures is the peculiar work of Christ as our mediator ; assigning it to the saints, therefore, constitutes them mediators. As the Christian minister is not a priest, and as no man has any merit in the sight of God, much less a superabundance thereof, the whole foundation of this Romish doctrine is done away. Christ is our only mediator, not merely because the Scriptures so teach, but also because He only can and does accomplish what is necessary for our reconciliation to God ; and He only has the personal qualifications for the work.'

No one has any merit in God's sight, apart from Christ. 

Therefore no one can be a mediator, apart from Christ.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 6 (Priestly office).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.