The title "Forerunner" ascribed to Jesus Christ is a profound designation that encapsulates His role in preparing the way for believers to enter into the presence of God. This title is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews, which provides a rich theological context for understanding Christ's priestly and pioneering work.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for Christ as the "Forerunner" is found in Hebrews 6:19-20 : "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."

Theological Significance:

1. Pioneer of Salvation:
The term "forerunner" (Greek: πρόδρομος, prodromos) implies one who goes ahead to blaze a trail for others to follow. In the context of Hebrews, it signifies Jesus as the pioneer of salvation, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary on behalf of humanity. By His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has opened the way for believers to have direct access to God, a privilege that was previously inaccessible under the Old Covenant.

2. High Priesthood:
The association of Christ as a "forerunner" with His eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek underscores His unique role in mediating between God and humanity. Unlike the Levitical priests who entered the earthly tabernacle, Jesus, as the forerunner, has entered the true heavenly sanctuary. His priesthood is characterized by permanence and efficacy, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that secures eternal redemption for those who trust in Him.

3. Hope and Assurance:
The imagery of the "forerunner" provides believers with hope and assurance. Just as an anchor secures a ship, the hope anchored in Christ's forerunning work is firm and steadfast. Believers are assured that where Christ has gone, they too will follow, entering into the fullness of God's presence. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the finished work of Christ.

4. Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The concept of a forerunner is also seen in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, where figures like John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming Messiah. However, Christ as the ultimate forerunner fulfills and transcends these anticipatory roles by not only preparing the way but also being the way Himself (cf. John 14:6).

In summary, the title "Forerunner" as applied to Jesus Christ encapsulates His pioneering role in salvation history, His eternal priesthood, and the hope and assurance He provides to believers. Through His work, He has made a way for humanity to enter into the presence of God, securing eternal life for all who follow Him.Hebrews 6:20
Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Against those who Assert that the Spirit Ought not to be Glorified ...
... the Father and the Son, and He gets these titles from His ... Spirit of wisdom and
understanding and knowledge." [1128] Such names as these ... Is it Christ's advent? ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xix against those who.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... SEVENTH.-USE AND APPLICATION. Use First.-To consider the dignity God hath put upon
Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour, in general. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Fifth Theological Oration.
... Look at these facts:"Christ is born; the Spirit is His Forerunner. ... I tremble when
I think of the abundance of the titles, and how many Names they outrage ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the fifth theological oration.htm

To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ... of the Church, however, constantly
used the names of the ... great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." [2118] And ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... WL Tucker has pointed out, these titles correspond exactly ... who reigned over Israel
whose names are here ... His forerunner had declared that Christ should baptize ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

Subject Index
... ??ons. English equivalents of the Greek names, [4]316. ... His titles in Scripture,
[409]190, [410]262. His work, [411]178. ... Forerunner of Christ, [926]220. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

The Mystery
... under those titles in which they proclaimed themselves enemies to Christ our Lord,
but under the shelter of the Christian religion, in the names of saints and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Introductory Notice to the Decretals.
... the titular honour of being a "forerunner of Antichrist ... explain that not only was
Christ our Lord ... Mentions names, titles, and the like, unheard of till later ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/introductory notice to the decretals.htm

The Mystery
... v.9, speaking of the exaltation of Christ above every name ... to be called by their
proper names no less ... parishes, villages, abbeys, and similar titles of human ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm

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