That the church is described as a kingdom in Scripture is seen in Jesus’ words to Pilate, when questioned whether or not He was a king. "Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence’” (John 18:36). As every kingdom must have some type of authority, as with a king, so Jesus was rightly identified by Pilate at His crucifixion as "King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
As a descendant of David in the flesh (Romans 1:3), Jesus fulfills the promise made to David, that "thy throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). Isaiah prophesied of His reign, "Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:7). That He now reigns is seen in His having all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), and that He is at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3). John can write confidently of Christ, "These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14).
As Jesus is King over His kingdom, the church, His concern is for the welfare of those for whom He died, to offer the promise of eternal life. While He will judge everyone on the last day (Acts 17:31), right now His desire is for everyone to be part of His kingdom and have salvation through Him (Ephesians 5:27). His reign is based on love, providing all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), and everything pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Him we have grace and peace (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17); there has never been another king as concerned with His subjects as Christ is for us.
Since Jesus is king over His kingdom, the church, our response to Him must be one of submission and obedience. While society today considers truth to be subjective and open to anyone’s interpretation, subject to one’s desires, as king Christ’s will is objective and absolute. He tells us, "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The Hebrew writer reminds us, "And having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9). And Jesus clearly states, "Not everyone that saith unto me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Our charge then, as Paul charged Timothy, is to "keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:14-15).
Robert Johnson
Longview, TX
