Introduction

Jesus Christ is recognized as King in Christian theology, a title that signifies His divine authority, sovereignty, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This entry explores the biblical basis for Jesus' kingship, His role as King in the New Testament, and the implications of His reign for believers.

Old Testament Prophecies

The concept of a coming King is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of a ruler: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). This passage anticipates a divine ruler who will establish an everlasting kingdom.

The promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 also points to a future king: "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." This covenant is understood to be ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the descendant of David.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her son would inherit the throne of David: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:32-33).

During His earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its spiritual nature. In John 18:36, Jesus declared, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm." This statement underscores the transcendent and spiritual nature of His kingship.

The Triumphal Entry

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, often referred to as the Triumphal Entry, is a significant event that highlights His kingship. As He rode into the city on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, the crowds hailed Him as King: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (John 12:13). This event symbolized the recognition of Jesus as the promised King, though His kingdom was not yet fully realized in a political sense.

The Crucifixion and Resurrection

The crucifixion of Jesus is paradoxically linked to His kingship. The inscription above His cross read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (John 19:19). While intended as a mockery, it proclaimed a profound truth. Through His death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus triumphed over sin and death, establishing His authority and kingship in a spiritual and eternal sense.

The Ascension and Reign

Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God, a position of authority and power. Ephesians 1:20-21 states, "He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come" . This passage affirms Jesus' sovereign rule over all creation.

The Return of the King

The New Testament also anticipates the return of Jesus as King. Revelation 19:16 describes Him as "King of kings and Lord of lords" , a title that signifies His ultimate authority over all earthly and heavenly powers. His second coming will consummate His kingdom, bringing justice and peace to the world.

Implications for Believers

For Christians, Jesus' kingship has profound implications. It calls for allegiance, worship, and obedience to His commands. Believers are invited to participate in His kingdom by living according to His teachings and spreading the message of His reign. As King, Jesus provides guidance, protection, and hope for His followers, assuring them of His presence and ultimate victory over evil.Genesis 49:10
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and to him shall the gathering of the people be.
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Numbers 24:17
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
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1 Samuel 2:10
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder on them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
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Psalm 2:6
Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion.
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Psalm 18:43,44
You have delivered me from the strivings of the people; and you have made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
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Psalm 24:7-10
Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be you lift up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
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Psalm 45:3-7
Gird your sword on your thigh, O most mighty, with your glory and your majesty.
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Psalm 72:5,8,11
They shall fear you as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
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Psalm 89:3,4,19-21,23,27,29,36,37
I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn to David my servant,
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Psalm 110:1,2
The LORD said to my Lord, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
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Psalm 132:11,17,18
The LORD has sworn in truth to David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of your body will I set on your throne.
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Songs 1:4,12
Draw me, we will run after you: the king has brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in you, we will remember your love more than wine: the upright love you.
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Isaiah 6:1-3
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
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Isaiah 9:6,7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
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Isaiah 11:10
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
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Isaiah 22:22
And the key of the house of David will I lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
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Isaiah 32:1
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
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Isaiah 33:17
Your eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.
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Isaiah 40:10
Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
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Isaiah 52:7,13
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that said to Zion, Your God reigns!
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Jeremiah 23:5,6
Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
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Jeremiah 30:9
But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up to them.
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Jeremiah 33:17
For thus said the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel;
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Ezekiel 37:24,25
And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.
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Daniel 2:35,44
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
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Daniel 7:13,14
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
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Daniel 8:23,25
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
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Daniel 9:25
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and three score and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
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Hosea 3:5
Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.
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Micah 5:2,4
But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
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Zechariah 6:13
Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on his throne; and he shall be a priest on his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
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Zechariah 9:9,10
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.
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Matthew 2:2,6
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
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Matthew 3:12
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
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Matthew 11:27
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
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Matthew 12:6
But I say to you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
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Matthew 13:41
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
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Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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Matthew 21:5
Tell you the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and sitting on an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
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Matthew 25:31-34
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
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Matthew 26:64
Jesus said to him, You have said: nevertheless I say to you, Hereafter shall you see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
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Matthew 27:11
And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Are you the King of the Jews? And Jesus said to him, You say.
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Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
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Mark 14:62
And Jesus said, I am: and you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
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Luke 1:32,33
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of his father David:
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Luke 2:11
For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
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Luke 3:17
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
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Luke 10:22
All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
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Luke 19:27,38
But those my enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring here, and slay them before me.
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Luke 22:29,30,69
And I appoint to you a kingdom, as my Father has appointed to me;
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Luke 23:42
And he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
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John 1:49
Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
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John 3:31
He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above all.
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John 12:13,15,41
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord.
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John 13:3
Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
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John 18:36,37
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.
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John 19:19
And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
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Acts 2:30
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
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Acts 3:15
And killed the Prince of life, whom God has raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
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Acts 5:31
Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
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Acts 10:36
The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
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Romans 9:5
Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
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Romans 14:9
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
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1 Corinthians 15:23-28
But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
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Ephesians 1:20-22
Which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
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Philippians 2:9-11
Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
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1 Timothy 6:15,16
Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
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2 Timothy 4:8
From now on there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.
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Hebrews 2:7,8
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands:
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Hebrews 10:12,13
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
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1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.
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Revelation 1:5-7,18
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
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Revelation 3:7,14,21
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things said he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens;
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Revelation 5:5,12
And one of the elders said to me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
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Revelation 6:2,15-17
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given to him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
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Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
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Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brothers is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
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Revelation 14:14
And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and on the cloud one sat like to the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
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Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
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Revelation 19:11,12,15,16
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war.
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Revelation 20:4,6
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark on their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
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935. basileus -- a king
... As King, Jesus Christ has unqualified jurisdiction over all creation --
also being God the Creator. (cf. Jn 1:1-3,49). See 932 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/935.htm - 7k

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... He might have taken the throne, and reigned "King of the Jews," in a political ... and
it is essential""Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.". ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... a 1 The book of the generation [or genealogy] of Jesus Christ, the son ... she was a
heathen Moabitess]; and Obed begat Jesse; 6 and Jesse begat David the king. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... head of Christ upon the cross. None has borne the title since; so Jesus has stood
before the world for nearly two thousand years as the last and only king of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The King's Herald.
... The Lord Jesus Christ is King, and all the nations of the world are called to be
His subjects. And where is "The Kingdom of Heaven"? The answer is clear. ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter i the kings herald.htm

Proofs of Jesus Christ
... It would have been useless for our Lord Jesus Christ to come like a king,
in order to shine forth in His kingdom of holiness. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xii proofs of jesus.htm

The Man Christ Jesus
... many deeply-taught expositors think that he was veritably an appearance of our Lord
Jesus Christ. They are inclined to believe that he was not a king of some ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

The King on his Throne.
... of the Holy Ghost, to induce men to be willing to submit themselves to the spiritual
rule of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently when the King had ascended the ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm

First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First ...
... to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ a king. ... which they
stated to Pilate were the things for which they had condemned Jesus. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxix first stage of the.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... of all aggravates and heightens the offence,"even after we have all of us professed
a subjection to the law of God, and to Jesus Christ, the King and Lawgiver ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii for the law.htm

Christ's Work of Destruction and Deliverance. Rev. John H. James.
... If by the death of Jesus we gain spiritual life ... day of our eternal marriage with
the King of glory ... glory in that cross whereby our Saviour Christ "hath abolished ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/christs work of destruction and.htm

Who is Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Is there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God? | GotQuestions.org

Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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