Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of Christ's universal dominion is a central theme in biblical prophecy, reflecting the belief that Jesus Christ would ultimately reign over all nations and peoples. This dominion is not merely spiritual but encompasses all aspects of creation, fulfilling the promises made throughout the Old Testament and realized in the New Testament.
Old Testament PropheciesThe Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foretell the coming of a Messiah who would establish a kingdom that extends over all the earth. One of the most significant of these is found in the book of Psalms: "Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession" (
Psalm 2:8). This verse anticipates a ruler whose authority is not limited to Israel but extends globally.
Similarly, the prophet Daniel speaks of a kingdom that will never be destroyed, given to "one like a son of man" who comes with the clouds of heaven: "And to Him was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (
Daniel 7:14). This vision underscores the eternal and universal nature of the Messiah's reign.
New Testament FulfillmentThe New Testament writers affirm that these prophecies find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus' own words after His resurrection: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (
Matthew 28:18). This declaration signifies the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning His universal dominion.
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his letter to the Philippians, where he writes, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (
Philippians 2:9-10). This passage highlights the comprehensive scope of Christ's authority, encompassing all realms of existence.
In the book of Revelation, the vision of Christ's ultimate dominion is vividly portrayed. John describes a scene where the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of Christ: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" (
Revelation 11:15). This prophetic vision confirms the complete realization of Christ's universal reign.
Theological ImplicationsThe fulfillment of these prophecies in Christ's universal dominion carries profound theological implications. It affirms the sovereignty of Christ over all creation, emphasizing His role as the ultimate ruler and judge. This dominion is not only a future hope but a present reality, as believers are called to live under His lordship and participate in His mission to bring all nations under His rule.
The universal dominion of Christ also underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel message. As the prophecies indicate, Christ's reign is not limited to a specific ethnic or national group but extends to all peoples, inviting them into His kingdom. This global scope of Christ's dominion challenges believers to engage in the Great Commission, spreading the message of His lordship to the ends of the earth.
In summary, the prophecies concerning Christ's universal dominion, as foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, reveal the comprehensive and eternal nature of His reign. This dominion is a testament to His authority and a call to all believers to acknowledge and proclaim His sovereignty over all creation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Philippians 2:9,11Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. .
... of the powers of darkness against his people, after ... before and at the time of Christ's
coming to ... take a general view of the prophecies respecting the moral ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon iii the declensions of.htm
Interpretation of Prophecy.
... to become absorbed in calculations beforehand respecting its dates ... a sober comparison
of the prophecies with the ... have a true reference to Christ's person and ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm
The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Hosea, his prophecies respecting the things of the gospel, [858]375 ... received by,
just as his father died ... Isaiah, the predictions of, respecting Christ, [893]376. ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm
The Sibylline Oracles.
... Prophecies of this calamity were prevalent among the heathen ... There is no mention
of Christ in this account ... This concludes the oracular utterances respecting Rome ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm
The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in him ... pregnant with the deepest meaning
respecting the counsel ... men, indeed, but united in Christ, the universal ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm
The Greater Prophets.
... Respecting the authenticity of this narrative there has been much ... (4.) Christ himself
recognizes ... refers to the future fulfilment of one of his prophecies as a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm
The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... way of duty, adding glorious promises respecting the future ... world the kingdoms of
our Lord and of his Christ. ... has not given the date of his prophecies, but it ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm
Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... by the Jews, unless their erroneous ideas respecting the Messiah ... had only to show,
that the prophecies, which he ... of mankind by his Son Jesus Christ, who was ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm
Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... pious reader, that whatever is taught respecting the power ... I include the Psalms among
the Prophecies, the quality ... is continued every day, until Christ at his ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm
Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... the very silence of Scripture respecting Melchizedek's death ... Esau's posterity and
Balaam's prophecies,"the Cloud ... the universal efficacy of Christ's Death, who ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm
Resources
How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future? | GotQuestions.orgWas Nostradamus a true prophet of God? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.orgProphecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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