Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of Christ as King with an universal kingdom is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the belief that Jesus Christ reigns supreme over all creation. This kingship is not limited to a particular nation or people but extends to all of humanity and the entire cosmos. The universal nature of Christ's kingdom is rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures, which affirm His authority and dominion.
Old Testament FoundationsThe anticipation of a universal kingdom under the Messiah is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. The Psalms frequently speak of God's sovereign rule over all the earth.
Psalm 2:8 declares, "Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession." This messianic psalm points to a future ruler whose dominion will encompass all nations.
Isaiah also prophesies about the coming of a king who will establish justice and righteousness.
Isaiah 9:6-7 states, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders... Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore."
New Testament FulfillmentThe New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary in
Luke 1:32-33 , "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."
Jesus Himself speaks of His kingdom, emphasizing its spiritual and universal nature. In
John 18:36 , Jesus tells Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm." This statement underscores that Christ's kingdom transcends earthly political systems and is rooted in divine authority.
The Great Commission and Universal ReignThe Great Commission further illustrates the universal scope of Christ's kingdom. In
Matthew 28:18-20 , Jesus commands His disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate reflects the global reach of Christ's reign and the call for all nations to acknowledge His lordship.
The Book of RevelationThe Book of Revelation provides a vision of the consummation of Christ's universal kingdom.
Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." This eschatological vision affirms the ultimate realization of Christ's dominion over all creation.
Christ's Present ReignWhile the full manifestation of Christ's kingdom awaits His return, Christians believe that He currently reigns from heaven.
Ephesians 1:20-22 describes how God "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. And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church."
Implications for BelieversThe universal kingship of Christ has profound implications for believers. It calls for allegiance to Christ above all earthly powers and encourages the spread of the Gospel to all corners of the earth. Believers are invited to participate in the mission of expanding Christ's kingdom by living out His teachings and sharing His message of salvation.
In summary, the Bible presents Christ as the King with an universal kingdom, whose reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and peace. This kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope, encompassing all nations and peoples under the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 2:8Ask of me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 72:8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Zechariah 14:9
And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Church and the Kingdom of Christ.
... The kingdom has come in Christ, is continually coming, and will finally come in
its full grown strength and beauty when the King will visibly ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 65 the church and.htm
Conclusion.
... through the means of a Kingdom of which our Lord Jesus Christ is the King, and all ...
zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14), the perversity of man has spoilt the ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter xi conclusion.htm
'Thy Kingdom Come'
... of praise, 'Rejoice, O earth, for thy King is come ... The whole language of Christ,
the whole tenor of Scripture ... therefore what the kingdom can do and has done for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/thy kingdom come.htm
The Essential Unity of the Kingdom.
... But the unity of a Kingdom depends not only upon the King and the laws and ordinances
of ... The unity of the One Universal Church of Christ has not been ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter viii the essential unity.htm
The Herald of the King
... point in this brief resume of John's work is the universal excitement which ... That
wrath was inseparable from the coming of the King; for His ... So Christ has said. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the herald of the king.htm
The Requirements of the King
... XVIII to XXVIII THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE KING. ... does not die to them all, that he may
follow Christ. ... What has become of the eagerness which brought him running to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the requirements of the king.htm
The King on his Judgment Throne
... And the King shall answer and say unto them ... mankind exclusive of Christians, and
it has been confined ... section as the solemn close of Christ's teachings, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the king on his judgment.htm
The Universal Gift
... on the servants and on the handmaidens has been poured ... set up as normal and
authoritative over Christ's free people. ... in the Old Testament about a king, to whom ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the universal gift.htm
A New Kind of King
... That is not the sort of King that the world calls a King. ... How slow God's Church has
been to believe that the strength of Christ's kingdom is meekness! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a new kind of king.htm
The Attractive Force of the Cross.
... The King, who has great ends in view, will not ... instrument for accomplishing this
grand design has ever been ... Christ turns this grandest dream of humanity into a ...
/.../iv the attractive force of.htm
Resources
What does it mean to be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christ consciousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean "to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21)? | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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