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The names of Jesus in the Book of Revelation – Part 41

By Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide
14 October 2018   |   4:05 am
Biblical teaching is that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the OT promises of a perfect King and reigns over His people and the universe.

Emeritus Prof. Mercy Olumide

NT Fulfilment confirming Jesus as King
Jesus was born King (Mt 2:2; Mat 27:37)
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem 2Saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Mat 2:2)
“Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say” (Mat 27:11)
CHRSIT AS KING: An Overview

Biblical teaching is that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the OT promises of a perfect King and reigns over His people and the universe. The OT hope for the future included a vision of a new king like David, called “the anointed one,” or “the Messiah” in Hebrew (2 Sam. 7:16; 22:51). The Prophet Isaiah intensified the promises and pointed to the Messiah yet to come (Isa. 7:13-14; cp. Ps. 45; 110). The book of Daniel contains a vision of One to whom was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom, One that all peoples, nations, and languages would serve. His dominion is everlasting and shall never pass away. His kingdom shall never be destroyed (Dan. 7:13-14).

When Jesus Christ was born, His birth was announced in these categories. His earthly ministry then amplified these themes (Matt. 4: 17; Luke 1:32-33). Similarly, John the Baptist proclaimed the presence of God’s kingdom in the coming of Jesus (Matt. 3). The theme of Jesus as King, Ruler, or Lord dominates the NT from beginning to end. We find the culmination of this theme with the Lord seated on a throne, His enemies being made subject to Him and a new name given: “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:16).

The question arises naturally, in what sense is Christ’s kingship really operating in today’s world?

If He is king, how is it that the world is so little changed and His kingship so little acknowledged? Some would answer that Jesus kingship is completely future. That fails to handle Christ’s own statement that the kingdom of God is “in your midst” (Luke 17:21), “among you” (NRSV), or “within you” (KJV, NIV).

Christ’s kingship is thus present yet still future, already here and still yet to come, spiritual and universal. The present kingship of Christ is His royal rule over His people (Col. 1:13,18).

It is a spiritual realm established in the hearts and lives of believers. He administers His kingdom by spiritual means—the word and the Spirit.
Whenever believers follow the lordship of Christ, the Saviour is exercising His ruling or kingly function. From this, we understand that His kingship is more concerned with Jesus’ reign than with the realm over which this takes place. When we pray “Your kingdom come” as we do in the Lord’s prayer (Matt. 6:10), we have in mind this present rule of Christ the King.

Christ’s kingship is also present today in the natural world. Christ is the One through whom all things came into being (John 1:3) and through whom all things are held together (Col. 1:17). He is in control of the natural universe as He demonstrated during His earthly ministry (Mark 4:35-41).

Email: mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com Mobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987

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