HOW THE KINGSHIP OF JESUS IS GOOD NEWS by Mika Edmondson for Core Christianity
Jesus’ reign as ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’ (Rev. 19:16) is an essential aspect of the gospel we believe. He is the God who has come with might to reign for the Lord and satisfy the deepest needs and longings of his people (see Isa. 40:9,10). Throughout redemptive history, the Messiah was revealed as the promised Savior-King who would rescue, govern, and from the throne of David defend the people of God (see 2 Sam. 7:12’13). His reign marks the fulfillment of Israel’s monarchy, the true purpose of every good and legitimate kingship throughout salvation history.
When we confess Jesus as the Christ, we confess that he is that promised king, whose reign means eternal life and peace for the people of God and eternal judgment for the enemies of God. He is called the Christ (the anointed one) in part because he has been ordained, empowered, and accepted by God to reign as the eternal king over the creation and especially over the church. This article seeks to address three aspects of Jesus’ glorious kingship: (1) how Jesus is a king; (2) how Jesus’ kingdom is already and not yet; and (3) how we can participate in Jesus’ kingdom.
How Jesus Is a King
As with his priesthood, Jesus Christ did not take upon himself the honor of becoming king (see Heb. 5:5). Rather, the Father appointed and declared Jesus to be king. God has ordained, empowered, and accepted him as supreme ruler over all creation, particularly the church. This means that the Lord appointed Jesus to be the king over his people. Although this can be seen in many places throughout Scripture, it was especially revealed at his conception and baptism.
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In Luke 1:32, the angel Gabriel announces Jesus’ kingship to the virgin Mary saying, ‘And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.’ At his baptism, the Holy Spirit visibly descended upon Jesus to publicly anoint him as the Father pronounced the words of coronation over him, ‘You are my beloved Son’ (Mark 1:11). These words fulfill Psalm 2:6’7, which says, ”As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.’ I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.”
