Topical Encyclopedia
The title "King" as applied to Jesus Christ is a profound and multifaceted designation that underscores His sovereign authority, divine rulership, and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Throughout Scripture, Christ is depicted as the ultimate King, whose reign is both spiritual and eternal.
Old Testament FoundationsThe anticipation of a coming King is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Davidic Covenant, as recorded in
2 Samuel 7:12-16, promises a descendant of David whose kingdom will be established forever. This promise is echoed in the prophetic literature, notably in
Isaiah 9:6-7, which speaks of a child born to us, upon whose shoulders the government will rest, and who will reign on David's throne with justice and righteousness.
New Testament FulfillmentIn the New Testament, Jesus is explicitly identified as the King. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that her son will be given "the throne of His father David" and "will reign over the house of Jacob forever" (
Luke 1:32-33). This declaration affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of the Davidic promise.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus often spoke of the "kingdom of God," indicating His role as its sovereign ruler. In
John 18:36-37, Jesus tells Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world," affirming His kingship while distinguishing it from earthly political systems. Pilate's inscription on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" (
John 19:19), though intended as a mockery, ironically proclaimed a profound truth.
The King of KingsThe Book of Revelation presents a vivid portrayal of Christ as the King of Kings.
Revelation 19:16 declares, "On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords." This title emphasizes His supreme authority over all earthly rulers and His ultimate victory over evil.
The Spiritual ReignChrist's kingship is not limited to a future physical reign but is also a present spiritual reality. Believers are called to submit to His authority and live under His lordship.
Colossians 1:13 speaks of God having "rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son."
The Eternal KingdomThe eternal nature of Christ's kingdom is a central theme in Christian eschatology.
Daniel 7:14 prophesies that "His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This eternal reign is further affirmed in
Revelation 11:15 , where it is proclaimed, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."
In summary, the title "King" as applied to Jesus Christ encapsulates His divine authority, fulfillment of prophecy, and the eternal nature of His reign. As King, He commands the allegiance of His followers and promises a future where His kingdom will be fully realized.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Zechariah 9:9Rejoice 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.
Torrey's Topical TextbookMatthew 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. With cheerful
voice I sing. The titles of my Lord,. And borrow all the names. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... From several scriptures. LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures.
['Tis from the treasures of his word. I borrow titles for my Lord; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures.
1 ['Tis from the treasures of his word I borrow titles for my Lord? ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm
On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... The virgin is the church or the holy souls; in
the apostle: for I have pledged to show you to Christ, as a pure virgin ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
The Names Son of God and Son of Man.
... Both of the names which he applied to himself"Son of God ... (further illustrated in
Christ's last words ... not among the more usual or best known titles of Messiah ...
/.../section 58 the names son.htm
More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm
Sundry August Titles, Descriptive of Deity, Applied to the Son ...
... Chapter XVII."Sundry August Titles, Descriptive of Deity, Applied to ... mine." [7982]
Then why not His names also? ... by them, that the name of Christ belongs also ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xvii sundry august titles descriptive.htm
The Kingdom and the King
... It seems best to take the two first titles as a compound ... Dying men need and have
an undying Christ. ... The whole series of names culminates in 'the Prince of Peace ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the kingdom and the king.htm
Resources
What are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.orgIs God male or female? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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