Topical Encyclopedia
The title "King of Saints" is a profound designation for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His sovereign authority and divine rulership over those who are sanctified, or set apart, for God's purposes. This title is found in the book of Revelation, which unveils the majesty and glory of Christ in His ultimate victory and reign.
Biblical Reference:The primary scriptural reference for the title "King of Saints" is found in
Revelation 15:3 : "And they sing the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and wonderful are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!'" In some manuscripts, the phrase "King of the nations" is rendered as "King of the saints," highlighting Christ's dominion over His people.
Theological Significance:1.
Sovereignty and Authority: As the King of Saints, Christ exercises supreme authority over His church. This title underscores His role as the ultimate ruler who governs with justice and righteousness. His kingship is not limited to a geographical realm but extends over all who are sanctified by His blood.
2.
Sanctification: The term "saints" refers to those who are sanctified, meaning they are set apart for God's holy purposes. Christ, as their King, leads and guides them in holiness. His reign ensures that His followers are continually being transformed into His likeness, living lives that reflect His glory.
3.
Worship and Adoration: The context of
Revelation 15:3 is one of worship, where the redeemed sing praises to Christ. As King of Saints, He is the object of their adoration and the source of their salvation. The song of Moses and the Lamb signifies the continuity of God's redemptive work from the Old Covenant to the New, with Christ at the center.
4.
Victory and Deliverance: The title also conveys the victory that Christ has secured for His people. As their King, He has triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. His reign assures believers of their ultimate deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises.
5.
Eschatological Hope: The book of Revelation presents a vision of the end times, where Christ's kingship is fully realized. As King of Saints, He will return to establish His eternal kingdom, where His people will reign with Him in glory. This future hope encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their King will come again.
Christ's Kingship in the Old Testament:The concept of Christ as King is foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament. Prophecies such as those found in
Isaiah 9:6-7 and
Psalm 2 speak of a coming King who will rule with justice and righteousness. These prophecies find their fulfillment in Jesus, who is recognized as the promised Messiah and King.
Christ's Kingship in the New Testament:In the New Testament, the kingship of Christ is affirmed through His life, death, and resurrection. The Gospels present Jesus as the King who inaugurates the Kingdom of God. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (
Matthew 21:5) and His declaration before Pilate (
John 18:36-37) affirm His royal identity. The apostolic writings further expound on His exalted position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (
1 Timothy 6:15,
Revelation 19:16).
Conclusion:The title "King of Saints" encapsulates the majesty, authority, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It calls believers to recognize His sovereign rule, to live lives of holiness, and to anticipate His glorious return. As King, Christ is both the ruler and protector of His people, guiding them in truth and leading them to eternal victory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Revelation 15:3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, you King of saints.
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. ... What gentle
characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in vain. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... What winning titles he assumes! ...
A Friend and Brother he appears,. And well fulfils the names he wears. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.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 Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. ... works of peace he comes,
What winning titles he assumes ... he appears, And well fulfils the names he wears ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.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
Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and ...
... being a servant, to be King from being a subject, to be Christ from being ... n. 6):
but he here probably means no more than that names or titles which properly ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 then returning to.htm
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... have the majority; the kingdom
of Christ shall have ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... contrast between Christ and the Anti-christ in their several names and titles but
the ... and none shall help him." Here we are told the Anti-christ will be a ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
Antichrist.
... they have invented so many places, offices, names, titles, orders, vows ... the setting
up of the kingdom of Christ in the ... in Edom before there was a king in Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm
Resources
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