How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.
Christ as King: Reigning Over His People and Ordering All Things for His Glory
The office of a king involves authority, governance, and the establishment of a kingdom. Jesus Christ, as the King of kings, exercises His kingship in both visible and invisible ways, encompassing the salvation of His people and the ultimate judgment of the world.
Christ’s kingly reign begins with His act of calling out a people for Himself from the world. Acts 15:14-16 (NASB) describes how God “first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for His name.” This act of calling aligns with the Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 55:4-5 (NASB), which speaks of a nation that will be called to God, and Genesis 49:10 (NASB), which prophesies the coming of Shiloh, to whom the obedience of the peoples shall belong.
Christ’s kingdom is not merely a spiritual reality but also has a visible manifestation in the church. He has established officers, laws, and censures to govern His people. Ephesians 4:11-12 (NASB) describes how Christ “gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” These officers are appointed by Christ to lead and guide His church.
The Westminster Confession of Faith affirms that “Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them.” This statement highlights the visible structures and governance that Christ has established for His church.
Christ’s kingly authority extends beyond the visible church. He bestows saving grace upon His elect, rewarding their obedience and correcting them for their sins. Acts 5:31 (NASB) declares that Jesus is “the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” This verse emphasizes Christ’s role in granting salvation and forgiveness to those who repent and believe in Him.
Christ’s kingship also involves preserving and supporting His people under all their temptations and sufferings. Isaiah 63:9 (NASB) describes how “In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old.” This verse portrays Christ as a compassionate king who identifies with His people’s struggles and provides them with strength and comfort.
Furthermore, Christ restrains and overcomes all His enemies, ultimately ordering all things for His own glory and the good of His people. 1 Corinthians 15:25 (NASB) declares that “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” This verse points to the final victory of Christ over all opposition and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
However, Christ’s kingship also includes taking vengeance on those who reject Him and His gospel. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (NASB) warns of the “retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting Christ’s kingship and the consequences that follow.In conclusion, Christ’s execution of the kingly office is comprehensive, encompassing the salvation of His people, the governance of His church, the defeat of His enemies, and the ultimate judgment of the world. His kingship offers hope and security to believers while also serving as a warning to those who reject Him. As Psalm 2:8-9 (NASB) proclaims, “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.”
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