The King of kings

The Lord Jesus Christ is called "the Prince of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). What does this imply?

Archôn (Prince) is literally ruler, possessor, leader. This phrase informs us that there are civil and political authorities, God-ordained indeed, but they exist because of their own Ruler, Jesus Christ, and they rule in his Name, though they may not know or acknowledge this fact. Christ exercises his rule in the kingdom of grace (over his willing subjects, the church) and in the kingdom of power (over unbelievers and demons). Everything and everyone is subject to him, and his mediatorial rule will continue until the last enemy, death, is vanquished at the last day.

Many usurpers would occupy Christ's throne in our hearts if He were to let them. To name a few:

1. Self-worship.

2. Disobedience to divine law.

3. A lack of reverence toward Scripture.

4. False doctrine.

5. A blindness as to God's righteousness and love.

6. A form of godliness without its power.

A form of godliness is simply going through the motions, observing religious performances and ritual, which may be impressive, but is not sanctifying at all (rather it pampers the flesh).

The power of godliness is the mighty work of God's Spirit who reveals Christ to the believer and motivates him to love, adore and live for him.

As the King of God’s elect, Christ restrains and conquers all His and our enemies.

a. The enemy is furious, knowing he has a short time. Were it not for Christ's restraining power, the witness being given to Christ and his resurrection will be snuffed out. In his providential rule, Christ will not allow the adversaries to swallow up his people. They may be persecuted and even martyred, but all according to his wise purpose.

b. Christ will conquer sin by the progressive work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, all the more changing us into his image, being renewed in the spirit of our minds.

c. Death itself will be destroyed at the last day when Christ will call all that are in their tombs, some to a resurrection of damnation and some to a resurrection of life.

d. The worst enemy being the believer's own sinful heart, Christ imposes a sweet yoke upon him, the law of love, and impels him to obedience. He keeps us by his power through faith.

a. Christ's subduing us:

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. Ephesians 4:8.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of god, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5.

b. Christ's ruling us:

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. Ephesians 1:22.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up unto him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:14.

c. Christ's defending us:

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that they faith fail not; and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31-32.

Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way; That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. John 18:8-9.