Theological Term of the Week

king (as an office of Christ)
The office by which Christ rules over the church and the universe.

• From scripture:

  …[H]e raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church…. (Ephesians 1:20-22 ESV)
  

  Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16 ESV)
  

• From the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

  QUESTION 26. How does Christ execute the office of a King?

  ANSWER: Christ executes the office of a King, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

• From Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof:

  As the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the eternal Son, Christ naturally shares the dominion of God over all His creatures. His throne is established in the heavens and His Kingdom ruleth over all, Ps 103:19. This kingship differs from the mediatorial kingship of Christ, which is a conferred and economical kingship, exercised by Christ, not merely in His divine nature, but as Theanthropos (the God-man). The latter is not a kingship that was Christ’s by original right, but one with which He is invested. … In general we may defined the mediatorial kinship of Christ as His official power to rule all things in heaven and on earth, for the glory of God, and for the execution of God’s purpose in salvation.
  

Learn more:

1. The Shorter Catechism Explained: Question 26: How does Christ execute the office of a King?
2. Thomas Watson: Sermons upon the Assembly’s Catechism: Question 26, Christ’s Kingly Office
3. J. C. Philpot: Jesus the Enthroned King
4. Wayne Grudem: The Offices of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King, part 1 (mp3)

Related terms:

• offices of Christ
• priest (as an office of Christ)
• prophet (as an office of Christ) 

Filed under Person, Work and Teachings of Christ

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