“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
(Luke 1:33)
Christ is recognized in Scripture as a Prophet, a Priest, and a King. As Prophet, He is the very Word of God (John 6:68) and the ultimate revelation of God to His people, calling them to repentance and faith. He also serves as High Priest who mediates on behalf of His own (Heb. 2:16-18). And finally, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14, Ps. 2:6) because He has been awarded the highest authority over all things by Almighty God (Phil. 2:9-11).
Scripture is clear, therefore, that Christ the Lord governs all. Every being is under His control – angels, humans, and even demons. Every creature, visible or invisible, is guided by Him as He uses them all to fulfill His divine purposes to the letter.
Even more particularly, Christ is head of His Church, His body. And He works to continually perfect His Church that these members of His body may, by conforming to His will, be transformed into a magnificent and eternal testament to His power, wisdom, and love. This is why His Church will forever stand as a light of His boundless love and redemptive power.
As their eternal Head, Christ safeguards His Church from all threats, including the work of gradually eradicating any resistance within their hearts. In time, they will all come to serve him wholeheartedly, allowing Him to reign supreme in their lives.
Further, when this age of redemption is complete, Christ will resurrect the dead and then summon everyone—angels, demons, and all mankind—to His court. After a thorough examination of each individual’s life and moral character, He will bless the redeemed, welcoming them into His eternal kingdom. But all those who opposed Him in life will face eternal punishment alongside the devil and his angels, as described in Matthew 25:31-46.
As Samuel Hopkins explains, “In the exercise of his kingly office, when all the redeemed are brought into his kingdom and the number of his church is completed, he will appear and sit as judge of all moral agents. He will raise the dead and cause all the angels and devils, and all mankind, to stand before his tribunal.”[1]
And when all aspects of God’s plan for time and eternity are fulfilled, Christ will eternally reign over His kingdom, of which there will be no end. This eternal reign is affirmed in Scripture, as seen in the words to the Virgin Mary: “He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end,” (Luke 1:32, 33).
Throughout eternity Christ the Lord will be honored, praised, and glorified by both angels and the redeemed, for He is the eternal Prophet, Priest, and King… which compels me to ensure He is also Lord of all things in my life now, in time, as well.
Contemplations:
- The Kingly Role of Christ: Reflecting on Jesus as not just a prophet but a reigning priest makes me ponder the depth of His authority. The Scriptures, like Psalm 2:6, emphasize His divine right to rule. How often do I recognize and submit to this authority in my daily life?
- Transformation through Christ: The idea that Christ can transform rebellious hearts into willing followers (Psalm 76:10) is powerful. It reminds me of the transformative power of faith. How has my heart been changed since I received Christ?
- The Eternal Church: The concept of an eternal church, perfected and beautiful, stands as a testament to God’s love and power. It makes me wonder about my role in this grand design and how I contribute to this eternal community.
- The Final Judgment: The imagery of Christ as the ultimate judge, deciding the fate of all beings, is both awe-inspiring and humbling. It prompts me to evaluate my actions and choices. Am I living in a way that aligns with His teachings and expectations?
Further References for Luke 1:33:
Daniel 2:44; Isa. 9:7; Heb. 1:8; Rev. 11:15
[1] Samuel Hopkins, The Works of Samuel Hopkins, (Boston, MA: Doctrinal Tract and Book Society, 1854) 354.
