Introduction
The belief that Jesus Christ is currently reigning on the throne of David holds profound implications for the Christian Church. Conversely, denying this reality can lead to several negative ramifications that significantly affect both theology and practical Christian living. Here are seven key points illustrating these consequences:
1. Undermining the Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy
Biblical Context:
2 Samuel 7:12-16 (KJV):
“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”
Luke 1:32-33 (KJV):
“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 for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Acts 2:29-36 (KJV):
“Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne… God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Ramification:
Denying Jesus’ current reign could portray God’s promises as incomplete or unreliable, weakening the connection between Old and New Testaments and diminishing confidence in biblical prophecy and Christ’s messianic fulfillment.
2. Weakened View of Christ’s Present Kingship
Biblical Context:
Ephesians 1:20-22 (KJV):
“Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.”
1 Corinthians 15:25 (KJV):
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.”
Matthew 28:18 (KJV):
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Ramification:
Rejecting this reality may lead to a diminished understanding of Christ’s authority, causing believers to adopt a passive or pessimistic outlook on the Church’s role and Christ’s active involvement in the world today.
3. Eschatological Confusion
Biblical Context:
Revelation 21:1-5 (KJV):
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth… And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.”
Ramification:
Neglecting Christ’s present reign contributes to confusion regarding end-times theology, potentially fostering escapism and distracting believers from present kingdom responsibilities.
4. Diminished Understanding of the Kingdom of God
Biblical Context:
Matthew 4:17 (KJV):
“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Luke 17:21 (KJV):
“Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Ramification:
An exclusive focus on a future kingdom can reduce the Church’s engagement with present-day challenges, lessening the transformative power of the Gospel and the Church’s role in addressing social, cultural, and moral issues today.
5. Rejection of Our Present Spiritual Position in Christ
Biblical Context:
Ephesians 2:6 (KJV):
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
Ramification:
Failing to recognize Christ’s present reign undermines believers’ spiritual identity and authority, potentially leading to spiritual passivity and reduced confidence in exercising their role as ambassadors of Christ’s present kingdom.
6. Potential for Legalism or Misplaced Hope
Biblical Context: Seeing Christ’s reign only as future might pressure believers into human efforts to usher in His kingdom.
Ramification:
This viewpoint can foster legalism, placing excessive emphasis on human efforts or political systems rather than relying on Christ’s current spiritual authority. It may also give rise to extremist movements attempting to establish God’s kingdom through earthly power.
7. Weakening the Advance of the Gospel
Biblical Context:
Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV):
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”
Revelation 1:5-6 (KJV):
“And from Jesus Christ… unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God…”
Ramification:
If Christ’s reign is viewed solely as future, believers may adopt a defeatist mindset, reducing their active engagement in advancing God’s kingdom in the present. This might lead to spiritual inertia, hindering effective evangelism and outreach.
Conclusion
Recognizing that Jesus Christ currently reigns on David’s throne is essential for maintaining a robust, biblically faithful Christian worldview. It empowers believers with spiritual authority, encourages active engagement in kingdom work, and preserves theological integrity. Denying this reality risks undermining prophecy, weakening Christ’s authority, fostering confusion, and diminishing the Church’s transformative impact on the world.
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18 KJV)
Next: See Dispensationlism, Zionism and Christ’s Present Reign