Q26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth 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.
Q1. How does it appear that Christ is a KING?
A. From his Father's testimony, Psalm 2:6, and his own, John 18:36, concerning this matter.
Q2. When was he ordained or appointed to his kingdom?
A. He "was set up from everlasting," Proverbs 8:23.
Q3. When was he publicly proclaimed?
A. At his birth, Matt. 2:2, and at his death, John 19:19.
Q4. Did he not actually exercise his kingly power before that time?
A. Yes; he commenced the exercise of his kingly power ever after the first promise, of his bruising the head of the serpent, Gen. 3:15.
Q5. When was he solemnly inaugurated into his kingly office?
A. When he ascended, and "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Heb. 1:3.
Q6. Where stands the throne of this great Potentate?
A. His throne of glory is in heaven, Rev. 7:17; his throne of grace is in the church, Heb. 4:16; and his throne of judgment is to be erected in the aerial heavens at his second coming, 1 Thess. 4:17.
Q7. What sceptre does he sway?
A. He has a twofold sceptre: one by which he gathers and governs his subjects, Psalm 110:2; another by which he dashes his enemies in pieces like a potter's vessel, Psalm 2:9.
Q8. What is that sceptre by which Christ gathers and governs his subjects?
A. It is the gospel of the grace of God, accompanied with the power of his Spirit, therefore called the rod of his strength, Psalm 110:2.
Q9. What is that rod of iron by which he dashes his enemies in pieces?
A. It is the power of his anger, of which no finite creature can know the uttermost, Psalm 90:11.
Q10. What armies does this King command and lead?
A. His name is the Lord of hosts, and all the armies in heaven, whether saints or angels, follow him as upon white horses, Rev. 19:14.
Q11. What other armies does he command?
A. The devils in hell are the executioners of his wrath against the wicked of the world, who will not have him to rule over them: yea, he can levy armies of lice, frogs, caterpillars, locusts, to avenge his quarrel, as in the plagues of Egypt.
Q12. What tribute is paid to this mighty King?
A. He has the continual tribute of praise, honour, and glory paid him, by saints in the church militant, Psalm 65:1; and by both saints and angels in the church triumphant, Rev. 5:9, 13.
Q13. Does he levy a tribute also from among his enemies?
A. Yes; for the wrath of man shall praise him on this earth, Psalm 76:10; and he will, hereafter, erect monuments of praise to his justice, in their eternal destruction, Rom. 9:22.
Q14. Who are the ambassadors of this king?
A. He has sometimes employed angels upon some particular embassies, Luke 2:10, but because these are apt to terrify sinners of mankind, therefore, he ordinarily employs men of the same mould with themselves, even ministers of the gospel, whom he commissions and calls to that office, 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.
Q15. May any man intrude himself into the office of an ambassador of Christ?
A. No man may lawfully take "this honour to himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron," Heb. 5:4.
Q16. What shall we think then of those who intrude themselves, or are intruded into the ministry, without a scriptural call?
A. Christ declares them to be thieves and robbers, or at best but hirelings, John 10:8-12; that "they shall not profit the people at all, because he never sent them," Jer. 23:32; and that the leaders, and they that are led by them, shall "both fall into the ditch," Matt. 15:14.
Q17. How many fold is Christ's kingdom?
A. It is twofold; his essential and his mediatorial kingdom.
Q18. What is his essential kingdom?
A. It is that absolute and supreme power, which he has over all the creatures in heaven and earth, essentially and naturally, as God equal with the Father, Psalm 103:19 - "His kingdom ruleth over all."
Q19. What is his mediatorial kingdom?
A. It is that sovereign power and authority in and over the church, which is given him as Mediator, Eph. 1:22.
Q20. What is the nature of his mediatorial kingdom?
A. It is entirely spiritual, and "not of this world," John 18:36.
Q21. Does the civil magistrate, then, hold his office of Christ as Mediator?
A. No; but of him as God Creator, otherwise all civil magistrates, Heathen, as well as Christian, would be church officers; which would be grossly Erastian.
Q22. What are the ACTS of Christ's kingly power?
A. They are such as have either a respect to his elect people, John 1:49; or such as have a respect to his and their enemies, Psalm 110:2.
Q23. What are the acts of his kingly administration, which have a respect to his elect people?
A. They are his subduing them to himself, Acts 15:14; his ruling them, Isaiah 33:22; and his defending them, Isaiah 31:2.
Q24. How does Christ SUBDUE his elect people to himself?
A. By the power of his Spirit so managing the word that he conquers their natural aversion and obstinacy, Psalm 110:3; and makes them willing to embrace a Saviour and a great one, as freely offered in the gospel, Isaiah 44:5.
Q25. In what condition does he find his elect ones, when he comes to subdue them to himself?
A. He finds them prisoners, and lawful captives, Isaiah 61:1.
Q26. How does he loose their bonds?
A. By his Spirit, applying to them the whole of his satisfaction, by which all demands of law and justice are fully answered, John 16:8-12.
Q27. What is the consequence of answering the demands of law and justice, by the Spirit's applying the satisfaction of Christ?
A. The law being satisfied, the strength of sin is broken, and therefore the sting of death is taken away, 1 Cor. 15:56, 57.
Q28. What follows upon taking away the sting of death?
A. Satan loses his power over them; and that being lost, the present evil world, which is his kingdom, can hold them no longer, Gal. 1:4.
Q29. What comes of them, when they are separated from the world that lies in wickedness?
A. The very moment they are delivered from the "power of darkness," they are translated "into the kingdom of God's dear Son," Col. 1:13.
Q30. Are they not in the world after this happy change?
A. Though in the world, yet they are not of it, but true and lively members of Christ's invisible kingdom; and, therefore, the objects of the world's hatred, John 15:19.
Q31. When Christ as a king has subdued sinners to himself, what other part of his royal office does he exercise over them?
A. He RULES and governs them: hence he is called the "Ruler in Israel," Micah 5:2.
Q32. Does the rule and government of Christ dissolve the subjection of his people from the powers of the earth?
A. By no means: he paid tribute himself, Matt. 17:27; and has strictly commanded that "every soul be subject to the higher powers, because there is no power but of God; and the powers that be, are ordained of God," Rom. 13:1.
Q33. In what things are the subjects of Christ's kingdom to obey the powers of the earth?
A. In every thing that is not forbidden by the law of God; but when the commands of men are opposite to the commands of God, in that case, God ought always to be obeyed, "rather than men," Acts 5:29.
Q34. How does this glorious King rule his subjects?
A. By giving them the laws, Psalm 147:19, and administering to them the discipline of his kingdom, Heb. 12:6.
Q35. What are the laws of Christ's kingdom?
A. They are no other than the laws of the Ten Commandments, originally given to Adam at his creation, and afterwards published from Mount Sinai. Ex. 20:3-18.
Q36. How does Christ sweeten this law to his subjects?
A. Having fulfilled it as a covenant, he gives it out to his true and faithful subjects as a rule of life, to be obeyed in the strength of that grace which is secured in the promise, Ezek. 36:27.
Q37. Does he annex any rewards to the obedience of his true subjects?
A. Yes; in keeping of his commandments, "there is great reward," Psalm 19:11.
Q38. What are these rewards?
A. His special comforts and love-tokens, which he bestows for exciting to that holy and tender walk, which is the fruit of faith, John 14:21.
Q39. Why are these comforts called rewards?
A. Because they are given to a working saint, as a farther privilege on the performance of duty, Rev. 3:10.
Q40. Is it the order of the new covenant, that duty should go before privilege?
A. No; the matter stands thus: the leading privilege is the quickening Spirit, then follows duty; and duty, performed in faith, is followed with farther privilege, till privilege and duty come both to perfection in heaven, not to be distinguished any more, 1 John 3:2.
Q41. What is the discipline of Christ's kingdom?
A. Fatherly chastisement; which, being necessary for the welfare of his true subjects, is secured for them in the promise, Psalm 89:30-35.
Q42. To what promise of the covenant does fatherly chastisement belong?
A. To the promise of sanctification, being an appointed mean for advancing holiness in them, Heb. 12:10; Isaiah 27:9.
Q43. What other act of kingly power does Christ exercise about his subjects, besides subduing them to himself, and ruling of them?
A. He DEFENDS them likewise, Psalm 89:18 - "The Lord is our DEFENCE."
Q44. Against whom does he defend them?
A. Against all their enemies; sin, Satan, the world, and death, Luke 1:71; 1 John 4:4; Hos. 13:14.
Q45. Who are their worst enemies?
A. The remains of corruption within them, which are not expelled during this life, but left for their exercise and trial, Gal. 5:17.
Q46. How does he defend them against these inward foes?
A. By keeping alive in them the spark of holy fire in the midst of an ocean of corruption, and causing it to resist and overcome the same, until it is quite dried up, Rom. 7:24, 25.
Q47. What are the acts of Christ's kingly office, with respect to his people's enemies?
A. His restraining and conquering them, 1 Cor. 15:25 - "He must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet."
Q48. Whence is it that this glorious King, and his subjects, have the same enemies?
A. He and they make up that one body, of which he is the head and they are the members, 1 Cor. 12:12; and therefore they cannot but have common friends and foes, Zech. 2:8.
Q49. What is it for Christ to restrain his and his people's enemies?
A. It is to overrule and disappoint their wicked purposes, Isaiah 37:29; to set limits to their wrath, and to bring a revenue of glory to himself out of the same, Psalm 76:10.
Q50. What restraints does he put upon them?
A. He bounds them by his power, as to the kind, degree, and continuance of all their enterprises and attacks upon his people, Job 1:12, and 2:6.
Q51. What is it for Christ to conquer all his and his people's enemies?
A. It is his taking away their power, that they cannot hurt the least of his little ones, with respect to their spiritual state, Luke 10:19; 11:22.
Q52. How does he conquer them?
A. He has already conquered them in his own person, as the head of the new covenant, by the victory he obtained over them in his death, Col. 2:15; and he conquers them daily in his members, when be enables them, by faith, to put their feet upon the neck of their vanquished foes, Rom. 16:20.
Q53. What may we learn from Christ's executing his kingly office?
A. That though believers, while in this world, are in the midst of their enemies, "as lambs among wolves," Luke 10:3; yet by this mighty King, as the breaker, going up before them, Micah. 2:13, they shall be "more than conquerors through him that loved them," Rom. 8:37.
Q1. How manifold is Christ's kingdom?
A. Twofold. FIRST, Internal in men's souls; Luke 17:21. Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. SECONDLY, External, over all the world; Ephesians 1:22. And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be Head over all things to the church.
Q2. What is the end of Christ's providential kingdom?
A. The good and salvation of the church; John 17:2. As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him.
Q3. Wherein does he exercise his kingly power?
A. In restraining his, and his people's enemies; Psalm 76:10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remainder of wrath shall you restrain.
Q4. How else is it exercised?
A. In protecting his church amidst all enemies; Exodus 3:3. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Q5. What instruments does Christ use?
A. Angels are ministering spirits to him; Hebrews 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation; And men, yes, the worst of men; Revelation 12:16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Q6. In what manner does Christ rule the world?
A. By supreme power; Revelation 19:16. He has on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. And perfect wisdom; Ephesians 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will.
Q7. What learn we from hence?
A. That the church is saved amidst all dangers; Jeremiah 30:11. For I am with you, says the Lord, to save you; though I make a full end of all nations, where I have scattered you, yet will I not make a full end of you.
Q8. What is the second instruction?
A. That the godly may safely trust to Christ's care; 2 Chronicles 16:9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.
Q9. What is the third instruction?
A. That all plots against the church shall surely be defeated; Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper.
Q10. What is the fourth instruction?
A. It gives the saints full satisfaction in all conditions; Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together, for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.
Q11. What is the last inference?
A. We should not stand in a slavish fear of men; Isaiah 51:12. I, even I am he who comforts you; who are you, that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man, which shall be made as grass. Of Christ's Humiliation
Q1. Is Christ put into the office of a King?
A. Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Sion, Ps. 2:6.
Q2. Does he execute that office?
A. Yes: He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, Luke 1:33.
Q3. Is he King as Mediator?
A. Yes: He hath authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man, John 5:27.
Q4. Is his kingdom a spiritual kingdom?
A. Yes: My kingdom is not of this world, John 18:36.
Q5. Is Christ universal monarch?
A. Yes: For all power is given to him both in heaven and on earth, Matt. 28:18.
Q6. Has he a right to rule all?
A. Yes: He is Lord of all, Acts 10:36.
Q7. Does he rule all?
A. Yes: He is the governor among the nations, Ps. 22:28.
Q8. Does he rule all for the good of his church?
A. Yes: He is head over all things to the church, Eph. 1:22.
Q9. Is he in a special manner the church's King?
A. Yes: 0 daughter of Sion, thy King comes, Zech. 9:9.
Q10. Does Christ, as a King, subdue his people to himself?
A. Yes: Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, Ps. 110:3.
Q11. Does he do it by the word of his grace?
A. Yes: He draws with the cords of a man, and with the bands of love, Hos. 11:4.
Q12. Does he do it effectually?
A. Yes: He makes ready a people prepared for the Lord, Luke 1:17.
Q13. Does he conquer the opposition of the carnal mind?
A. Yes: For the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, 2 Cor. 10:4.
Q14. Does he set up his throne in the soul?
A. Yes: Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. 10:5.
Q15. And does he rule there?
A. Yes: For he writes his law in their hearts, Heb. 8:10.
Q16. Does Christ, as a King, reign in his church?
A. Yes: The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, Isa 33:22.
Q17. Does he enact laws?
A. Yes: He gave commandments to his apostles, Acts 1:2.
Q18. Does he commission officers?
A. Yes: By me kings reign, Prov. 8:15.
Q19. Does he give judgment?
A. Yes: We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor 5:10.
Q20. Is homage and allegiance due to him?
A. Yes: For at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Phil. 2:10.
Q21. Does he rule in righteousness?
A. Yes; The sceptre of his kingdom is a right sceptre, Ps. 45:6.
Q22. Does Christ, as a King, protect his subjects?
A. Yes: For he shall be as a hiding place from the wind, Isa 32:2.
Q23. And does he secure the peace of his kingdom?
A. Yes: For this man shall be the peace, Mic. 5:5.
Q24. Has he authority to pardon sin?
A. Yes: The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sin, Matt. 9:6.
Q25. Has he authority to reward services?
A. Yes: I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. 2:10.
Q26. Does Christ, as King, restrain his enemies?
A. Yes: On this Rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Matt. 16:18.
Q27. Will he conquer them at last?
A. Yes: For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet, 1 Cor 15:25.
Q28. Will he conquer death itself?
A. Yes: The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, 1 Cor 15:26.
Q29. Does he count those his enemies that will not have him to reign over them?
A. Yes: Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me, Luke 19:27.
Q30. Is Christ a merciful King?
A. Yes: He is meek, and having salvation, Zech. 9:9.
Q31. Is he the poor man's King?
A. Yes: He shall deliver the needy when he cries, Ps. 72:12.
Q32. Has he a large kingdom?
A. Yes: He shall have dominion from sea to sea, Ps. 72:8.
Q33. Have we reason to hope it shall be larger than now it is?
A. Yes: For the kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, Rev. 11:15.
Q34. Shall it be a lasting kingdom?
A. Yes: His throne shall be as the days of heaven, Ps. 89:29.
Q35. And when the mystery of God shall be finished, shall the kingdom of the Redeemer be resigned to the creator?
A. Yes: Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the father, 1 Cor 15:24.
Q36. Ought we to rejoice in Christ's dominion?
A. Yes: Let the children of Sion be joyful in their King, Ps. 149:2.
Q37. Must we accept him for our King?
A. Yes: Take my yoke upon you, Matt. 11:29.
Q38. Must we pay tribute to him?
A. Yes: Send ye the Lamb to the ruler of the land, Isa. 16:1.
Q39. Must we obey him?
A. Yes: For he is the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, Heb. 5:9.
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Christ the Redeemer
The person and work of Christ, and the application of redemption
Q21. Who is the Redeemer of God's elect?
A. The only Redeemer of God's elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man and so was, and continueth to be, God and man in two distinct natures, and one person, forever.
Q22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?
A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, and born of her yet without sin.
Q23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
Q24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit the will of God for our salvation.
Q25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
A. Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God; and in making continual intercession for us.
Q26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth 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.
Q27. Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist?
A. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.
Q28. Wherein consisteth Christ's exaltation?
A. Christ's exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.
Q29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.
Q30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
Q31. What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.
Q32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.
Q33. What is justification?
A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Q34. What is adoption?
A. Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.
Q35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God's free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.
Q36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?
A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.
Q37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.
Q38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?
A. At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.
### 5. Christ's Kingly Office
Q-26: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING?
A: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.
Let us consider now Christ's regal office. ‘And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, “King of kings, and Lord of lords”, Rev 19:16.
Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a king; (1.) he has a kingly title. ‘High and Lofty.' Isa 57:15. (2.) He has his insignia regalia, his ensigns of royalty; corona est insigne regae potestatis [a crown is the symbol of royal power]. He has his crown; Rev 6:6; his sword, ‘Gird thy sword upon thy thigh;' Psa 45:5; his sceptre, ‘A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.' Heb 1:1. (3.) He has his escutcheon, or coat of armour; he inserts the lion in his coat of arms. ‘The lion of the tribe of Judah.' Rev 5:5. The text says ‘he is King of kings.' He has a pre-eminence of all other kings, and is called, ‘The Prince of the kings of the earth.' Rev 1:1. He must needs be so, for ‘by him kings reign.' Prov 8:15. They hold their crowns by immediate tenure from this great King. Christ infinitely outvies all other princes; he has the highest throne, the largest dominions, and the longest possession. ‘Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.' Heb 1:1. He has many heirs, but no successors. Well may he be called ‘King of kings,' for he has an unlimited power. The power of other kings is limited, but Christ's power is unlimited. ‘Whatsoever he pleased, that did he, in heaven and earth, and in the seas.' Psa 135:5. Christ's power is as large as his will. The angels take the oath of allegiance to him. ‘Let all the angels of God worship him.' Heb 1:1.
How came Christ to be king?
Not by usurpation, but legally. He holds his crown by immediate tenure from heaven. God the Father has decreed him to be king. ‘I have set my king upon my holy hill: I will declare the decree.' Psa 2:2, 7. God has anointed and sealed him to his regal office. ‘Him has God the Father sealed.' John 6:67. God has set the crown upon his head.
In what sense is Christ king?
Two ways. 1: In reference to his people. And, 2: In reference to his enemies.
I. In reference to his people.
[I.] To govern them. It was prophesied of Christ before he was born, ‘And thou, Bethlehem, art not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a governor that shall rule my people Israel.' Matt 2:2. It is a vain thing for a king to have a crown on his head, unless he have a sceptre in his hand to rule.
Where does Christ rule as king?
His kingdom is spiritual. He rules in the hearts of men. He sets up his throne where no other king does; he rules the will and affections, his power binds the conscience; he subdues men's lusts. ‘He will subdue our iniquities.' Mic 7:79.
What does Christ rule by?
By law, and by love. (1.) He rules by law. It is one of the jura regalia, the flowers of the crown to enact laws. Christ as a king makes laws, and by his laws he rules; as the law of faith; ‘believe in the Lord Jesus:' and the law of sanctity; ‘Be ye holy in all manner of conversation;' I Pet 1:15. Many would admit Christ to be their advocate to plead for them, but not their king to rule over them.
(2.) He rules by love. He is a king full of mercy and clemency; as he has a sceptre in his hand, so an olive branch of peace in his mouth. Though he be the Lion of the tribe of Judah for majesty, yet he is the Lamb of God for meekness. His regal rod has honey at the end of it. He sheds abroad his love into the hearts of his subjects; he rules them with promises as well as precepts. This makes all his subjects become volunteers; they are willing to pay their allegiance to him. ‘Thy people shall be a willing people.' Psa 110:0.
[2.] Christ is a king to defend his people. As Christ has a sceptre to rule them, so he has a shield to defend them. ‘Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me.' Psa 3:3. When Antiochus raged furiously against the Jews, took away the vessels of the Lord's house, and set up an idol in the temple, this great king, called Michael, stood up for them to defend them. Dan 12:2. Christ preserves his church as a spark in the ocean, as a flock of sheep among wolves. That the sea should be higher than the earth, and yet not drown it, is a wonder; so, that the wicked should be so much higher than the church in power, and not devour it, is, because Christ has this inscription on his vesture and his thigh, KING OF KINGS. ‘If it had not been the Lord, who was on our side, they had swallowed us up.' Psa 124:4, 3. They say, lions are insomnes, they have little or no sleep; it is true of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, he never slumbers or sleeps, but watches over his church to defend it. ‘Sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.' Isa 27:7, 3. If the enemies destroy the church, it must be at a time when it is neither night nor day, for Christ keeps it day and night. Christ is said to carry his church, as the eagle her young ones upon her wings. Exod 19:9. The arrow must first hit the eagle before it can hurt the young ones, and shoot through her wings: the enemies must first strike through Christ, before they can destroy his church. Let the wind and storms be up, and the church almost covered with waves, yet Christ is in the ship of the church, and there is no danger of shipwreck. Nor will Christ defend his church only, as he is king, but deliver it. ‘He delivered me out of the mouth of the lion,' viz. Nero. 2 Tim 4:17. ‘The Lord saved them by a great deliverance.' I Chron 11:14. Sometimes Christ is said to command deliverance. Psa 44:4. Sometimes to create deliverance. Isa 45:5. Christ as a king commands deliverance, and as a God creates it. And deliverance shall come in his time. ‘I the Lord will hasten it in his time.' Isa 60:02.
When is the time that this king will deliver his people?
When the hearts of his people are most humble, when their prayers are most fervent, when their faith is strongest, when their forces are weakest, when their enemies are highest; then is the usual time that Christ puts forth his kingly power for their deliverance. Isa 33:3, 8, 9.
[3.] Christ is a king to reward his people. There is nothing lost by serving this king. He rewards his subjects in this life. He gives them inward peace and joy; a bunch of grapes by the way; and oft-times riches and honour. ‘Godliness has the promise of this life.' I Tim 4:4. These are, as it were, the saints' veils. But the great reward is to come. ‘An eternal weight of glory.' 2 Cor 4:17. Christ makes all his subjects kings. ‘I will give thee a crown of life.' Rev 2:20. This crown will be full of jewels, and it will ‘never fade.' I Pet 5:5.
II. Christ is a king in reference to his enemies, in subduing and conquering them. He pulls down their pride, befools their policy, restrains their malice. That stone cut out of the mountain without hands, which smote the image, was an emblem, says Augustine, of Christ's monarchical power, conquering and triumphing over his enemies. Dan 2:24. Christ will make his enemies his footstool. Psa 110:0. He can destroy them with ease. ‘It is nothing for thee, Lord, to help.' 2 Chron 14:11. He can do it with weak means, and without means. He can make the enemies destroy themselves. He set the Persians against the Grecians; and the children of Ammon helped to destroy one another. 2 Chron 20:03. Thus Christ is king in vanquishing the enemies of his church.
It is a great ground of comfort to the church of God in the midst of all the combinations of the enemy, that ‘Christ is king;' and he can not only bound the enemies, power, but break it. The church has more with her than against her; she has Emmanuel on her side, even that great KING to whom all knees must bend.
Christ is called ‘a man of war.' Exod 15:5. He understands all the policy of chivalry; he is described with seven eyes and seven horns. Rev 5:5. The seven eyes are to discern the conspiracies of his enemies, and the seven horns are to push and vex his enemies.
Christ is described with a crown and a bow. ‘He that sat upon the white horse had a bow, and a crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer.' Rev 6:6. The crown is an ensign of his kingly office, and the bow is to shoot his enemies to death.
Christ is described with a vesture dipped in blood. Rev 19:93. He has a golden sceptre to rule his people, but an iron rod to break his enemies. ‘The ten horns thou sawest are ten kings; these shall make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is the King of kings.' Rev 17:72, 14. The enemies may set up their standard, but Christ will set up his trophies at last. ‘And the angel gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great wine-press of the wrath of God, and the wine-press was trodden, and blood came out of the wine-press.' Rev 14:19, 20. The enemies of Christ shall be but as so many clusters of ripe grapes, to be cast into the great wine-press of the wrath of God, and to be trodden by Christ till their blood come out. Christ will at last come off victor, and all his enemies shall be put under his feet. Gaudeo quod Christus Dominus est, alioque desperassem; ‘I am glad Christ reigns, else I should have despaired,' said Myconius in an epistle to Calvin.
Use one: (1.) It is no disparagement to serve Christ; he is a king, and it is no dishonour to be employed in a king's service. Some are apt to reproach the saints for their piety; but they serve the Lord Christ, he who has this inscription upon his vesture, KING OF KINGS. Theodosius thought it a greater honour to be a servant of Christ than the head of an empire. Servire est regnare. Christ s servants are called vessels of honour; 2 Tim 2:2I; and a royal nation, I Pet 2:2. Serving Christ ennobles us with dignity; it is a greater honour to serve Christ than to have kings serve us.
(2.) If Christ be king, it informs us, that all matters of fact must one day be brought before him. Christ has Jus vitae et necis, the power of life and death in his hand. ‘The Father has committed all judgement to the Son.' John 5:52. He who once hung upon the cross shall sit upon the bench of judicature; kings must come before him to be judged; they who once sat upon the throne must appear at the bar. God has committed all judgement to the Son, and Christ's is the highest court of judicature; if this king once condemns men, there is no appeal to any other court.
(3.) When we are foiled by corruption we must go to Christ, for he is king; desire him by his kingly power to subdue our corruptions, to bind these kings with chains. Psa 149:9. We are apt to say of our sins, ‘These sons of Zeruiah will be too strong for us;' we shall never overcome this pride and infidelity; ay, but go to Christ, he is king. Though our lusts are too strong for us, they are not for Christ to conquer; for by his Spirit he can break the power of sin. When Joshua had conquered five kings, he caused his servants to set their feet on the necks of those kings; so Christ can and will set his feet on the necks of our lusts.
Use two: Is Christ King of kings? Let all these great ones take heed how they employ their power against him. He gives them their power, and if this power shall be made use of for suppressing his kingdom and ordinances, their account will be heavy. God has laid the key of government upon Christ's shoulders, Isa 9:9, and to oppose Christ in his kingly office is as if the thorns should set themselves in battle array against the fire, or a child fight with an archangel. Christ's sword on his thigh is able to avenge all his quarrels. It is not good to stir a lion: let no man provoke the Lion of the tribe of Judah, whose eyes are a lamp of fire, and ‘the rocks are thrown down by him.' Nah 1:1. ‘He shall cut off the spirit of princes.' Psa 76:12.
Use three: If Christ be a great king, submit to him. Say not, as those Jews, ‘We have no king but Caesar,' no king but our lusts. This is to choose the bramble to rule over you, and ‘out of the bramble will come forth a fire.' Judg 9:15. Submit to Christ willingly. All the devils in hell submit to Christ; but it is against their will; they are his slaves, not his subjects. Submit cheerfully to Christ's person and his laws. Many would have Christ their saviour, but not their prince; such as will not have Christ to be their king to rule over them, shall never have his blood to save them. Obey all Christ's princely commands; if he commands love, humility, good works, be as the needle that points which way soever the loadstone draws.
Use four: Let those admire God's free grace who were once under the power and tyranny of Satan, and now of slaves Christ has made them to become the subjects of his kingdom. Christ did not need subjects, he has legions of angels ministering to him; but in his love he has honoured you to make you his subjects. Oh, how long was it ere Christ could prevail with you to come under his banner! How much opposition did he meet with ere you would wear this prince's colours! At last omnipotent grace overcame you. When Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, an angel came and beat off his chains, Acts 12:2; so, when thou wast sleeping in the devil's arms, Christ by his Spirit smote thy heart, and caused the chains of sin to fall off, and made thee a subject of his kingdom. Oh admire free grace! thou who art a subject of Christ, and art sure to reign with him for ever!