Our Lord Jesus Christ has been appointed King and Ruler of all the World by the Father. One day, all things will be put under Him, all sin and sorrow and death abolished in the new creation He will make.
But it was necessary to perfect a rule of Righteousness for His people before He takes up His political and military Rule. That is why the Kingdom of God begins in the hearts of the Saints, and our Lord reconciles us unto God's Holiness by His work of Redemption at Calvary. Peace and Righteousness reign in our hearts because Christ has gained a perfect Righteousness for us by His obedience and blood.
Thus, He conquers His people first, working out the New Covenant, placing His law in our hearts, and abolishing our iniquities.
But Israel expected, even demanded, a military and political kingdom first. Christ's work of Righteousness was an offense to them, because it insulted their own self-righteousness.
During His trial and crucifixion, there are many displays of the repudiation of Christ's reign by the Jews. He is falsely accused, a murderer is preferred over Him, Caesar's reign is embraced, and Christ's dignity and rule are mocked and taunted.
His enemies used His humiliation at Calvary as the final proof He was no king and no Messiah. But there He was rescuing His people and establishing His kingdom. He was doing the degrading and shameful work it took to conquer His people, for by that death we are perfected, made righteous, and brought to complete obedience before Him. His death insured His reign over us.
That reign is seen in the glorious conversion of the penitant thief. He became Christ's subject by faith in His power to save sinners.
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John Pittman Hey was born in 1961 in Jackson, Mississippi, to Godly parents who from the beginning raised him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With child-like faith he came to Christ on his fourth birthday at his mother's knee. He received his education at church...
