The Ruler of the Nations (Ps 2)
Review: A heavily neglected doctrine
1. The mediatorial dominion of Christ defined
“God has made this Jesus…both Lord & Christ” (Acts 2:36, Heb 12:2).
2. His mediatorial kingship shown to be very important
2a. Important in the word of God.
2b. Important to God’s purposes for us (see Eph 1:22, Acts 4:25ff, 1Cor 15:24).
2c. Important to God’s purposes for His enemies (1Cor 15:25, Heb 10:12-13).
3. The spiritual nature & purpose of his reign
(Acts)
Exposition: Jesus is made king over all the nations, & rulers of the earth (6-9).
Christ is king over the nations, that is, “civil associations, men existing in civil or political institutions; including the office-bearers [in those nations] by whom the laws are administered, as well as the people at large for whose good they are appointed to govern” (Messiah, 127).
• Objection 1: How can Christ have a spiritual reign over flesh-&-blood rulers & nations?
• Objection 2: How do we know that Jesus is truly king over actual governors & governed peoples? Acts 4:24-27
• Objection #3: Maybe this it a future reign on Mount Zion? Acts 13:32-33, Heb 1:3-5, 13, 5:5, 12:22-24, Rev 1:5, 2:26-27, 3:21).
• Objection #4: Doesn’t this confuse church & state? WCF 30.1.
Application: What is a Christian Nation?
Overview: What does God require of heathen nations?
1. Not to set themselves against the Lord & his Christ (v. 2)
2. Not to conspire to “… cast away their cords” (v. 1,3)
3. To be instructed by God’s word (v. 10, v. 6)
4. To serve the Lord with fear (v. 11)
5. To kiss the Son lest he become angry & the nation perish (v. 12, v. 9)
6. To rather put their trust in Christ & be blessed |
