Question 26: Christ our King

Question 26: How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

Answer: 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.

Of the three offices described in the catechism, king is the one that sounds the least religious. We can understand the meaning of this word without any reference to Christianity, but simply by looking at political realities. The words that the catechism uses to describe Jesus' kingship - subduing, ruling, defending, restraining, conquering - are all words which could be used of the political head of a monarchy.

However, Jesus' kingship is unique. His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), but it is steadily and effectively coming into this world (Mark 4:31, Matthew 13:33). While other kings need the use of force to accomplish their ends, Jesus needs only his word (Luke 4:32, 36). While other kings must claim their authority, Jesus has been given authority by God, not only on earth, but also in heaven (Matthew 28:18). Other kings may rebel and fight against Christ (Psalm 2:1-3), but ultimately he will demonstrate that he deserves to be called the "ruler of kings" and the "king of kings" (Psalm 2:5-12; Revelation 1:5, 19:16). Right now, Jesus is actively subduing people to himself through the gospel (John 6:38-40, 44), protecting the citizens of the kingdom (John 10:27-29), and conquering the devil and his demons (1 John 3:19).

The Christian hope is not for separation of church and state, but unity; not for democracy, but monarchy; not for any earthly political leader to save, but for Jesus Christ to usher in his everlasting kingdom. Do you live and pray according to this hope?