024. Chapter 21: The Kingly Office of Jesus Christ
------------ CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE ------------ The Kingly Office of Jesus Christ The kingly office is the third office of Christ. A king is a person in whom alone the supreme authority over a nation is vested. Thus, the Lord Jesus is King, and none but Him. This is true in a threefold manner:
(1) as God (being coessential with the Father and the Holy Spirit), He rules over the kingdom of power, to which all creatures belong;
(2) as Mediator He rules over the kingdom of grace upon earth; and (3) as Ruler over the kingdom of glory in heaven, of which both angels and all the elect are subjects.
Christ, the King of Creation
First, as God, the Lord Jesus has within Himself all majesty, worthiness, honor, glory, and power, even if there were no creatures. Having created creatures, however, He, due to the majesty, ruling power, and actual governing implicit in His Being, is the great and sole King over everything. “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11); “The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalms 103:19). The Lord has no need of servants or of viceregents; however, it is the Lord’s wisdom and goodness to govern all things mediately, and thus to govern one man by means of another. For this purpose the Lord has instituted governments which vary in structure and dignity. Such governments are neither sovereign nor independent, even though they may often imagine themselves to be. They are but insignificant viceregents (assuming that I may give them such a title, and that such a title is not too high for them) who, on God’s behalf and by His power, must govern according to His laws. This dignity is not acquired by skill, power, or friends, nor does anyone remain in government because of these things. It is the Lord who establishes and deposes kings; He exalts and He humbles.
Christ, the King of His Church
Secondly, God has a special and peculiar people among men whom He gathers by His Word and Spirit and who are referred to by the name, “kingdom of grace.” The Lord has established a special King to rule over this people: the Lord Jesus Christ as Mediator. The church is neither a community without a Head, nor a flock without a Shepherd, nor a nation without a Ruler. Such can certainly not be true, even though it presently pleases Him not to demonstrate His glory and majesty as visibly as He has at other times. Even if it seems that no one is held accountable for misdeeds towards the church -- that one can trample upon, extinguish, and destroy the church without retribution -- and that the church has neither a Keeper nor a King, Jesus is nevertheless King over His church. He is not a King in heaven only, nor in a distant land, nor in the hearts of His elect only, but He is a King who dwells near and in His church: His own people, that gathered congregation, that visible multitude in the world who have accepted Him to be their Head and King, having sworn to be subject and obedient to Him and to live according to His laws.
Believers, hear this and rejoice; hear this, oh world, and be filled with terror! God “hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22); “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36); “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour” (Acts 5:31); “Yet have I set My king upon My holy hill of Zion” (Psalms 2:6); “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His Name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:5-6).
God has established Him in His kingdom and has consecrated Him by anointing (Psalms 2:6). As He did not exalt Himself to be High Priest, He likewise did not exalt Himself to be King. Rather, the Father has appointed and consecrated Him to this office by way of anointing (which signifies ordination and qualification), by uniting the two natures in one Person, and by the extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The ministry of His kingly office consists 1) in the gathering of His church, drawing her from the power of darkness and translating her into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13); 2) in protecting her against her enemies (cf. Psalms 72:1-20; Jeremiah 23:6); and 3) in governing her by His Word and Spirit. “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king” (Isaiah 33:22). The Excellency of King Jesus
Even if there are individuals upon earth who are kings, the excellency of this King is nevertheless incomparably greater than the excellence of them all.
(1) All kings have nothing within themselves, nor much wherein they excel other men. This King, however, is glory and majesty personified (Hebrews 2:9). He had glory with the Father before the world was (John 17:5), is “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3), and is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:7).
(2) Other kings govern but a small country and have but few subjects consisting of men, and their subjection is only physical in nature. This King, however, has “dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth” (Psalms 72:8), “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Php 2:10). He is the “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16), of whom it is written, “let all the angels of God worship Him” (Hebrews 1:6). He is the Shepherd and Bishop of souls (1 Peter 2:25).
(3) Other kings have but little power, are fully occupied in protecting themselves and their subjects, and are even conquered by others, but our King is “the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). To Him is given “all power ... in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18); He is the “Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle” (Psalms 24:8).
(4) Other kings are often harsh and cruel towards their subjects. This King, however, is very gracious, gentle, faithful, and benevolent. He is a Savior (Zechariah 9:9). “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in His sight” (Psalms 72:12-14).
(5) Other kings die, are deposed, exiled, and cease to be kings. This King, however, “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” (Luke 1:32-33). Our Lord Jesus is indeed such a glorious and eminent King.
Christ’s Kingship in the Old Testament The Lord Jesus is not only King by virtue of His presence in heaven, but was already King of His church in the Old Testament and when He was upon earth. This is evident from Psalms 2:6. As King He entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9) according to the prophecy. “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee ... riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9). And even though He is now in heaven, He continues to govern upon earth in His church until the end of the world. “And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:33). Yes, after the end of this world, He will eternally remain King over the kingdom of glory, even though, as far as administration is concerned, He will give the kingdom to His Father and He Himself will be subject to the Father. God will then be all in all (1 Corinthians 15:24
Throughout history earthly kings have had an evil eye towards the church. They were of the opinion that their government was limited if they could not rule over the church. They have feared that the church would be detrimental to them, since they neither knew the glory of King Jesus nor understood the nature of the kingdom of Christ in the church. The kingdom of Christ is of an entirely different nature, as it is not of this world, but heavenly. “My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). It is therefore called the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 3:2), which “cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). The subjects of this kingdom, even though they are men, are spiritual in nature (1 Corinthians 2:15). “And they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). The blessings of this kingdom do not consist in the things of this world, but are spiritual, “for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). Its weapons are not carnal, but spiritual, the Word of God being the sword (Ephesians 6:17). “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Thus, earthly kings need not fear this kingdom. If, however, their lust to govern is of such a nature that they do not desire Christ to be King, but instead wish to include the church itself in their domain; if they desire to determine what shall or shall not be preached, what must or must not be believed unto salvation, when or when not discipline will be administered; and if they themselves wish to either appoint or dismiss ministers and consistories; and whatever more they may desire, then we submit the following words for meditation: “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before Me” (Luke 19:27). If the government does not desire to be judged, exhorted, nor rebuked by the church, she must remain outside the church; the church will then leave her alone and not involve herself with her. If government officials wish to be members of the church, however, they must bow under the scepter of Christ and should not oppose this King to whom they have subjected themselves; else they will experience that this King is too powerful for them. The Separation Between Church and State
Since the Lord Jesus alone is King, it is undeniably true that He alone legislates in His church and is vested with authority. Nobody may therefore be emboldened to interfere with doctrine, life, or government of the church and act according to his own will. Everything must transpire in strict conformity with Christ’s rule. He wills that the church shall always be separate from the state, and that the church will be governed by ecclesiastical authorities as the state is governed by civil authorities. The church is not to rule over the state and the state may not rule over the church, but each must limit itself to its own domain. Not the least dominion may be exercised in the church by either ecclesiastical or civil authorities, but whatever transpires in the church must be by way of servanthood according to the rule and on behalf of the King. Whatever transpires in the state takes place authoritatively -- as a reflection of the sovereignty of God. The lording of men over the church is the work of the antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:4). As men, the members of the church are subject to civil governments. He who does not obediently subject himself to the government, and rejects and opposes the government, opposes the ordinance of God (Romans 13:1-5).
Thus church and state are fully separate from each other. The one is heavenly and the other earthly. The one pertains to souls and the other to the body. The one is characterized by servanthood, allowing no room for the least exercising of dominion; the other is characterized by authority and dominion. The one is not to meddle in the affairs of the other. The church labors to uphold the state, urging obedience to the government. Government must protect the church from all oppression in order that her members may safely conduct themselves according to the laws of their King. Happy is the land where this is true. 2 Chronicles 19:11 is a significant text in this regard: “And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king’s matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you.”
Thus must everyone function within his own sphere. Let the church refrain from bringing the state under her dominion, but see to it that governments are honored, feared, and obeyed. Likewise, let all ecclesiastical authorities refrain themselves from “being lords over God’s heritage” (1 Peter 5:3).
Governments are to refrain themselves from touching the crown and scepter of Jesus by imposing her authority upon the church as far as doctrine, life, discipline, and the appointment and/or removal of ministers and consistories are concerned. This must be so since 1) the Lord Jesus, who is also King over them, did not vest them with such authority; 2) the Lord Jesus has forbidden every form of dominion in the church; 3) He Himself has issued regulations for doctrine, life, and discipline; and 4) He has decreed in His Word the method by which He wills that ministers and elders of the church are to be called (cf. Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 6:2-4
They who know the Lord Jesus in His royal glory and love Him in truth ought to have a heartfelt sorrow that the sovereign majesty of this great King is not known, feared, or obeyed. David said, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes” (Psalms 36:1). Thus a godly person endowed with wisdom must likewise say with sorrow, “All the activity of man, the behavior of great and small, the entire life, even of church members (with few exceptions), tells me that Jesus is neither known nor acknowledged as King. It seems as though there are not two kingdoms nor two kings on earth who are continually at war with each other: the Lord Jesus and the devil, but rather as if there is but one domain. Externally it almost appears as if everyone has the same nature and the same objectives, and is subject to the same rule. It seems as if church and society are of one opinion, differing but little in fundamental principles. Who can perceive that the church has a King, such a great King, and is actually controlled and governed by Him?
One will probably admit that Jesus is King, but then only as a King in a distant land, with whom he has no association and whose only acquaintance with Him is by hearsay. One may say, “He is King, but let Him secretly and invisibly be King in the hearts of certain specific individuals.” But who believes that the church is His kingdom and that He Himself actually rules there? Who views Him as sitting upon the throne? It appears as if it is a people governed by no one, being without shepherd, protector, and governor. There is no longer a fear to oppress and destroy the church, nor to torment, torture, and kill professors of the truth. They only deliberate how sufficient power can be amassed to utterly destroy and eradicate the church.
If but a few who bear the image and garments of this King manifest themselves, the nature of the devil and the enmity of the seed of the serpent towards the seed of the woman immediately reveal themselves. Men oppose them with all their power. The godly are the objects of entertainment, mockery, and various forms of slander, as well as nicknames such as “speckled birds” and “despicable wretches.” They are considered to be a people which men can freely abuse and treat unfairly in all respects without fear of retribution. The one does this ignorantly, another recklessly, a third with evil intent, this person with delight, and someone else does so in order to please others. With full hatred and wrath men oppose the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The scepter of this King and the discipline of the church are viewed as tyrannical repression. All other organizations are permitted to exclude whomever they wish, and other sects may treat their members according to their rules, but the true church is not permitted to do so. Jesus ought to be silent and not stir Himself. Tares ought to be permitted to grow in this kingdom, and woe be to those who determine to remove them.
Men do not acknowledge Him as King in the sending forth of ministers, not acknowledging them to be ambassadors of Christ; and the King’s wrath is not feared when injury and sorrow are inflicted upon His ambassadors. They merely view them as hired school teachers, yes, as an unprofitable element of the republic. Men view the consistory with resentment, as if it were a government within a government, desiring to undercut and assume the authority of the civil government. In one word, the Lord Jesus is not perceived and acknowledged as King over His church. Instead, it is as Pharaoh once said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord” (Exodus 5:2). Men speak and think likewise also today. “Who is the King of the church? I know Him not.”
Even those who have received some measure of light, stand and observe this from afar and do not concern themselves with it, since it only pertains to Zion. They only shrug the shoulder when perceiving that the royal glory of Jesus is suppressed. Some may secretly complain of this to a friend, but lacking either insight or boldness to deal with it, this evil progresses continually. The Lord Jesus observes all this from the lofty heavens, but conceals His glory and restrains His governing might. He considers the inhabitants of the earth to be not worthy of a public revelation of Himself as the King of His church, yet keeps His church as the apple of His eye and is a fiery wall round about her, protecting her against the attacks of the enemy and reproving her enemies, as He formerly reproved kings for her sake (Psalms 105:14).
Oh, all you who know and delight in this King, observe all this. Let it wound your heart; let your soul bleed; and for sorrow let your eyes cry rivers of tears by reason of the fact that this glorious King of His church is thus despised and scorned.
Pray continually for Him (Psalms 72:15) and to Him, that He would reveal Himself to His church as King before the eyes of the entire world.
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us” (Psalms 80:1-2).
Let the enemies of God’s church tremble and let those who are angry with Zion fear, for you are first of all at war with this lofty King, who sits on the throne of God at God’s right hand in the lofty heavens, who is the “KING OF KINGS,” and “LORD OF LORDS,” who in righteousness “doth judge and make war” (Revelation 19:16
Secondly, you are opposing a most benevolent King, who offers all His graces and blessings, and who commissions His ambassadors to beseech sinners in His stead to be reconciled with God through Him. It is therefore the ultimate wickedness to despise and oppose such a good and benevolent King.
Thirdly, what will be the end of those who do not desire Him as King? Of this we read in Luke 19:27, “But those Mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.”
Exhortation to Know and Acknowledge Christ as King
Since Jesus is King, He must be known and acknowledged as such by every one of His subjects. For this purpose it is needful to consider Him in accordance with the description given of Him in the Holy Scriptures. Here we read that He is “the true God” (1 John 5:20); “... over all, God blessed for ever” (Romans 9:5); “the form of God” (Php 2:6); and “the brightness of His (Father’s) glory, and the express image of His Person” (Hebrews 1:3). He, in order to be a qualified Savior, has assumed our human nature, being man out of man, of “the fathers ... as concerning the flesh” (Romans 9:5), “made of a woman” (Galatians 4:4), and “in all things ... like unto his brethren” (Hebrews 2:17). He is the Branch with whom the Lord established the Counsel of Peace (Zechariah 6:12-13) and the covenant of redemption (Psalms 89:28). By virtue of this He is the Surety of the covenant of grace (Hebrews 7:22). “The Son of man came ... to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28); “by one offering ... perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14); and “when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). He, though in heaven, nevertheless rules as King in His church upon earth and takes careful note what transpires there and what everyone does. He chastises the unruly, and comforts the obedient.
Thus everyone ought to know and acknowledge Him as King and have such an impression of Him in their hearts that it causes such motions within as are requisite for such attributes.
Since Jesus is King, everyone ought to honor Him as such. “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father” (John 5:23), for He is the King of glory (Psalms 24:10). In heaven all the angels worship Him (Hebrews 1:6). All His subjects on earth must likewise worship Him. Such worship consists in considering His various attributes, the approval of them with sweet delight, a rejoicing that He is such a King, a losing oneself in holy adoration when viewing Him as such, and a bowing before Him in worship, “for He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him” (Psalms 45:11). It is to kiss Him in subjection and adoration (Psalms 2:12), and to cast yourself before the throne, exclaiming, “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).
Since Jesus is King, all and everyone of His subjects must delight in Him as such. God has instilled in the nature of these subjects that they delight in their King because of the majesty and eminence to be found in Him. Therefore Jesus must also be loved by all His subjects -- indeed, love is a constituent element of their regenerated nature. “Thy Name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love Thee” (Song of Solomon 1:3). The words “Beloved” and “my Beloved” are as it were on the tip of the bride’s tongue throughout the entire Song of Solomon. The Lord Jesus Himself gives this testimony of His disciples, “For the Father Himself loveth you, because ye have loved Me” (John 16:27). Upon the question of Christ, “Lovest thou me?” Peter answered resolutely, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee” (John 21:16). Paul was so filled with love towards the Lord Jesus, that, due to the impulse of love, he did not act wisely in the opinion of some: “For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause, for the love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Corinthians 5:1-3
Wherever love for this King is active, there will be exceptional light, clarity, and delight within the soul. The soul looks to Him, beholds Him, and meditates and reflects upon His glory and preciousness, rejoicing that Jesus is so highly exalted and is crowned with honor and glory. Such a soul wholeheartedly desires this to be so, and delights to see how all the angels bow before Him and worship Him; how all the godly in radiating their love end in Him as their focal point; how the devils tremble before Him; and how all things are in His hand and must be subservient to Him. Of such reflection the soul can never have enough, and it grieves him that so often it is dark within, and that he must stand so far away. How he wishes to behold Him with more clarity and in closer proximity, and to be satiated with the brilliance of His glory! Such a soul exalts Him above all and has a high esteem for His majesty, which is delightful and awe-inspiring, and stirs up in him extraordinary reverence. It causes him to fall down before Him, kissing, as it were, the earth as an expression of this reverence. This love cannot tolerate separation or estrangement, for then the soul grieves. He hates all whom Jesus hates and delights in all in whom He delights. Such a soul, repulsed by all that is not in conformity to Him, finds a delight in all that resembles Him. How blessed are the footsteps of this King to such a soul! How it draws his heart in love to Him! His will is the soul’s will, and it is the greatest delight of such to do and refrain from doing as pleases Him. Oh, how the soul longs for immediate communion with Him, to behold Him face to face, and to sink away eternally in this mutual and perfect love! Already on this side of the grave, the name of Jesus is written with golden letters in his heart. For His sake the soul would readily part with his honor, belongings, friends, husband, wife, parents, and children. His life is precious; yet he would readily surrender it for Him. “Love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned” (Song of Solomon 8:6-7).
Since the Lord Jesus is King, one must confess Him as such and not be ashamed of Him. “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33). This must be practiced with discretion, and yet at the same time boldly, willingly, manifestly (and thus without disguise), and in dependency upon the Lord Jesus, persevering therein until death.
Since the Lord Jesus is King, you ought to obey Him. “Hear ye Him” (Matthew 17:5); “Beware of Him, and obey His voice” (Exodus 23:21). He is the high and lofty One. “Who would not fear Thee, O King of nations? for to Thee doth it appertain” (Jeremiah 10:7). We are placed in subjection to Him. “O Lord, truly I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant” (Psalms 116:16). Know Him in His glory, submit yourself at once to Him, approve with delight your obligation to be subject to Him, and offer yourself. Seek to know His will, listen to His answer, and be zealous in your performance.
Since the Lord Jesus is King, you must trust Him, and with confidence consider yourself safe under His protection. Seek no protection apart from Him. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust” (Psalms 91:1-2); “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him” (Psalms 2:12). In the Lord Jesus everything is to be found which can bring about rest. He is all-sufficient, omnipotent, good, faithful, and true. To trust in Him is to magnify Jesus in all His perfections. For such there are glorious promises. “They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever” (Psalms 125:1); “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalms 37:5). The Duty of the Christian to Imitate Christ in His Kingship
Having considered how we must make use of the Lord Jesus as King, we will now proceed with the second point. In a fitting manner we must take note of Christ in order that we, being partakers of His anointing, may imitate Him, since He has deemed us worthy to be called Christians after His name. The Lord Jesus, by means of His merits, has made His elect kings, and honors them with this title. “And hath made us kings” (Revelation 1:6); “And hast made us unto our God kings ... and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10); “But ye are ... a royal priesthood ...” (1 Peter 2:9). They are kings, for they have a royal heart, are in a royal state, enjoy royal dignity, have royal goods, and exercise royal dominion. All of this they possess in principle, and it is their duty to earnestly conduct and manifest themselves as such.
First, they have a royal heart. There was an excellent spirit in Daniel (Daniel 5:12). They have a courageous heart, and therefore they are compared to “a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots” (Song of Solomon 1:9). They are called “his goodly horse in the battle” (Zechariah 10:3). They have a prince-like and free spirit (Psalms 51:12). They have a wise heart, for the Son of God “hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true” (1 John 5:20); “I speak as to wise men” (1 Corinthians 10:15). They also have a strong heart. “His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (Psalms 112:7). They consider earthly possessions to be insignificant, yes, as dung (Php 3:7-8), and have great and lofty things in view. “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Thus, they persevere in all circumstances without fear. “Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear” (Psalms 27:3). Let hell and the entire earth freely conspire -- the least of the subjects of this King will neither yield nor subject themselves to them. Rather, in all things they will be more than conquerors, and will always be of good courage (2 Corinthians 5:6
Secondly, they, as kings, are in a state of freedom. They are not subject to anyone as far as the state of their soul is concerned, except to the King of kings. They are “of the freewoman” (Galatians 4:23), “as free ...” (1 Peter 2:16), and the Lord’s freeman (1 Corinthians 7:23). They have the Spirit, and “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). They “have been called unto liberty” (Galatians 5:13); the Son has made them free (John 8:36), and the truth has made them free (John 8:32). They have thus been placed “into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). Therefore, Christians, “stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Galatians 5:1), “be ye not the servants of men” (1 Corinthians 7:23), and be not “brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). I am not suggesting at all that one ought not to subject himself to the rule of those who have been placed over us in the domestic, civil, and other spheres. Even a pagan has said that true freedom is to be obedient to governments and laws. Every soul ought to be subject to the higher powers, since they are ordained of God (Romans 13:1). They are, however, not to be servants of men. They are not to allow anyone to control them by either favor or disfavor, or out of love or fear for them, and thus be drawn away from obedience to our sovereign King. They are to refrain from activity or neglect of that which in any degree would be contrary to the conscience, robbing them of their peace and hindering them in their walk with God, and thus be detrimental to their inner freedom. The Christian’s objective is not to be subject in a slavish manner, but only because he has the Lord in view and serves Him in this manner, that is, in doctrine and life. Rather, his objective is above all to live in and with God in the enjoyment of peace and freedom.
Thirdly, they also have royal glory. When examining believers closely, one will detect the radiance of the image of God, which they may possess in principle and wherein majesty and glory are displayed (1 Chronicles 29:25). God says of His people, “And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through My comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord God” (Ezekiel 16:14). Peter says of them, “The Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you” (1 Peter 4:14). They are recognizable due to this glory within them; the godly honor them and delight in them. “But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all My delight” (Psalms 16:3). They are also known and revered by the unconverted due to the excellency within them. “And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed” (Isaiah 61:9). By their behavior the council knew that Peter and John “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The godly fill the unconverted with awe, for it is remarkable what is recorded in Acts 5:13, “And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.” Consider also Mark 6:20 “For Herod feared John, knowing that He was a just man and an holy, and observed him.” An ungodly master has more respect for his godly maid than for ten prominent but unconverted people.
One might think, “Why are they then despised in the eyes of the world, and why does the world persecute them?” My answer is: the world will first resist and suppress the esteem and respect they have for the godly, and then proceed to oppose them. Generally, however, the worldly have not observed the godly in close proximity, and have entertained erroneous prejudices towards them. This moves them to despise and persecute them.
Children of God, if there is such royal glory in you, manifest this glory by an increase in all holiness, humility, meekness, wisdom, and dignity. Keep from soiling this glory by your sins, a seeking of self, or by hypocrisy; for this will promote the honor of King Jesus.
Fourthly, the godly have royal benefits. All that is in the world is rightfully theirs. “For all things are yours, whether ... the world ...” (1 Corinthians 3:21-22). The least thing they possess is better than a thousand worlds. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). Therefore, leave the earth to the men of this world who choose earthly things as their portion, and who as swine despise the unknown pearls of the kingdom. You, however, delight and rejoice in these spiritual benefits, knowing that you are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).
Fifthly, as spiritual kings, God’s children also have royal territory and dominion. They are exalted high above the world and have conquered it. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world” (1 John 5:4). They triumph over the devil and his kingdom. “Ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13). “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). They rule their spirit (Proverbs 16:32), sin has no dominion over them (Romans 6:14), “and they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). It is true that they still must do battle, but this does not remove the dominion afforded them. A king who is at war still rules. However, the enemies will not be victorious; these kings will most certainly prevail.
Therefore, children of God, as you possess all these things in principle (the one more and the other less), stir up this principle, use it with royal magnanimity, freedom, glory, and dominion, and manifest all this to the honor of the Lord Jesus, and as an ornament to the church.