Description
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Today's lesson is from the Apocalypse. Revelation depicts our Lord in a majestic, awesome way, and serves as a much-needed reminder not to trivialize Christ or to forget his role as both Savior and Judge.
"King of Kings" in Scripture
- Ezra 7:12 -- claim of ancient kings
- Ezekiel 26:7 -- frightful context
- Daniel 2:37 -- refers to sovereignty. Note: God is "Lord of kings" in 2:47.
- 1 Timothy 6:15 -- ultimate sovereignty
- Revelation 17:14 -- more powerful than the evil one, and thus a victor
- Revelation 19:16 -- commands the armies of heaven (like the unnamed angel of Joshua 5:13-15)
"Lord of Lords" in Scripture
- Deuteronomy 10:17 -- (unlike so many earthly authorities) he cannot be corrupted and cares for all equally
- Psalm 136:3 -- his mercy / steadfast love his one of his essential qualities
- 1 Timothy 6:15 -- he is in a class apart, so holy as to be unapproachable, and we are powerless apart from him
- Revelation 17:14 -- we are called and chosen by him (see 2 Thess 2:13-15), and can only respond in faithful living.
- Revelation 19:16 -- The name of Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Conclusions
- Christ is above all earthly kings. He has full authority over the earth.
- Though he is regal, he is still portrayed as a "Lamb" (see also Rev 5, where he is both Lion and Lamb).
- Christ fulfills the Old Testament prophecies.
- Christ is on the level of God himself.
- Those who follow him are his chosen and faithful. They are on the right side in the cosmic spiritual war.
Next: Christ in Church History: The Apostolic Age