It is common knowledge for all ages that kings have subjects whom they rule. On the contrary, most Christians can readily justify their kingship, viz. a viz. the atonement of Christ, but hardly ever ponders on who their subject really is. Not because the bible does not include that information, but more likely than not, because bible teachers hesitate on the subject, or are oblivious of it and so the question is never discussed. Revelation 1:6 is more frequently quoted to assert the truth of it, than is the strength behind the claim – the veracity of the priesthood of Christ in its broader implications.

The crux of this oversight, I have noted, lies in the fact that the truth that the old covenant “were a shadow of the things to come” is often loosely construed. Appropriating this truth begins with acknowledging unmistakably another one, which is, that the rudiments of the old practices are fully represented in the new. Some would even attempt to argue that the Sabbath is become of none effect in the time before the glorious appearing. And so, I ask, upon what then is their priesthood sealed? That is, bearing in mind, that the priesthood obligates unwavering concord with God upon them that are called to the service. For “the Levites shall be mine,” said God. Nor “Can two walk together except they be agreed” (Amos 3:3). Hence, to belong with God is to conscientiously relieve of self and to wholly rest in Him – a perpetual Sabbath. Anything short of this exposes the comers to self-inflicted ordeals in the hands of the adversary, due to ignorance, “for my people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).

Upon that little digression, what did you say? That where there is the kingship, there is of necessity the governed? That’s right. Who are they then to whom the Church is to be kings, and princes, and governors? Let’s turn to the Old Testament (the shadow) for answers. Please look with me at Ps. 45:16. For “Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.” Aha! But was this said of them only? No, but to all “Israel of God”, and to Israelites indeed – the Church.

The psalmist speaking prophetically foretells of the order of the kingdom to come. The Lord Himself reassuringly spoke, saying, “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron” (Rev. 2:26,27). And one would say, but that is only for the period of the millennia government. Is it? So, of what use then is that overwhelming declaration of finality that says, “The kingdom(s) of this world are become the kingdom(s) of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever?” (Rev. 11:15). Or this: “the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him, …and they shall reign for ever and ever?” (Rev. 22:3-5).

We should call to mind in particular, how the bible variously refers to the kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ as a continuation of the throne of king David, in fulfillment of the promise God made to David. For “if thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said He) a man on the throne of Israel” (1 Kings 2:4). However, after that the sons of David would not keep to the terms of the contract, but went after other gods, in the process of the time the people were driven into captivity. And even when some eventually returned to rebuild the ruin, the center was never to hold again; until the One whose it was came (Ezk. 21:27). Of whom it was declared, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” In the time before His manifestation, God through the prophets, astutely resounded the resolve of the covenant to the people. (Jer. 23:5, Jer. 30:7-9, Ezk. 34:22- 25, Ezk. 37:21-26).

To my humble self was the word of the Lord also revealed. As I prayed, making my supplication to God because of the burden of my heart on July 19, 2002, and the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Because God loved David, He promised to set him upon the throne in Israel forever; this He will soon accomplish in Christ. And He will put all things under His feet.” One cannot fully understand the implications of the kingship of Christ as an extension of the throne of David except by taking into account that it asserts the fact of the matter – the fact that the latter was a shadow of the reign of the eternal glory.

As such, looking at events under the reign of David should enlighten us better. Here, we draw some analogies by noting that God intended in David, to show as in Jesus, that “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Sam. 23:3). For “Behold, I have given him [David] for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people” (Isaiah 55:4). These words were to qualify David as “a man after mine own heart.” Notice that this is the same endorsement of Jesus at the transfiguration and quoted in 2 Pet. 1:17, which was ascribed to none other that ever walked the face of the earth.

Thus, David was God’s example to the nations in his time and for all times, of good governance. Yet David, because he was man, born under sin, incurs the wrath of God in the breach of Uriah. Nonetheless, his good side outweighs his bad in the eyes of God: wherefore God left with him the everlasting covenant. Moreover, David reigned until God subdued all his enemies under him. In a song of deliverance, David declares: “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect … He teacheth my hands to war … I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet… Them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me… Thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me” (2 Sam. 22:33-45). Continue here