Bulletin Articles
Kingship and Judgment
Scripture highlights the importance of the resurrection of Jesus. Not only is it integral to the whole gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4), but without its historical reality our faith would be vain and we would forever remain in sin (vv. 12-19). We cannot stress enough the importance of the resurrection in our acceptance of and obedience to Jesus Christ. In the face of many who walk away from the Lord these days, we need to be reminded that we have strong reason to remain faithful.
“Jesus was raised from the dead” is a truth statement that we cannot live without. Jesus said to Martha shortly before raising Lazarus, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? ” (John 11:25-26). There is no life or living hope without the resurrection (1 Pet 1:3-5). Resurrection is the Lord’s victory over death and this give us the hope and the release from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15).
Because Jesus was raised, there are at least two propositions that follow to which we’d like to pay some attention because of the impact these have on faithful lives:
1. Jesus is King.
2. There will be a day of judgment.
These seem straightforward enough, but let’s see elaborate a little.
First, Jesus is King. Peter showed how the resurrection of Jesus connected to Jesus being both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). He is the Christ, the Anointed, the King who rules over all; and He rules over our lives as the One who is the Head of the body with all authority (Matt 28:18-20). He is our Lord, our King, and we must surrender our will to His (Luke 9:23). Through the resurrection, God has fulfilled the prophetic promise of showing forth His Son to be the King (Psalm 2; Acts 13:29-34; 2 Sam 7:12-13). The gospel of salvation and peace includes the proclamation, “Your God reigns!” (Isa 52:7).
Second, there will be a day of judgment. Jesus is not only King, but also the final Judge (John 5:22-23). His judgments will be in accordance with what He has spoken (John 12:48). How do we know this? Paul said that the proof of the day of judgment is the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:30-31). This means we are accountable, and God calls on us to repent of sin. Sin needs to be taken seriously, but the message of hope is that God is merciful and promises to forgive. Still, repentance is needed, and God has made it possible for us to do so because He is gracious.
There will never be justification for walking away from Jesus. We hear people give many reasons for quitting, but none will ever be justified in the face of the resurrected Lord and King who will judge the world in righteousness. No matter what else happens, Jesus is King and there will be a day of judgment.
We do not downplay the problems that many name for walking away. We need to deal honestly with the issues before us. Abuse is real. Hypocrisy is sinful. Our evil attitudes and behaviors can become severe stumbling blocks to others, and we need to be aware that this impacts the way people see Jesus (John 13:34-35; 17:20-21). Yet please understand that when we act contrary to the Lord, the problem is not with Jesus as King or Judge. Rather, we have not responded to Him as Lord and, consequently, we end up mistreating one another and creating the stumbling blocks. If we all recognized Jesus as Lord and responded accordingly, imagine how we would then treat one another in love — even as He has loved us.
Nothing we do or don’t do changes the reality of who Jesus is. He is Lord, Savior, and King. He is the Judge to whom every knee will bow and whose name every tongue shall confess. Though people may disappoint us, hurt us, and push us away, Jesus remains the same. In Him is our hope. The only thing that would void this is if there is no resurrection, which would make faith and teaching vain (1 Cor 15:12-19). “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20). The resurrection gives us the confidence to know that all we do for Him is worthwhile (1 Cor 15:58). Because of this, we can and must submit to His kingship.
Whatever reason we may think justifies our walking away, we must confront this head on: if Jesus was raised, then He is our King and Judge. He is merciful, loving, and gives grace, but turning our backs on Him because of others will not nullify the One to whom we will give an account. Let’s all resolve not only to confess Jesus as Lord with the lips, but to live out the Lordship of Jesus in a way that shows our love both for God and all who are made in His image.
