Christus Rex

It is a joy to embrace and know Christ as our closest friend (John 15:15), our Bridegroom (Revelation 19:6-7), and Brother (Matthew 12:46-50, cross ref. John 6:40). While it is a close relationship we share with Christus, Him residing inside us (Colossians 1:27), we must not forget He is also Lord (Romans 10:9), King (Revelation 19:16) and Almighty Ruler of Heaven and Earth (Acts 7:48-51). I tend to emphasize the nature of Jesus that is close and tender; but we must remember while He is the Lamb and Closest Friend, He also is the Lion who will rule as  Rex Infinitium. 

While our relationship with Christ is and should be as intimate as man and wife spiritually (Revelation 19:6-8), for we live in Him and He in us, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” (1 John 4:15). However, we should not lose sight that He is God (Colossians 2:9) and Supreme over all things (Colossians 1:16-18). There is delicate balance between knowing our Bridegroom and worshipping his Sovereignty as Lord God. This is the tension, to know Christ (John 17:3) intimately as in Ginosko/ Epignosko and yet still serve and obey and worship Him as God Almighty, King of the Universe and Lord of Lords. So let us explore this side of our Great God and Friend. 

Christus Vincit: Christ Conquers 

Our Lord Jesus Christ had conquered all: 

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 31-39)

Christus Regnat: Christ Reigns 

“Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)

“for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” (2 Peter 1:11)

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17) 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) 

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.The Preeminence of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” (Colossians 1:13-19)

Christus Imperat: Christ Commands

“And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.” (1 John 3:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) 

“In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” (John 14:20-21) 

“If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and remain in His love.” (John 15:10) 

“This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:17)

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

“By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3)

“And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.” (1 John 4:21) 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome..” (1 John 5:3)

“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.” (2 John 1:6) 

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40) 

Make no mistake, Christ is not distant, but near to us (Ephesians 2:13) and He lives inside us (Romans 8:10 NLT, Colossians 1:27, John 17:20-23, 1 John 4:15). I merely wanted to point out He is God and Savior and we worship Him which is intimacy yes, but also the acknowledgement that He is the Creator and we the Creation. Amen.