The Reign of Christ Today

The Reign of Christ Today (Dan 7:1-14)
Intro
Review: Dan 5:18-31
See Ps 118:22.

What does God expect/demand of heathen rulers?

1. Not to set themselves against the Lord & his Christ (v2)
2. Not to rage & conspire together vainly to "break their bands & cast away their cords" (v1,3)
3. To be wise & to be instructed by God's word (v10, see v6)
4. To serve the Lord with fear & rejoice with trembling (v11)
5. To kiss the Son lest he become angry (v12)
6. To put their trust in Christ (v12)

Why should they do this?

1. If they don't they will broken in pieces & the rulers perish in the way (v9,12)
2. If they do, all who put their trust in Him will be blessed (v12b)

In general, all rulers, but especially those who rule in the time of the New Covenant when Christ reigns, are called to glorify God, depart from idolatry, exhort their nations to faith & repentance, rule in righteousness & show mercy to poor, give gifts to the Lord, nurture & serve God's holy people, & swear allegiance to him (national covenanting).

Jesus is head of the church (Col 1:18), as well as Prince of the Kings of the Earth (Rev 1:5).

Exposition
Definitive judgment & condemnation of rebellious nations. Final, unchangeable overthrow decreed. Yet a period after that when nations are allowed to exist & exert influence. We live in that time.

Cf Mk 14:60-64, Mt 28:18.

Application
"[The Reformed Faith is] that sight of the majesty of God that pervades all of life & all of experience . in the entire compass of [our] life activities, intellectual, moral & spiritual-throughout all [our] individual social & religious relations." -B. B. Warfield

Conclusion
WCF 23.3