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Sermon #7704

Christ the King

A Sermon on the Rule and Reign of Christ

Originally preached Nov. 27, 1953

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Sermon Description

Christians tend to only think of the atonement of Christ’s death for sin. In this sermon on the Rule and Reign of Christ, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches that there are many aspects of God’s creation which are affected by the death of Christ. One must not think forgiveness of sin is the only benefit from the atonement. Even the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has been affected by His work on the cross. What is the listener to make of these things? Dr. Lloyd-Jones surveys the Scripture in order to show how common benefits or common grace comes to humanity as a consequence of the Lord Jesus Christ’s death. Listen as he preaches on the blessings unbelievers and angels receive as a result of the atoning work of Christ. Hear as Dr, Lloyd-Jones considers the special and new glory the Lord Jesus Christ receives in the incarnation. It is only as a result of His obedient death on the cross that He receives this peculiar glory. Finally, as one witnesses the crucifixion, they learn about Christ’s mediatorial kingship and what it means for the church as He rules and reigns over it.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The sermon begins by reviewing the consequences and results of Jesus's work, especially His death on the cross.
  2. The first consequence discussed is the change in God's relationship to mankind. Though God Himself does not change, His relationship to humanity does change as a result of Jesus's work.
  3. The second consequence is a change in heaven itself. The book of Hebrews teaches that the heavenly sanctuary had to be purified by the blood of Jesus.
  4. The third consequence is the ratification of the new covenant between God and humanity.
  5. The fourth consequence is the blessings and privileges believers inherit as part of the new covenant, like approaching God directly and having the law written on our hearts.
  6. The fifth consequence is common blessings that come to all people as a result of Jesus's work, like God's patience, longsuffering, and the blessings of common grace. Were it not for Jesus's work, the world may have been destroyed immediately after the Fall.
  7. The sixth consequence is benefits that come even to angels as a result of Jesus's work, as indicated in Ephesians 1:10 and Colossians 1:20. Jesus has become the head of the angelic hosts.
  8. The seventh consequence is cosmic results, like the ultimate reconciliation of the whole universe to God. The whole creation will be reconciled as a result of Jesus's work.
  9. The eighth consequence is results that come to Jesus Himself. Jesus was exalted and glorified as the God-man as a result of His work, receiving a special glory He did not have before the incarnation.
  10. The ninth consequence is that the fullness of the Holy Spirit was given to Jesus to form the church as a result of His work.
  11. The tenth consequence is that Jesus gives spiritual gifts to the church as a result of His work, as indicated in Ephesians 4:8. Every gift we have is a result of Jesus's atoning work.
  12. The final consequence discussed is Jesus's mediatorial kingship. Jesus was appointed as mediatorial king in eternity past to rule all things for God's glory and the execution of salvation. He began to function as king immediately after the Fall and continued through the Old Testament, though He was formally declared king at His ascension.
  13. Jesus's kingship refers to His reign and rule. Wherever His rule is acknowledged, there is His kingdom. The spiritual aspect of His kingdom refers to His reign over and in the church, which He administers through His Word and Spirit. The church manifests but is not coextensive with the kingdom of God.

Great Biblical Doctrines

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.