Some people choose to concentrate on Divine heavenly existence, emphasizing interactions with the Lord’s magnificence, mystery, and specialness encountered in dreams and the church. However, in a handful of instances, when a person in the Bible has a sight of the Lord, they come across a heavenly king positioned on a seat of power.
In Isaiah 6:1, “In the same year when King Uzziah passed, I saw the Almighty. . . sitting on a throne.” On top of that, the Lord is shown as a King “enthroned with angels around Him” in church buildings and chapels who reigns, guards, and punishes his people.
But, why is God called the “King of Kings and the Lord of Lords”? What authority does God have as King? Is God our King or our Father? And what does it mean to us that God is King of Kings?
Key Takeaways
- God is depicted as the sovereign “King of Kings” who rules with authority and glory over all creation, emphasizing His ultimate power and control.
- The concept of God’s kingdom is not limited to a physical realm but is manifested through those who live according to His will, highlighting the importance of obedience and service to God.
- Understanding God as both King and Father offers a balanced perspective of His nature, encouraging reverence, obedience, and a closer relationship with Him.
Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 What Does It Mean That God Is King?
- 3 Where Can We See That God Is King?
- 4 Why Is God Called The “King Of Kings And The Lord Of Lords”?
- 5 What Authority Does God Have As King?
- 6 Is God Our King Or Our Father?
- 7 What Does It Mean To Us That God Is King Of Kings?
- 8 Summary
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean That God Is King?
Heaven’s Divinity: The Everlasting Throne
In the Holy Bible, Psalm 29:10 proclaims, “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever.” Furthermore, in the same book, it says, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
The quality of God that philosophers refer to as his “sovereignty” is plainly defined within these texts: The Lord is a King, seated “over,” not “among” or “on,” the concerns of his existence. Correspondingly, these verses and many others emphasize the fact that the Lord is the one rightful king of everything.
But this does not mean that our Lord looks like Greek gods, identical to a human ruler in every way except they’re invincible and seven billion times stronger. Such interpretation is unnecessary because the Bible has a plethora of information regarding the aspects of and concepts of God’s kingdom.
God’s Kingdom Is Where God Reigns In Power
This world is not the Kingdom of God [1]. Every person who is empowered by Him to carry out his purpose makes His Kingdom on earth (Matthew 7:21). In the verse John 15:19, this states that there are multiple adversaries of the King of the Lord’s Kingdom in this generation, but only people who follow the Father’s will be admitted to the heavenly kingdom.
Additionally, God’s kingdom stresses that the only goal of its followers’ lives surpasses all the other wants and pursuits because the Lord provides for those who place him foremost. However, what allows an individual to the kingdom isn’t really the showy devotion or anything we say to other people.
Jesus Appeared On Earth As a Personified King
In Luke 1:30-33, the following period started when King Jesus was conceived by a human in the world. When the human King arrived in the world as a mortal, the God’s kingdom was with him everywhere he moved, and the kingdom’s adversaries were unable to survive in his existence (also because of God’s presence). Even after His death due to his enemy, nothing could stand in his way.
Christ constantly urged His followers to seek forgiveness because the kingdom was “close” or “has drawn near to you,” making it clear that he had come to establish the God’s kingdom on earth with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Where Can We See That God Is King?
Our God is King. This truth is supported by several bible verses like what the book of Psalm expresses, “Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle” (Psalm 24:8).
In accordance, Genesis 1-2 announces that God rules everything. Everything is His creation and under His control. Mankind was created in the likeness of God and represents him in the world. Also, the passages of Exodus, Genesis, and Joshua hold up the fact that “God is the King, and His servants serve Him.”
God King assures Abraham that He will create a new nation (Genesis 12:1–3). In the Exodus, God delivered Israel and brought them to the place promised to them by God (Exodus 6:1–8). Along that, Joshua 5:13-15 utters that God’s kingdom is special; He stands solely on His “side.
Other verses in Isaiah further support that God is the true king, and His reign is imminent. Soon, Jerusalem will be flooded with people from around the world (Isaiah 2). On David’s throne, a prophetic king will rule, bringing God’s kingdom according to Isaiah 9 and 11. Likewise, “He will bless the nations, reconstruct the destroyed ruins, and restore Zion’s beauty” (Isaiah 60 and 61).
In Daniel, it is also expressed that there is only one true King, and that is God. “The earthly kingdoms will be defeated and replaced by God’s reign” according to Daniel 2:29–45. Similarly, it is stated, “Once the Son of Man emerges, God’s reign will crush the monstrous kingdoms of the world” (Daniel 7:1–28).
Why Is God Called The “King Of Kings And The Lord Of Lords”?
The phrase “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” is considered one of the greatest names used to depict our Lord, and it acts as a reminder to people of His greatness and strength. In the chapter of Daniel, even the powerful Old Testament king Nebuchadnezzar began to recognize God as his supreme ruler in Daniel 4:34, 37:
“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation…Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
The aforementioned phrase has been employed in both religious and secular contexts. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary uses the phrase as a reference to both God and Jesus Christ, but Merriam Webster’s meaning is defined as “An earthly sovereign,” followed by “God; Christ.”
Even in the early 20th century, the phrase “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” was used to refer to a magnificent leader in the Middle East. It pertained to a monarch or other ruler with greater authority than those of the other kings in the given area. However, the Scriptures state unequivocally that the Lord God is our blessed and only ruler truly deserving of this title.
What Authority Does God Have As King?
God As A King Of Glory
King of Glory implies that God is the source of all light. We should aspire to reflect God’s glory in our actions and words as living beings. Many problems are solved when we have God’s glory, and nothing can take that greatness away from us. Only God has the power to bring God’s glory manifest in our circumstances.
God executes incontrovertible works of power as the rightful King of Glory. He forced Pharaoh to release the Israelite youth in the book of Exodus. The powerful Lord whom we worship split the Red Sea in order that Israel would escape its captivity. In Exodus 14:19–20, God gave the people of Israel light to go in the night. Moreover, God provided sustenance to Israel’s children every day (Exodus 16). God reveals His magnificence to us in various fashions at the right times.
The Greatness Of God As King
Indeed God is King, even when physicians have given up and lost hope in us, God’s greatness can be shown through healing. In a case of conflict, his greatness can be peace. His loyalty, safety, and security are experienced during catastrophes. God displays His glory when He selects people for service. Serving the Lord is not validated by humanity. God gives approval to everyone He chooses.
Is God Our King Or Our Father?
Our Father
There comes a time in our life when we doubt God as our Heavenly Father. Even devout Christians spent days in their life learning all they can about what it takes to say that God is our parent—extensive research, reading books, and taking hours of meditation on the goodness, mercy, gentleness, and love shown by God, our Father.
But reading the Holy Book of God is the key answer, as Ephesians 4:6 reveals, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” In addition to that, Matthew 23:9 confirms, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
Our King
The story of the Prophet Isaiah’s interaction with the King aids in restoring our perception of the Lord (Isaiah 6: 2–7). The prophet’s reaction upon seeing the Lord was “woe is me”. It is important to note that this realization of His inadequacy and sinfulness did not cause him to turn away from the Lord, but rather led to adoration and respect. This serves as a reminder of a basic though profound truth: We are all nothing in comparison to God’s greatness.
God’s role as our heavenly Father does not negate His absolute magnificence as King. God is a wonderful blend of the two. We sometimes forget and have gone a little bit too far down the spectral range by concentrating so intently on the heart of God as our father. We no longer felt the full force of God’s righteousness. We started to think less firmly about obedience and trust.
The Perfect Combination
The perfect confluence of things that we seem to consider so challenging to grasp in the world can only be found in God. We are struggling to comprehend how God can be both at the same time: gentle and firm; Father and king. It is undeniable that He is constantly the right combination of both.
He has the ability to demand compliance while also playing with toddlers while kneeling on the dirt, capable of showering us with affection while punishing us with a father’s wrath for our transgression.
What Does It Mean To Us That God Is King Of Kings?
We acknowledge the Lord’s total dominance whenever we refer to Him as “the King of Kings.” We should be moved into reverence, astonishment, and sometimes even fear by the phrase. But letting God control our current circumstances is not something to be feared. In reality, the start of a glorious new life begins when we permit God to occupy His appropriate spot in our hearts and mind. Because this King yearns for a strong bond with all of His followers.
He has an extensive understanding of us because He made us. And our God wants us to establish solid moral values so we can enhance our resemblance to him. We will become more conscious of His presence operating within as well as through us in our everyday life as we accept Him to transform us. This renewed attitude of thinking about God influences our being:
1. The Mighty Power Of The Lord Is Unparalleled
He urges us to abandon our need to look out for ourselves and entrust our worries to Him. Then, God-fearing humility and thanksgiving for His benefits will prevail. As 1 Peter 5:6-7 teaches, “Submitting to His mighty power can raise you up when the time is right. He cares about you, so put all your worries on him.”
2. The Lord Desires That We Fully Understand Who He Is
He gives us the opportunity to have a meaningful and caring relationship with Him. We will further experience His Divine goodness and mercy if our hearts and souls are in harmony with his.
In line with that, Colossians 3:12 reads, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Although the Lord is absolutely befitting of the name “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” He would never pressure us to worship Him that way. He will establish His perfect authority in our life if we’re determined to let go of our personal need to control.
3. The Lord Become Our Secure Haven
The Lord urged us to approach Him without hesitation and doubt, the same way kids would rush to their earthly father. Our faith and assurance in our Father in Heaven will strengthen as we progress.
The Lord is our fortress and stronghold; he is a constant source of assistance. Therefore, even if the earth crumbles and the mountains collapse into the sea’s core or if the mountains tremble under the sea’s surging surges, we won’t be afraid (Psalm 46:1–3). Also, God created the whole earth and the everlasting kingdom so that His children will have eternal life with Him.
Summary
Many Western scholars have asserted that kingship serves as a “root metaphor” as to how God is characterized in the Holy Scriptures. God’s kingdom must acquire a stronger foundation in our lives if that perspective is even remotely accurate. We come to trust the writer of our tale, our country’s narrative, and all events if our depiction of the Lord as king is complemented by astonishment with admiration at his grandeur and magnificence.
We understand that a widespread awareness of God’s kingdom will deliver “the independence and greatness of His children,” (Romans 8:21) which has a huge influence that defines our lives, wealth, and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean That God Is King?
What it means that God is King is that He reigns with supreme authority and sovereignty over the entire universe, symbolizing His ultimate power and control over all creation.
Why Is God Called The “King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords”?
God is called the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” because He possesses the highest authority and power above all earthly and heavenly rulers, signifying His supreme and unmatched dominion.
What Authority Does God Have As King?
The authority God has as King includes the power to create, sustain, and govern the universe, execute judgment, and redeem His people, reflecting His glory, righteousness, and mercy.
Is God Our King Or Our Father?
God is both our King and our Father, combining His role as the sovereign ruler of the universe with His loving and personal relationship with His children, offering guidance, protection, and care.
What Does It Mean To Us That God Is King Of Kings?
What it means to us that God is King of Kings is that we are called to acknowledge His supreme authority, live in obedience to His will, and find security and purpose in His sovereign rule, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
