God promised David that one of his descendants would set on his throne (2 Samuel 7:12-14). Then, God told David that He would "establish the throne of his kingdom forever." (Vs. 13) Thus, when David's descendant was on his throne, he would be on the throne of his kingdom, reigning over his kingdom. Isaiah repeated the promise in 2 Samuel 7:13 (Isaiah 9:6-7), and he likewise made it clear that when this One would be "upon the throne of David," he would also be "over His kingdom." The One who would be reigning upon David's throne would, at the same time, be reigning over His kingdom.

Jesus Christ was promised the throne of David (Luke 1:31-33) and was raised up to sit upon it (Acts 2:29-31). After He ascended into heaven, Jesus sat down on that throne (Hebrews 8:1; Revelation 3:21). We must, therefore, conclude that when Christ ascended, He sat down on the throne and began reigning over His kingdom.

At the same time He sat and ruled upon His throne, Christ would also be a priest (Zechariah 6:12-13). He became the high priest when He sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 8:1; 10:11-12). Furthermore, Christ was to receive the kingdom when He received dominion and glory (Daniel 7:13-14). He received dominion and glory when He went into heaven and sat down at God's right hand (1 Peter 3:22; Luke 24:26; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:21). Christ, therefore, began to reign over His kingdom when He ascended back to the Father and sat down on the throne.

Daniel saw a vision of the Christ coming in the clouds to the Ancient of days, and there was given to Him dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). In one of His parables, Jesus said, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return." (Luke 19:12) Thus, Jesus went in the clouds of heaven (His ascension); to a far country (heaven); came to the Ancient of days (the Father); and received dominion, the kingdom, and glory. He will return (the second coming) to render to all according to their works.

Some think that Christ could not have begun His reign after His ascension because He did not put down the wicked kingdoms. However, Christ hasn't yet conquered all His enemies because the day of His wrath hasn't yet come (Psalm 110:1-5; see also Psalm 2:7-12). In Acts 13:31-33, Paul confirmed that Psalm 2 refers to the reign of Christ. All those who do not willingly serve Christ are considered to be His enemies, and He will pour out His wrath on them at His second coming (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Now is the accepted time to take refuge in Christ, for a great day of wrath is coming (Romans 2:5). Christ will continue to reign until all His enemies are subdued. "For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet." (1 Corinthians 15:25) "... But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool." (Hebrews 10:12-13)

Many in the religious world are confused about the kingdom. Most believe it is yet to come and, when it does, will exist on earth for 1,000 years. Yet, the words of the prophets and apostles clearly show that the kingdom began on the Day of Pentecost. How can people be so misled? It goes back to what is written in this issue's previous articles-failure to rightly divide God's word. The kingdom is here; we are part of it; and He is reigning now-not at some future time. (KMG)