one of the three great relations which Jesus sustains to his people, namely, as prophet, priest, and king, and to which he was solemnly inaugurated at his baptism by John. (See ANOINTING). It is by virtue of this that he became head of the Church, which is the sphere of his realm. (See KINGDOM OF GOD). This is that spiritual, evangelical, and eternal empire to which he himself referred when interrogated before Pontius Pilate, and in reference to which he said, " My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36-37). His empire, indeed, extends to every creature, for " all authority is committed into his hands, both in heaven and on earth," and he is " head over all things to the Church;" but his kingdom primarily imports the Gospel Church, which is the subject of his laws, the seat of his government, and the object of his care, and, being surrounded with powerful opposers, he is represented as ruling in the midst of his enemies. This kingdom is not of a worldly origin or nature, nor has it this world for its end or object (Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 4:20). It can neither be promoted nor defended by worldly power, influence, or carnal weapons, but by bearing witness unto the truth, or by the preaching of the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Its establishment among men is progressive, but it is destined at last to fill the whole earth (Daniel 2; Revelation 11:15). Its real subjects are only those who are of the truth, and hear Christ's voice; for none can enter it but such as are born from above (John 3:3-5; Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:15), nor can any be visible subjects of it but such as appear to be regenerated by a credible profession of faith and obedience (Luke 16:16; Matthew 20:28-34). Its privileges and immunities are not of this world, but such as are spiritual and heavenly; they are all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). Over this glorious kingdom death has no power; it extends as well to the future as the present world; and though entered here by renewing grace (Colossians 1:13), it is inherited in its perfection in the world of glory (Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 15:50; 2 Peter 1:11). Hypocrites and false brethren may indeed insinuate themselves into it here, but they will have no possible place in it hereafter (Matthew 13:41; Matthew 13:47-50; Matthew 22:11-14; Luke 13:28-29; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:21; Revelation 21:27). Its rule is one of love (Tholuck, Sermon on the Mount, i, 103). (See CHRIST, OFFICE OF).