Westminster Wednesday

Let's jump right into #26 this week.

WSC
Q. 26. How does Christ execute the office of a King?
A. Christ executes the office of a King, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Keach's Catechism reads the same.

Westminster Lareger Catechism
Q. 45. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in calling out of the world a people to himself, and giving them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs them; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserving and supporting them under all their temptations and sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and powerfully ordering all things for his own glory, and their good; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know not God, and obey not the gospel.

Let's turn to Matthew Henry for an exposition on this weeks q&a:

1. Is Christ put into the office of a King? Yes: I have set my King upon my holy hill of Sion, Ps. 2:6. Does he execute that office? Yes: he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, Luke 1:33. Is he King as Mediator? Yes: he hath authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man, John 5:27. Is his kingdom a spiritual kingdom? Yes: my kingdom is not of this world, John 18:36.

2. Is Christ universal monarch? Yes: for all power is given to him both in heaven and on earth, Matt. 28:18. Has he a right to rule all? Yes: he is Lord of all, Acts 10:36. Does he rule all? Yes: he is the governor among the nations, Ps. 22:28. Does he rule all for the good of his church? Yes: he is head over all things to the church, Eph. 1:22. Is he in a special manner the church's King? Yes: 0 daughter of Sion, thy King comes, Zech. 9: 9.

3. Does Christ, as a King, subdue his people to himself? Yes: Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, Ps. 110:3. Does he do it by the word of his grace? Yes: he draws with the cords of a man, and with the bands of love, Hos. 11:4. Does he do it effectually? Yes: he makes ready a people prepared for the Lord, Luke 1:17. Does he conquer the opposition of the carnal mind? Yes: for the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, 2 Cor. 10:4. Does he set up his throne in the soul? Yes: bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. 10:5. And does he rule there? Yes: for he writes his law in their hearts, Heb. 8:10.

4. Does Christ, as a King, reign in his church? Yes: The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, Isa 33:22. Does he enact laws? Yes: he gave commandments to his apostles, Acts 1:2. Does he commission officers? Yes: By me kings reign, Prov. 8:15. Does he give judgment? Yes: we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor 5:10. Is homage and allegiance due to him? Yes: for at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, Phil. 2:10. Does he rule in righteousness? Yes; the sceptre of his kingdom is a right sceptre, Ps. 45:6.

5. Does Christ, as a King, protect his subjects? Yes: for he shall be as a hiding place from the wind, Isa 32:2. And does he secure the peace of his kingdom? Yes: for this man shall be the peace, Mic. 5:5. Has he authority to pardon sin? Yes: the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sin, Matt. 9:6. Has he authority to reward services? Yes: I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. 2:10.

6. Does Christ, as King, restrain his enemies? Yes: on this Rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, Matt. 16:18. Will he conquer them at last? Yes: for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet, 1 Cor 15:25. Will he conquer death itself? Yes: the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death, 1 Cor 15:26. Does he count those his enemies that will not have him to reign over them? Yes: Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me, Luke 19:27.

7. Is Christ a merciful King? Yes: he is meek, and having salvation, Zech. 9:9. Is he the poor man's King? Yes: he shall deliver the needy when he cries, Ps. 72:12. Has he a large kingdom? Yes: he shall have dominion from sea to sea, Ps. 72: 8. Have we reason to hope it shall be larger than now it is? Yes: for the kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, Rev. 11:15. Shall it be a lasting kingdom? Yes: his throne shall be as the days of heaven, Ps. 89:29. And when the mystery of God shall be finished, shall the kingdom of the Redeemer be resigned to the creator? Yes: then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the father, 1 Cor 15:24.

8. Ought we to rejoice in Christ's dominion? Yes: Let the children of Sion be joyful in their King, Ps. 149:2. Must we accept him for our King? Yes: Take my yoke upon you, Matt. 11:29. Must we pay tribute to him? Yes: Send ye the Lamb to the ruler of the land, Isa. 16:1. Must we obey him? Yes: for he is the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him, Heb. 5:9.