Daniel and Revelation

Satan was cast out of Heaven because of the exaltation of the “ Son ” destined to “ shepherd the nations .” Jesus is the “ Ruler of the Kings of the Earth ” and his victorious saints reign with him. Their royal status is based on his Death and Resurrection. He is the “ faithful witness ” and the “ firstborn of the dead .” By his blood, he “ freed us from our sins and made a kingdom, priests for his God ” – (Revelation 1:4-6).

Jesus triumphed over Satan and Sin through his Death and Resurrection, therefore, he now reigns from the Messianic Throne . Jesus triumphed over his enemies on the Cross and began his reign as the promised Messianic King following his Death and Resurrection. He is not waiting for some future event before he receives his sovereignty over the nations. Unlike the political powers of this age, he conquered through his sacrificial death rather than tyranny, lies, political manipulation, or violence. It is the Crucified One who now reigns on Mount Zion!

The man who decides to follow Jesus joins his “ Kingdom of Priests ,” and as one of his priestly representatives, the new disciple rules with him, both now and in the future. This understanding raises the question: How, exactly, does a believer participate in the sovereignty of his Lord and exercise his authority? Fortunately, Jesus and Paul have provided us with straightforward answers.

The men purchased from every nation by the Lamb become his priestly witnesses who persevere in their Testimony of Jesus . Men and women redeemed by Jesus join his “ Kingdom of Priests ,” which is tasked with reflecting his light in a hostile world. For overcoming “ saints ,” persecution is not an aberration, but an integral part of being a citizen of God’s Kingdom. To persevere in  “ the Testimony of Jesus ” in affliction is what it means to follow  “ the Lamb wherever he goes .” Every member of his Church is called to be his witness.

The present sovereignty of Jesus is based on his past Death and Resurrection, and His disciples participate in his reign on the Earth. Like him, their position is paradoxical. It is characterized by self-sacrificial service rather than the suppression of unredeemed humanity. The shedding of his blood is what consecrated them as “ priests ,” and priestly service for others IS how they rule with him.