Yes, Christ is Currently King. Here's Why.

It is possible to read Ephesians 2:8-10 and Titus 3:5-8 and still reject Paul’s clear teaching of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. Rare, but possible. In fact, I’ve seen it done before my very eyes.

In the same way, it is possible to read Acts 2:24-36 and still reject Peter’s clear teaching that Christ is currently reigning as David’s promised successor. Difficult as it may be to believe, I’ve seen that done, too.

Finding myself in Acts 2 this week, I will take the opportunity to clearly explain why this is Peter’s clear teaching. I’m going to demonstrate why this is not ‘an interpretation’ of Peter’s words, but the blatant crux of his speech. This is what he’s arguing for, and that’s why it’s so outrageous.

Premise 1

Peter explicitly connects Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to David’s prophecy (Acts 2:24-31, citing Psalm 16 and 132:11).

• He argues that David’s prophecy couldn’t be about David himself because David’s body was, at that moment, compost (Acts 2:29).

• As such, David’s prophecy pertains to the promised Messiah, his descendant.

• This ‘occupying of David’s throne’ was prophesied as something that would involve resurrection and exaltation, as David connected it directly to the incorruptibility of the Messiah’s body (Acts 2:30-31).

Premise 2

Peter explicitly identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of David’s prophecy through his resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand (Acts 2:32-33).

• Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to the Father’s right hand are presented by Peter as the definitive proof that David’s prophecy has been fulfilled.

• He states clearly: “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God…” (Acts 2:33), directly linking Jesus’ current exalted position with David’s throne promise.

Premise 3

Psalm 110:1 is given as proof of the Messiah’s heavenly kingship (Acts 2:34).

• Therefore, the promised “Davidic throne” could not be earthly, nor was it intended to remain earthly after fulfillment.

• The throne of David is the throne of Yahweh (1 Chron 29:23), which belongs in heaven (Isa 66:1), and was only brought down to earth because of the hardness of Israel’s heart (1 Samuel 8:7).

Conclusion

Putting all of this together, we arrive at an undeniable conclusion:

1. God raised Jesus from the dead (v24).

2. This fulfilled David’s prophecy in Psalm 16 (v25-28).

3. David gave this prophecy in response to the promise of Psalm 132:11 – that the Messiah would sit on his throne (v30-31).

4. The fulfilment of all this was Christ’s resurrection and exaltation, and Psalm 110:1 proves it (v32-35).

The icing on the cake is v36:

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ — this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Being “made Christ”, to the Jews, meant being “made king” (see Lk 23:2-3). That’s that. These are the facts.

If you are seeing this for the first time, then it is incumbent upon you to be “pierced to the heart” and ask “what should I do?” (see v37). The answer is: repent of your sins, and submit to the absolute Lordship of Christ through baptism, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (v38).