Now to the King eternal…
Summary: Paul’s praise of God begins with two words that are critical for understanding God’s power and authority: “King” and “eternal.”
With these words, “Now to the King eternal …” Paul begins a sentence that has been used by churches around the world as a model of praise for God.
It is a powerful sentence. The full passage reads, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
We will walk through this passage in parts, beginning with the first five words. The phrase “King eternal” has two interesting components.
The word “King” describes the highest and absolute authority in a kingdom. A worldly kingdom is defined by geographic boarders maintained by military power. In the ancient world, small kingdoms would occasionally band together to fight against larger kingdoms.
God’s kingdom is different.
There are no physical boundaries for God’s kingdom. The kingdom is spiritual in nature, but that doesn’t mean it is not concerned with the physical realities of this world. In fact, God owns the world and everything in it.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…” (Psalm 24:1)
So we all belong to God, but not all of us accept his kingship and authority. Because of our sin, our rebellion and God’s authority, Jesus had to die.
Which brings us to the “eternal” part.
What does it mean to be “eternal?” The Bible defines it this way:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Eternal life is to be with Jesus — eternally (Romans 6:23). The question that follows next is “Where are we now?”
If we are in relationship with Jesus, we know how good life is. God’s Holy Spirit fills us with peace and a kind of joy that defies worldly description. That is what we have to look forward to forever.
For those who reject God’s kingship and authority, there is a different outcome. God generously allows us to live in rebellion in this life and pretend there will be no consequences. Such people believe that when they die, the lights go out, never to go on again. But that is not what the Bible tells us will happen.
In the parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus paints a picture of what eternal rejection of God’s Son looks like:
“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Matthew 22:13)
Application: Honor the King!
Food for Thought: How do we know if we are in good standing with the King?
It is a good question because if we base our “knowing” on our feelings or on our actions as “proof”, then we are heading down a road that leads to either despair or pride.
Our standing before the King is defined by our faith in Jesus Christ. If we reject Jesus Christ then we accept the righteous judgement of God. If we place our faith in Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice that has capitulated God’s wrath, and make Him Lord of our life, then we are in good standing with God. Placing our faith in Him is continuous submission to Him. It is not a “one-time” profession. It doesn’t mean we won’t fail, it means by God’s grace we are given the opportunity to repent and grow. A heart in good standing with the King is one that seeks God’s Will, recognizes and turns from sinful desire, and invites the transformative power made possible through Christ to do God’s Will. Our perseverance of trust, faith, and obedience pleases God, but Christ must be the foundation of our “knowing” of our standing, otherwise we are placing trust in something that is untrustworthy.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
James 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Hebrews 10:35-38
35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
Thank you, Chris.
“Placing our faith in Him is continuous submission to Him. It is not a ‘one-time’ profession.”
Very well said!
Well said brother.
How do we know if we are in good standing with the King?
We know we are in good standing with the king when His word is the foundation of our lives. When our first response to every situation is “what would Jesus do?”
Psalms 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
1 Corinthians 16:14, Do everything in love.
As believers, we have exercised our God given free will, and by choice rejected the ways of this world as we chose Life in obedience to His will over our own. Living this life is a daily, at times, moment by moment alignment of our thoughts and actions with His Word.
We daily feed our spirits with His word and moment by moment compare our actions and thoughts with His living truths as expressed in His eternal word. We seek to live in His peace, in alignment with His will for our lives, and share this peace with others as the opportunities present themselves.
We are a people with God given insight and purpose, surrounded by the lost whom God will according to His will bring into our sphere of influence. He will provide us with questions which will direct the conversation and at the very least provoke thoughts of righteousness, and possibly questions like “ How can I be like you”?
Our calling is to seek life in Christ and possibly one day be declared a good and faithful servant.
Thank you, Ron!
“Our calling is to seek life in Christ …”
It really boils down to knowing Jesus personally, doesn’t it?
🙂