THE REIGN OF CHRIST

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1869

THE REIGN OF CHRIST.

Bro. Smith: Will you please answer the following question through the REVIEW: Will Christ reign as king on the earth after the one thousand years? or after he has put all enemies under his feet? Some contend that when Christ has put all enemies under his feet, he returns to the place he had with the Father before the world was, and then the Father becomes all in all, or the Son delivers up the kingdom to the Father. W. E. C.

ANSWER. We think many people mistake in supposing that Christ is the one who puts his enemies under his own feet. The enemies of Christ and his people are put under the feet of Christ by God the Father. See Ps. cx, 1, in connection with 1 Cor. xv, 25. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death; and this takes place when the righteous, the subjects of Paul's argument, are delivered from its power at the resurrection of the just; for as the enemy of the wicked, death never will be destroyed, but will hold them forever in its dominion. While his foes are being subdued under him, Christ is associated with his Father on the throne of universal dominion. Zech. vi, 12, 13; Rev. iii, 21; Eph. i, 20, 21. But when the last enemy, death, is destroyed, at the close of this dispensation, then Christ delivers up to the Father his associated throne of universal dominion which he holds during this dispensation, and takes his own throne. The relation between Christ and his Father is clearly set forth in 1 Cor. xv, 24–28 when read in the only way in which it can be read and make sense, as follows: “Then cometh the end [of this dispensation] when he [Christ] shall have delivered up the kingdom [of associated universal dominion] to God, even the Father; when he [God] shall have put down all rule and all authority and power [that is opposed to Christ,]; for he [Christ] must reign [on the throne of universal dominion with his Father] till he [God] hath put all enemies under his [Christ's] feet. [Ps. cx, 1.] The last enemy [of Christ and his people] that shall be destroyed, is death. For he [God] hath [in purpose, now soon to be done in reality] put all things under his [Christ's] feet. But when he [God] saith, All things are put under him [Christ], it is manifest that he [God] is excepted which did put all things under him [Christ]. And when all things shall be subdued unto him [Christ] then shall the Son [Christ] also himself be subject unto him [God] that put all things under him [Christ] that God may be all in all.” When Christ takes his own throne he reigns a thousand years in the city above, and thereafter on the earth made new forever and ever; for of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke i, 33. Then he is supreme alone over all the universe, excepting only subjection to his Father.