Read: John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 John 1:1-4; Phil. 2:9-11
King of Kings and Lord of Lords. When Jesus comes again, what is it above all else that earns him the title of King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
- Certainty of the King’s return: John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 John 1:1-4: What is it that gives us the greatest possible confidence in the return of Jesus: The words of Jesus himself, the words of the angelic visitors to the disciples, or the testimony of the disciples about their Lord? Is the answer likely to be different for different people? To what extent is our confidence in his return bound up with our confidence in the Bible as the Word of God?
- Timing of the Lord’s return: 2 Peter 3:8; 1 Thess. 5:1-2. Should Christians be speaking of specific events or of constant preparedness when they point to the King’s return?
- Surprises at the Lord’s return: Matt. 7:21-23. Is it possible to be ready for the King’s return and not know it? Is it possible to think that one is ready, but to actually be unprepared? How is it possible to speak of assurance of salvation (and to know assurance) in the light of the possibility that we may think we are part of his family but actually are not?
- Cosmic confession: Phil 2:9-11. What is it about Jesus that will lead the entire universe to acclaim him king?
- The controversy ended: Revelation 5:13. The hymn of praise in Revelation 5 forms the heart of those stirring words which conclude Ellen White’s book, The Great Controversy:
And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:13.
The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love. – The Great Controversy, 678.
