How Does God’s Kingship Demand Our Allegiance Above All Rivals? (Kingship)
The kingship of God is one of the most central truths of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, God is portrayed as the sovereign ruler whose throne governs heaven and earth. His kingship is not derived from human approval but from His inherent right as Creator. Because He made all things, all things owe Him allegiance. As Psalm 103:19 declares, “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.”
Yet the reality of sin means God’s kingship is contested. Humanity’s rebellion gave rise to rival powers—false gods, sinful desires, and Satan’s dominion—that resist His authority. In response, God acts in history to assert His kingship, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death through the cross and resurrection. Those who willingly bow before His reign are welcomed as citizens of His Kingdom, while those who resist will be brought to acknowledge His rule in judgment.
Understanding God’s kingship is essential for Christian faith and practice. It calls for total allegiance above all rivals and defines our identity as subjects of the King. For those seeking to see how this attribute connects with the broader character of God, see the Attributes of God.
This article will explore three central truths: (1) God’s kingship is grounded in His role as Creator, (2) God’s kingship is revealed in Christ’s victory, and (3) God’s kingship demands our allegiance as participants in His Kingdom.
1. God’s Kingship Grounded in Creation
God’s kingship is first established by creation itself. Because God created the heavens and the earth, He has absolute rights over all that exists. Revelation 4:11 praises God in this way: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
This kingship extends over every sphere of life. The whole cosmos is the realm of His dominion, and no part of creation lies outside His authority. Even the forces of nature obey His commands (Psalm 29:10). His kingship is not partial or limited; it is absolute.
However, the fall of humanity introduced resistance to this kingship. Adam and Eve’s disobedience represented treason against the King. From that point forward, creation has groaned under rebellion, and humanity has been tempted to give allegiance to idols rather than to the true King. Yet God’s right to rule remains unchanged. His kingship is not diminished by rebellion; it is exercised in subduing rebellion.
2. God’s Kingship Revealed in Christ’s Victory
The decisive revelation of God’s kingship comes through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Father sent His Son not only to save sinners but to establish His reign by defeating the powers of darkness. At the cross, Christ triumphed over Satan, sin, and death, disarming rulers and authorities and putting them to open shame (Colossians 2:15). The resurrection confirmed His victory, raising Him as King of kings and Lord of lords.
This kingship requires a response. Philippians 2:10–11 declares that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Some will confess in willing allegiance, while others will be compelled to acknowledge His authority in judgment. Either way, His kingship will be universally recognized.
The church serves as the present “headquarters” of God’s Kingdom on earth. Though the fullness of His reign awaits the future, the church is enlisted in spiritual warfare against Satan’s domain. Believers live under the lordship of Christ, declaring through word and deed that Jesus is King. Our worship, obedience, and mission proclaim His kingship to the world.
3. God’s Kingship Demands Our Allegiance
Because God is King, His authority demands ultimate allegiance. No rival—whether nation, ideology, family loyalty, or personal desire—can claim first place in our hearts. Jesus made this clear when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Allegiance to the King comes before every other commitment.
This allegiance is both personal and corporate. Individually, believers are called to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). Corporately, the church participates in the kingship of Christ by grace. Revelation 5:10 describes the redeemed as a people made “a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” God’s kingship is not only about His rule over us but about our participation in His reign, as we are conformed to the image of His Son.
Ultimately, allegiance to God’s kingship means recognizing that all creation exists for His pleasure and glory. Romans 11:36 proclaims, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” When we give our allegiance to the King, we align ourselves with the very purpose of creation itself.
Conclusion
God’s kingship demands our allegiance above all rivals because He alone is Creator, Redeemer, and Lord. His kingship is grounded in His right as Creator, revealed in Christ’s victory over evil, and experienced by the church as the outpost of His Kingdom.
For believers, this attribute is not abstract but intensely practical. It redefines our identity, shapes our priorities, and calls us to resist rival allegiances. The Gospel itself is a declaration of kingship—Jesus Christ is Lord. His reign is already present and will one day be fully revealed when every rival is subdued.
The kingship of God is both comfort and challenge: comfort, because we belong to a King whose reign cannot be shaken; challenge, because this reign demands nothing less than our total allegiance.
Bible Verses About God’s Kingship
Psalm 103:19 – “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.”
Revelation 4:11 – “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things.”
Psalm 29:10 – “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.”
Philippians 2:10–11 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Colossians 2:15 – “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Luke 9:23 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Revelation 5:10 – “You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Revelation 19:16 – “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
