To be sure, there is a distinction between the present time, the interregnum, and that period after his return, the judgment, and consummation of all things. We do not see every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil 2:10–11; Rom 14:11). As Hebrews 2:8 says, presently, “we do not see everything under subjection to him” but when he returns we shall see it. Here’s the distinction. Christ is presently sovereign over all things. Nothing happens without his royal decree or permission. Nothing is outside his providence.

Last time we looked briefly at some of the reasons some evangelicals (Dispensationalists) have had difficulty with the biblical and historic Christian doctrine that Jesus is presently reigning over all things and particularly his church. That view is in contrast to the Reformed confession in Heidelberg Catechism 50

50. Why is it added: “And sits at the right hand of God”?

Because Christ ascended into heaven for this end, that He might there appear as the Head of His Church, by whom the Father governs all things.

Dispensationalism generally exists outside the Reformed churches but there is within Reformed churches another, more subtle, objection to the notion that Jesus is presently reigning and that comes from those who affirm that Christ is reigning now but after future developments (e.g., conversion of the nations, the affirmation by political leaders and governments of Christ as Lord) then Jesus will be truly reigning. In contrast to such a view and to any other view that might suggest that Jesus is not truly ruling and reigning now, we should think that Jesus is as much a king now as he shall ever be before his bodily return. The biblical evidence is overwhelming that Scripture wants Christians to understand that Jesus is presently seated and reigning in royal power and glory. He testified to his kingship before the high priest:

And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?” (Matt 26:63–68; ESV).

The irony here was that they really were mocking the King of kings. That he allowed them to abuse him thus was a greatest demonstration of his forbearance and grace toward sinners. Now is the time of salvation and free acceptance with God. When he returns, that time shall have ended.

He testified to his disciples, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62; ESV). In the interregnum “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (Luke 22:69; ESV). Paul says, in his resurrection, the Father seated his Son as King, at the right hand.

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