Once again we may ask—how is it that Jesus assumed an…
““Once again we may ask—how is it that Jesus assumed an authority and reign that he did not previously possess? The answer is found in an important distinction. We may distinguish Jesus’ essential dominion or reign from his mediatorial dominion or reign. This is how Ebenezer Erskine and James Fisher, two eighteenth-century Scottish commentators on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, express the difference. Q. 17. How manifold is [Jesus’] kingdom? A. It is twofold; his essential and his mediatorial kingdom. Q. 18. What is his essential kingdom? A. It is that absolute and supreme power, which he hath over all the creatures in heaven and earth, essentially and naturally, as God equal with the Father, Psal. ciii. 19, “his kingdom ruleth over all—” Q. 19. What is his mediatorial kingdom? A. It is that sovereign power and authority in and over the church, which is given him as Mediator, Eph. i. 22.52””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Distinguishes Jesus’ inherent divine authority from the authority He holds as Mediator over the church.
In simple terms: Jesus has two kingdoms: essential and mediatorial.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both divine and mediated authority.
Themes
theology
authority
Christology
Mood
reflective
academic
Type
theological
educational
When to use this quote
- preaching
- biblical study
- faith formation
Key Concepts
divine nature
mediatorial role
church governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do the two kingdoms affect Christian practice?
- What implications does mediatorial authority have today?
A Different Perspective
Complex theological nuance may be hard for lay audiences.