--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Once again we may ask—how is it that…" description: "\"“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 dist..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a1/guy-prentiss-waters-88637_heaven-and-earth_once-again-we-may-ask-how-is-it-that-jes_1012880.jpg" --- # 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…” quote by Guy Prentiss Waters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a1/guy-prentiss-waters-88637_heaven-and-earth_once-again-we-may-ask-how-is-it-that-jes_1012880.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a1/guy-prentiss-waters-88637_heaven-and-earth_once-again-we-may-ask-how-is-it-that-jes_1012880.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a1/guy-prentiss-waters-88637_heaven-and-earth_once-again-we-may-ask-how-is-it-that-jes_1012880.jpg) > ““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”” [Guy Prentiss Waters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-prentiss-waters/) ## 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Essential Dominion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/essential-dominion-2210947/) [Essential Kingdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/essential-kingdom-2210944/) [Heaven and earth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven-and-earth/) [Jesus Kingdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jesus-kingdom-298303/) [Mediatorial Dominion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediatorial-dominion-2210946/) [Mediatorial Kingdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediatorial-kingdom-2210945/) [Supreme power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/supreme-power/) ## Related quotes > [“Evangelism is essential in the kingdom-focused church. It is a sign that the church leaders and members are spiritually sound. 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