Why Jesus Reigns Through His Resurrection (and Why It Matters to Us)

One of my favorite songs is “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. Beyond being a great example of 80s music, it touches on a profound truth. Think about something like the human desire to climb mountains, essentially “dominating” parts of the natural world. Over the past six decades, thousands of people have attempted to scale Mount Everest, with about 7,000 successfully reaching the summit. However, this achievement comes at a high cost; around 350 people have lost their lives in the attempt. It shows that while humanity has an inherent urge to rule the world, death and sin stand in our way.

In the Bible, there is a strong connection between God’s kingdom and the hope of resurrection. In the book of Genesis 1–2, God gives life and entrusts humanity with the privilege and responsibility to rule over creation. But after the fall of humanity, people no longer rule as God intended, and death entered the world. Fortunately, the Bible’s narrative doesn’t end with sin and death. God promises redemption (Genesis 3:15), and this promise unfolds from that very verse all the way to Revelation 22:21.

Central to this hope is the belief that one day, God’s people will overcome death and reign over creation as God originally planned. In this article, I will emphasize how the intertwined themes of resurrection and reign are realized in the person and work of Christ. Through his resurrection, Jesus has triumphed over the forces of sin and death, thereby establishing his rule over all of creation.

Resurrection and Kingship

In the life and death of Jesus, there is much to be said about these two themes. Jesus’ arrival signified the coming of God’s kingdom (Mark 1:14–15), and he even declared himself to be “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Moreover, Jesus’ death is linked to his role as the Messiah (1 Corinthians 1:23) and serves as the ultimate sacrifice that brings life to God’s people. But with Jesus’ resurrection, something truly momentous occurred. Peter declared that God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him to his right hand (Acts 2:22–36). Similarly, in Acts 13:16–37, Paul preached that God had raised Jesus and connected his resurrection to his kingship. In both cases, it is clear that Jesus’ resurrection is seen as his coronation.

The apostle Paul further clarifies the connection between Christ’s resurrection and his enthronement. In Romans 1:4, Paul writes that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power… by his resurrection from the dead.” While Jesus’ reign during his crucifixion was characterized by “weakness” (2 Corinthians 13:4), in his resurrection, he reigns as the powerful Son of God. Additionally, in Ephesians 1:20, Paul states that God “raised [Jesus] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” Here, the connection between Christ’s resurrection and his enthronement is so strong that one implies and guarantees the other.

This link between Jesus’ resurrection and kingship is of great significance. God created humanity to rule over creation (Psalm 8), and the author of Hebrews emphasizes that the world to come will be subject to humanity (Hebrews 2:5–8). However, the reality is that currently, not everything is under human control (Hebrews 2:8). Due to sin and death, humanity’s calling to rule over creation has been hindered and frustrated. In fact, because death is the end result of (almost) every life, creation often seems to have power over humanity.

The Victorious One

This is where Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation are crucial. Even though humanity has yet to rule over all things, Jesus is currently “crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9), which is the same description given to humanity at the time of creation (Psalm 8:5). Jesus has this honor because he has conquered death and now reigns. C. S. Lewis once wrote that the New Testament writers describe Christ’s resurrection as if it were the first event of its kind in the entire history of the universe. Jesus is the “first fruits,” the “pioneer of life.” He has opened a door that had been locked since the death of the first man. He faced, fought, and defeated the King of Death. His victory has changed everything, marking the start of the New Creation and the beginning of a new chapter in cosmic history.

In Revelation 1:18, Jesus proclaims, “[I am] the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Through his resurrection, Jesus has overcome sin and death, and as a result, he reigns over creation. And although believers have not yet achieved the full reign over creation as God intended, Jesus’ resurrection and reign have far – reaching implications for those who are united to him by faith.

Looking Forward

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and his reign over all things is wonderful news for those who believe in him. Since Jesus has overcome sin and death, his followers will too. Believers have been freed from the penalty of sin (Romans 8:1) and have already passed from death to life (John 5:24). Because they have been made alive and re – created in Christ (Ephesians 2:1–10; Romans 6:1–14), they are no longer slaves to sin but are now slaves of Christ and servants of righteousness (Romans 6:15–23).

The fullness of salvation will be realized at Jesus’ second coming. Only then will Christians receive their glorified resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35–58) and reign with Christ over the new creation (Revelation 22:5). In light of this, we should keep in mind Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:16–17: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”