I. Our lesson is of great interest in the religious world. There are articles and books regarding the "throne of David." There are many emotional appeals that Christ will literally reign upon a throne in Jerusalem. Many texts are used to support such an opinion - but it is false; it cannot stand the test of consistency.
 

II. To believers the truth of Christ on David's throne brings comfort. The image is glorious. The term "throne" literally refers to a governing seat; figuratively it refers to a royal dominion of kingly authority.
 

III. Historically the following facts are found regarding David's throne.

1. Established in Jerusalem in 1047 B.C.
 

2. David sat and ruled for 43 years. After him came Solomon, Rehoboam, and 21 other kinds of Judah down to Zedekiah (587 B.C.). All occupied a literal throne in Jerusalem on Mt. Moriah.
 

3. After Zedekiah's rebellion the throne was vacated and destroyed. For over 600 years it lay in ruins.
 

4. Mention of the throne is found next in Luke 1:30-33. 33 years passed during which Jesus lived His marvelous life. He died a felon's death on the cross, and was buried in a borrowed grave. He was resurrected in spite of Rome's cautious guard.
 

5. In a very brief time Peter stood and announced the enthronement of Jesus as the Christ and Lord (Acts 2:34-36). From the time of this grand proclamation until now, believers have been granted strong hope in the fact that Jesus, as Lord and Christ, now reigns at the right hand of God! His ministry completed, His sacrifices effectual, He now sits and reigns! (1 Timothy 6:15, 16).
 

IV. These indisputable facts need to be emphasized to all believers for the following reasons . . .

Body:

I. The one specific purpose in Christ's life was His enthronement in Heaven.
 

A. Consider Peter's sermon (Acts 2:34).
 

1. "If language has any significance, Peter declared in terms unmistak- able that God Almighty raised up Christ for a definite and specific purpose."

2. "To sit" - carried the idea of purpose. Jesus was raised up for the very purpose of sitting on David's throne.
 

B. We should be most impressed -- the birth, life, miracles, death, and resurrection all served to bring Jesus "to sit" upon David's throne. The enthronement adds meaning and explanation to His life. If He is not on David's throne His life is without meaning!
 

II. The salvation of the world depends upon Him sitting on David's throne.
 

A. This is the fact urged by the Hebrew writer (Hebrews 8:1; Psalm 110:4). If Jesus had not sat down on David's throne, atonement was not possible!
 

B. Acts 15:13-18 -- the same argument is made. The Gentiles are without God and without hope if Jesus is not seated on David's throne.
 

1. "Tabernacle" - lineage, descendants, family. David's family ceased occupying the throne after Zedekiah was exiled.

2. When Christ came, He was raised up in the family of David, enthroned on David's throne in heaven, and offered salvation to ALL men!
 

C. Because of Christ's enthronement the world can be saved today! Thus Peter properly asked for a response Acts 2:20.
 

III. The enthronement guarantees the invincible nature of the Kingdom/church.
 

A. Psalm 89:35-39; Daniel 7:13-15 -- His dominion is everlasting and His Kingdom eternal because He is seated at God's right hand.

B. The throne of David is no longer literal -- it will not be found on the hill of Mt. Moriah; it is eternal as Heaven. Should it still be on earth it could never be eternal for it would share the failings of this world.

IV. The enthronement verified the resurrection of all men.
 

A. 1 Corinthians 15:20 - the "first fruits." "It was he who first came forth triumphant from the confines of the tomb. As the first fruits He has placed himself upon the altar of God." This pictures the ancient requirements of the Hebrews. When the harvest time came, the obligation was to go and gather the first sheaves, the first ripe grain, bring it and offer it upon the altar as a pledge that the entire crop would be gathered. The resurrection of Christ is a solemn, sacred pledge, and a genuine guarantee that all the rest of the human family will be taken from the graves; the sepulchers will be robbed of their victims; and, all be brought at last unto the presence of God.
 

B. The throne of David is now occupied by Jesus Christ and this guarantees the general resurrection of all men! (1 Corinthians 15:56, 57).
 

V. The practical point of Christ on David's throne is very clear.
 

A. IF Christ has not yet ascended to rule and reign at the right hand of God then . . .

1. He cannot be "Lord" for He is not reigning in His Kingdom.
 

2. He cannot be "Christ" for He has not finished sacrifice for sins.

3. He cannot be risen because His resurrection was for His enthrone- ment.
 

4. His invitation for all to accept salvation is a lie for such is not yet available!
 

B. If Christ does not sit upon David's throne then we are of all men the most miserable. But! He does reign; He is at the right hand of God; His sacrifice is finished and its effects available to "whosoever will" (Acts 2:36).
 

Conclusion:

I. "To him as my king at God's right hand, I gladly acknowledge allegiance. I can share that devotion with no other of whom I have ever read. I propose to march under but one flag, and no other banner is to me known save but that of Prince Immanuel, our only potentate, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hence when He speaks I trust that I may ever have a disposition to say, 'thy servant heareth,' and when He bids me move, I hope ever to walk in the light of His Word and rely upon His promise. 

"Friends, it is a great privilege today, a wonderful opportunity that you and I can be called out of darkness and be translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, wherein there is fullness and joy . . . The privilege of that call is based upon the word and authority of our governing, ruling, and reigning King." 
 

II. Christ is sitting on David's throne today. He offers us hope and salvation. Will you seize the opportunity to surrender your life to His will and be saved today? 
 
 

Copyright 1998 by John L. Kachelman, Jr. may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.