Is Jesus Reigning Now — or Is That Still Future?
Many Christians say Jesus is ruling right now from David’s throne. But is that truly what the Bible teaches?
Let’s examine the difference between His present heavenly reign and His future earthly kingdom, and what this means for Israel, prophecy, and the nations.
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1. YES — Jesus is Now Reigning in Heaven
Matthew 28:18
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
After His resurrection, Jesus was exalted and given all authority — but He has not yet exercised that authority over the rebellious world.
Hebrews 1:3
“After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
He is seated in victory — but seated, not reigning over the nations with a rod of iron.
Acts 2:33–35
“Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God… the Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’”
That means the full reign is still future.
Revelation 3:21
“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
Jesus is now on the Father’s throne. His own throne — the throne of David — comes later.
His priestly ministry continues in heaven, but His kingly reign on earth has not begun.
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2. But NO — Jesus is Not Yet Reigning from David’s Throne on Earth
Luke 1:32–33
“The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
This was not fulfilled at His first coming . The throne of David is in Jerusalem, not heaven.
Isaiah 9:6–7
“For to us a child is born… and the government shall be upon his shoulder… Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom.”
Jesus was born — yes. But is the government upon His shoulders now? Is there peace without end? Has He taken David’s throne? Clearly not.
Revelation 11:15
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
This occurs at the 7th trumpet — after judgment has begun. The full transfer of earthly rule is future.
Revelation 20:4
“They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
This is the Millennial Kingdom — and it is yet to come. If Christ is reigning now, where is the resurrection, where is the 1,000 years, and where is the peace?
Jesus is not yet reigning on David’s throne. Satan is not yet bound.
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Refuting the “Kingdom Now” and Amillennial Claims
Jesus is not ruling the nations with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:9; Rev. 2:27).
Satan is not bound in the abyss (Revelation 20:1–3) — he still prowls (1 Peter 5:8).
The world is not filled with peace or knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11:9).
The wolf is not dwelling with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6).
Jesus is not sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem — yet.
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What Is Jesus Doing Now?
Interceding for us as High Priest (Hebrews 7:25)
Preparing a place for us (John 14:2–3)
Waiting for the Father’s timing (Hebrews 10:13)
Building His Church (Matthew 16:18)
He is seated in majesty — but His earthly reign begins when He stands (Isaiah 3:13) and returns in glory.
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So When Will He Reign on Earth?
At the Second Coming.
Then He will fulfill all the prophecies of:
• Ruling from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2–4)
• Reigning over Israel and the nations (Zechariah 14:9)
• Restoring peace and justice (Isaiah 9:7)
• Sitting on David’s throne (Luke 1:32)
• Shepherding the nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 19)
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“Jesus is enthroned in heaven, but not yet installed on earth. His kingdom is coming — and the whole world will know it.”
— Dr. David Jeremiah
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Jesus is coming to reign — visibly, powerfully, gloriously — from Jerusalem.
Bow now in worship — or bow later in terror. But every knee will bow.
(Philippians 2:9–11)
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