There are many evangelicals that do not believe that Jesus is currently reigning as King. They hold this as a future event, however, scripture teaches that Jesus came as a king and lived as a King and even now rules a spiritual kingdom in perfect undisturbed majesty.
The promise of the Messiah having a kingly reign was foretold in the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam 7:14) There would be a king whose reign would last forever and sit on “David’s throne”, also becoming known as the “Son of David”.
Of the three offices, this is the office that is most disagreed about among evangelical churches. Is Jesus currently upon His throne? Is He currently acting as sovereign ruler over this world? Many believe that this will not happen until His second coming.
The implications of this answer also answers other questions, regarding the current work and authority of Satan, the present nature of the Kingdom of God and the nature of evil in and general circumstance in our current world. To put it simply, what or who is has authority over the good and evil of our current day?
Questions to Ask: If Jesus is King over all, then why is there so much tragedy in our world, and why do so many innocent people die?
What does the Bible say?
Are there O.T. verses that clearly indicate that the Messiah would come as a ruling King upon the Throne of David at His birth?
Are there N.T. verses that clearly indicate that Jesus would come as a ruling King, and that He is currently ruling?
Preincarnate Promises
Isaiah 9:6,7
2 Samuel 7:12,13 – God promised David that, when David had died, God would set up his descendant, establish his kingdom, establish his throne.
Psalm 132:11; 89:3,4
Psalm 110:1-4 – A Psalm of David that all agree refers to the Messiah [cf. Matt.22:41-46].
Luke 1:31-33 – The angel promised Mary that her Son Jesus would receive the throne of David, reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom would have no end.
Matthew 2:2 – The wise men said Jesus was born King of the Jews.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry
John 1:49,50 – Early in Jesus’ ministry, Nathanael said to Him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Matthew 21:5,9,15 – Jesus still spoke as if He came the first time to be King. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of how the king would come (v5; cf. Zech 9:9).
Matthew 27:11; John 18:37 – Even when on trial before Pilate, Jesus admitted he had come to be a king. (“Thou sayest,” means “It is as you say” – Luke 22:70,71; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:3
Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus claimed He had all authority in heaven and on earth, so all nations must be taught to obey all His commands.
After Jesus’ resurrection and the teaching of the Epistles
Acts 2:30-36
1 Corinthians 15:25,26 see Psalm 110,
Ephesians 1:20-23
How does the Rule of Jesus affect these areas?
The present work of Christ
The role of Satan in our world today and for the future
The Kingdom of God and the nature of the kingdom
The effect upon my life presently in prayer, promises, and during trials
The future of world events