The Power and Peril of “Christ is King”
How to Declare and Live Christ’s Kingship with Courage and Grace
The phrase “Christ is King” is everywhere now, surfacing just prior to the 2024 Presidential election as a rallying cry in faith circles and social media feeds alike. What was once a simple affirmation of Christian belief now sits at the crossroads of cultural discourse, religious identity, and even political strategy.
It’s wise to examine the definition, history, and impact of the phrase “Christ is King” with it’s trending online and provoking intense debate. Discussion reveals how even well-intentioned affirmations of faith can become misapplied, misunderstood, or wielded as battering rams if not rooted in biblical truth and humility.
Let’s unpack the meaning and implications of “Christ is King” in today’s context and highlight three points to consider for communities navigating how to use this phrase in both public witness and personal devotion.
“Christ is King”—From Declaration to Application
Traditionally, declaring “Christ is King” is a statement of faith, affirming the sovereignty of Jesus above all earthly rulers, powers, and ideologies. The statement draws from Scripture—Philippians 2:10-11, which states that every knee will bow before Christ—and anchors believers in the promise that God’s justice, grace, and truth will ultimately prevail.
However, context and motive matter. If not critically processed and properly understood, phrases like "Christ is King," while true, can become weapons that twist the minds and hearts of anyone and everyone.
There’s nothing wrong with the phrase being a sword for truth, if used against the proper enemies. But that’s not always the case.
People today, in a world buzzing with identity politics and culture wars, use the phrase as a banner of hope and, mistakenly, as a cudgel in us-vs-them disputes between Christian and Jews, or between Christians of different stripes.
This raises the crucial question: What does “Christ is King” require of us as Christ’s representatives?
The best community of entrepreneurs on social media. Learn how to brand, persuade, and profit from the biggest accounts online. Build and grow your own business today!
Three Keys to Using “Christ is King” in Contemporary Culture
Root the Phrase in Biblical Story
Understand the whole narrative of Scripture, not cherry-picking verses or yanking phrases out of context. God roots Christ's kingship in the redemptive story God is weaving, from the calling of Israel to the new creation found in Jesus. To declare “Christ is King” biblically is to point beyond tribalism and into God’s mission to redeem a fallen world.
Encourage thoughtful Bible study and teaching that connects dots between Christ’s reign and God’s heart for all peoples, avoiding shallow applications.
Guard Against Weaponisation and Division
Don’t use “Christ is King” as a tool to stoke conflict—whether with Jews, secularists, or others. Paul’s olive tree metaphor in Romans 11 is a caution: “Do not become proud, but fear.” The gospel’s message is reconciliation, not self-righteousness.
Approach conversations, especially online, with humility and an open spirit. If the phrase is being used to provoke or alienate, hit pause and clarify your intentions.
Let Christ’s Kingship Shape Character and Mission
Ultimately, saying “Christ is King” is not just about wielding power but about embodying Christ’s rule through service, humility, and sacrifice—mirroring how the King himself served (“His yoke is easy and His burden is light”). We are to seek and care for the weak and lowly. Always remember that His kingdom is not warring against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual powers. They are the ultimate foes.
Let the “Christ is King” drive action. Pursue justice, mercy, and truth. Use Christ’s kingship to inspire service and advocacy for those who are actually vulnerable, not so-called “oppressed” victim groups. We are not called to dominate people or triumph over individuals. We care called to insert the eternal kingdom of Christ into the here and now, countering worldly cultures.
A Strategy for Wise Christian Communication
Echoing the phrase, "Christ is King," across pulpits, social feeds, and headlines, compels Christians to do more than just share slogans. We must amplify Christ’s character—rooted in biblical insight, resistant to misuse, and radiant in love for neighbor and even adversary.
Things to Remember:
Examine context before using faith declarations. Ask, “What story am I telling? Jesus’s or mine?”
Monitor tone and intent. Lead with grace and avoid devolving into tribalism.
Mobilize the phrase for mission. Bless, serve, and defend the dignity of all.
Christ is the alternative to sin, hatred, and death. And to us he says, “Come to me, you who are weary, and I will give you rest….” If we will accept him, that is. The phrase “Christ is King” can be a lamp and a sword, but only if we steward its meaning well.