For if we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. – 2 Timothy 2:11-12
Our Identity in Christ
When we consider the idea of reigning with Christ, we begin to understand our identity as His followers. Being a follower of Christ means that we share in His life, His sufferings, and importantly, His victory. As believers, we have been adopted into God’s family, and this new identity brings both privilege and responsibility. We are not just called to be passive recipients of grace, but we are invited to actively participate in God’s divine plan. This includes reign and rule in our lives through Christ. It is critical for us to hold firmly to this identity, knowing that it shapes our purpose and informs how we live our lives in service to Him.
Romans 8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. – Romans 8:17
Revelation 5:10
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth. – Revelation 5:10
Galatians 3:26-28
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:26-28
Ephesians 2:6
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. – Ephesians 2:6
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
Walking in Authority
As believers, the idea of reigning with Christ goes hand in hand with walking in the authority that He has given us. When Jesus rose from the dead, He declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Because of our relationship with Him, we are empowered to walk out our faith boldly and to act in His name. Together, we can claim the authority over sin, fear, and all evil forces that oppose God’s will. This authority allows us to proclaim His truth, heal the brokenhearted, and declare freedom to the captives. We can rest assured that, through Christ, we have everything we need to live victoriously and purposefully.
Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. – Luke 10:19
Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; – Mark 16:17
1 John 5:4
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. – 1 John 5:4
Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. – Romans 16:20
Living in Hope
The promise of reigning with Christ instills a hope within us that is unshakable. No matter the trials and tribulations we face today, we can rest on the hope found in Christ and the eternal life that awaits us. The struggles of this world are temporary, and our focus should be on the everlasting rewards of being united with Jesus. This hope motivates us to persevere and encourages us to hold on to our faith even when times are tough. We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for us, and when He returns, He will bring us into His glorious kingdom.
Titus 2:13
While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. – Titus 2:13
Romans 5:2
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. – Romans 5:2
Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. – Hebrews 6:19
Revelation 22:12
Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. – Revelation 22:12
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. – Philippians 1:6
Serving Others in His Name
Reigning with Christ also means that we have a call to serve. As Jesus demonstrated through His life, true leadership is found in serving others. We are encouraged to use the gifts and talents we have been given for the benefit of others and to glorify God. Serving isn’t just a task; it’s a way of life that reflects our commitment to Christ and His kingdom. When we reign with Him, we reflect His love, grace, and compassion into the lives of those around us. This service is not bound by earthly limits but is rooted in the eternal perspective of God’s purpose for us.
Matthew 20:26-28
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Matthew 20:26-28
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” – Mark 9:35
John 13:14-15
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. – John 13:14-15
Anticipating His Return
As we reign with Christ, another important aspect is anticipating His return. The Bible assures us that He will come again to fully establish His kingdom. This anticipation is not meant to bring fear, but rather a sense of readiness and excitement for the life that is to come. It encourages us to stay faithful, to witness to others, and to remain on the path that leads us towards eternal life. We can rest openly in the assurance that our King will return, and when He does, we will fully experience His glory and reign with Him forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Matthew 24:30
Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. – Matthew 24:30
Revelation 1:7
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. – Revelation 1:7
Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. – Revelation 3:11
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9
Participating in His Plan
As followers of Christ, we are not just spectators but active participants in His divine plan. God has called each of us to play a role in His kingdom work. Reigning with Christ means we need to engage with the mission that He has entrusted to us, whether at home, in our communities, or globally. The Great Commission challenges us to share the Gospel and to make disciples of all nations. We have a purpose, and it is exciting to think about being part of something bigger than ourselves. Together, we can contribute to the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity, confident that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Final Thoughts
As we explore the concept of reigning with Christ, we discover that it speaks to our identity, authority, and hope in Him. We are called to serve, be diligent in anticipating His return, and joyfully participate in His divine plan. Our journey together is about participating in a greater purpose, where we are empowered to love, serve, and share the incredible news of salvation with the world around us. Each step we take, guided by His Word, moves us closer to fully understanding what it means to reign with Him. Let us embrace this calling and encourage one another as we live out our faith and represent Christ in every aspect of our lives.
There are many inspiring topics that can deepen our understanding and faith. Feel free to explore our collection at Bible Repository and check out the Bible verses about fullness in Christ for additional insights into your faith journey.