📖 Biblical Definition
The exercise of royal rule; in Scripture, the present, exalted reign of Christ at the right hand of the Father (1 Cor 15:25, he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet); the millennial reign of Christ on earth (Rev 20); and the eternal reign of saints with Him (Rev 22:5, they shall reign for ever and ever). Believers do not aspire to the throne; they are made co-heirs of it.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
REIGN, v.i.
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1. To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority; to rule; to govern as a king or other supreme ruler. 2. To prevail; to predominate; to be predominant.
📖 Key Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:25 — "For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet."
Romans 5:17 — "They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."
Revelation 20:6 — "They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
Revelation 22:5 — "They shall reign for ever and ever."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often expects to be ruled rather than reign; Romans 5:17 says we reign in life now.
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Romans 5:17 is one of the most under-preached verses in the New Testament: they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. The verse is present-tense reign. Saints who have received the abundance of grace are not slaves to circumstance, sin, or the spirit of the age; they reign in life through Christ.
Modern Christianity often expects to be ruled by the news cycle, the diagnosis, the addiction, the cultural pressure. The verse pushes back. The same man who once reigned over you (Adam, sin, death) has been deposed at Calvary; the saint reigns now under Christ in life, and will reign forever in glory. Walk like a king. Christ does not save His people to keep them mid-level employees of the kingdom; He raises them to thrones. The reign begins now.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek basileuo (G936); Hebrew malak (H4427).
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Usage
"Modern Christianity expects to be ruled; Romans 5:17 says we reign in life now."
"Christ does not save His people to keep them mid-level employees; He raises them to thrones."
"The reign begins now; the consummation is forever."