An Exposition of the Assembly's
Shorter Catechism

by

John Flavel

Q26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself; in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Q. 1. How manifold is Christ’s kingdom?
A. Twofold. First, Internal in men’s souls; Luke 17:21. Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Secondly, External, over all the world; Ephesians 1:22. And bath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be Head over all things to the church.

Q. 2. What is the end of Christ’s providential kingdom?
A. The good and salvation of the church; John 17:2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

Q. 3. Wherein doth lie exercise his kingly power?
A. In restraining his, and his people’s enemies; Psalm 76:10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee; the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Q. 4. How else is it exercised?
A. In protecting his church amidst all enemies; Exodus 3:3. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

Q. 5. What instruments doth Christ use?
A. Angels are ministering spirits to him; Hebrews 1:14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation; And men, yea, the worst of men; Revelation 12:16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Q. 6. In what manner doth Christ rule the world?
A. By supreme power; Revelation 19:16. He hath on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. And perfect wisdom; Ephesians 1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.

Q. 7. What learn we from hence?
A. That the church is saved amidst all dangers; Jeremiah 30:11. For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee; though I make a full end of all nations, whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee.

Q. 8. What is the second instruction?
A. That the godly may safely trust to Christ’s care; 2 Chronicles 16:9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself Strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him.

Q. 9. What is the third instruction?
A. That all plots against the church shall surely be defeated; Isaiah 54:17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.

Q. 10. What is the fourth instruction?
A. It gives the saints full satisfaction in all conditions; Romans 8:28. And we know that all things work together, for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.

Q. 11. What is the last inference?
A. We should not stand in a slavish fear of men; Isaiah 51:12. 1, even I am he that comforteth you; who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man, which shall be made as grass.