Purchaser | Possessor | Potentate
Jesus Christ stands as the divine Purchaser who, through His sacrificial death on the cross, redeemed humanity from the bondage of sin and death, paying the ultimate price with His own blood to buy back what was lost in Eden (1 Peter 1:18-19). As the Possessor, He claims ownership over those He has redeemed, sealing believers as His treasured possession with the Holy Spirit, ensuring their eternal security and inheritance in His realm (Ephesians 1:13-14). In His eternal Kingdom, Jesus reigns supreme (Potentate) as the King of kings, the sovereign Lord who establishes justice, peace, and righteousness, inviting the faithful into intimate fellowship and authority under His rule (Revelation 19:16, 1Timothy 6:15). For the believing Christian, this unfolds as a profound progression: first, embracing redemption as purchased slaves set free from sin’s tyranny; then, surrendering(regeneration) to His possession as beloved children adopted into God’s family; and ultimately, advancing to co-heirs and co-rulers in His Kingdom, where faith matures into eternal reign alongside the risen Christ, transforming earthly pilgrims into victorious participants in His divine glory (Romans 8:17; Revelation 5:10).
PURCHASER – Redemption – Accomplished at the Cross (SAVIOUR)
- 1 Peter 1: 18-19. Purchased with the precious blood of Jesus
- 1 Corinthians 6: 20. Bought at a price
- Revelation 5: 9. His blood purchased us from every tribe, language and nation
- Acts 20: 28. Bought the church with His blood
- Ephesians 1: 7. Redemption through His blood
POSSESSOR – Regeneration – Working of the Holy Spirit (LORD)
- Acts 20: 28. Redemptive ownership
- Romans 8: 1, John 17: 6-12. Spiritual union
- John 10: 28-29. Protection and Guidance
- Ephesians 1: 18. Covenant relationship
- Romans 10: 9. Jesus as Lord of His People
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Not your own anymore
- For further study: John 10:14-16, 27-29, Ephesians 1:13-14, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 28:18-20
The Greek word κύριος (kyrios) is commonly translated as “Lord”, “master”, or “owner“, ”possessor” in English. It is frequently applied to Jesus, emphasising His divine authority, ownership, and lordship, particularly in His relationship with His people. In the Old Testament “kyrios” translates YHWH (Philippians 2:9-11 cites Isaiah 45: 23.) underscores Jesus as the divine Possessor whose lordship extends to all creation including His people in the present age.
POTENTATE – Reign established (KING OF KINGS)
1 Timothy 6:15. “which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,”.
Potentate is a word to describe Jesus Christ’s role in the future kingdom rule. It signifies a ruler with supreme power and authority, aligning with His depiction as the sovereign King in God’s kingdom, emphasising His ultimate dominion and leadership in the Messianic Kingdom. This term captures His role as the authoritative ruler who will govern with divine justice, righteousness, and power, as described in Revelation 19:16 and Isaiah 9:7.
Application:
- Believers belong to Him, not to themselves or the world, shaping their identity and purpose (Galatians 2:20).
- His ownership provides assurance of salvation, as no one can “snatch” His people from His hand (John 10:29).
- His possession calls for a response of faithfulness, as His people are set apart to reflect His character and mission. (1 Peter 2:9).
- We are being prepared for a greater purpose. “Be aware”, “Be faithful”, and “Endure to the end”.