The Great Declaration

The great commission is preceded by the great declaration which is followed by the great promise.

1. A self-declaration.
   All glad tidings are in Christ Jesus - the clearer our views of Christ the heartier our service to him - the declaration not fitting to any mere man.
2. A declaration of Jehovah.
   The claims of God as God precede the obligation and are followed by promise - Gen 17 - Jehovah Jesus declares his absolute Lordship.
3. A declaration of absolute sovereignty.
   Christ has the power to determine and power to command subjection.
4. It is a declaration of the Mediator King.
   This power pertains to Christ as Mediator of the covenant of grace - he governs all in the interests of his covenant obligations - his governance and authority over individuals, church and nations - the Covenanters' sufferings attested to the rights of Christ's kingly authority and power over the nations - Christ's power employed in his providential governing of all things until he 'delivers up the kingdom' to his Father.