Thanksgiving, a central theme in Christian worship and life, is the act of expressing gratitude to God for His manifold blessings and sovereign rule. Within the Christian tradition, thanksgiving is not only a response to personal blessings but also a recognition of the divine authority and power of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Christ's Power and Authority

The New Testament is replete with affirmations of Christ's power and authority, which are foundational to the Christian faith. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's dominion, encompassing both the spiritual and physical realms. Believers are called to offer thanksgiving for this divine authority, acknowledging that Christ's power is both supreme and benevolent.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, emphasizes the preeminence of Christ: "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). This passage invites believers to recognize and give thanks for Christ's sustaining power over creation, affirming that all things are under His sovereign control.

Christ's Reign

Thanksgiving for Christ's reign is a recognition of His eternal kingship and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. In Revelation 11:15, the heavenly proclamation resounds: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." This prophetic vision assures believers of the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom, prompting a response of gratitude for His righteous and everlasting rule.

The reign of Christ is also a source of hope and encouragement for believers, as articulated in Ephesians 1:20-22: "He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." Thanksgiving is offered for the assurance that Christ's reign is not only present but also future, extending into eternity.

Expressions of Thanksgiving

The Psalms provide a rich tapestry of thanksgiving, often anticipating the messianic reign of Christ. Psalm 95:1-3 invites believers to "come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation. Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods." This call to worship reflects the joy and reverence due to Christ's power and reign.

In the life of the early church, thanksgiving was a vital component of communal worship and individual devotion. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This directive encompasses thanksgiving for Christ's power and reign, recognizing that all circumstances are under His sovereign will.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving for Christ's power and reign is an integral aspect of Christian worship, reflecting a deep-seated acknowledgment of His authority and kingship. Through scriptural affirmations and expressions of gratitude, believers are invited to participate in the divine narrative of redemption and to celebrate the eternal reign of Christ with joy and reverence.Revelation 11:17
Saying, We give you thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which are, and were, and are to come; because you have taken to you your great power, and have reigned.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The victory
... to bear it." He says, "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay ... Now the tempter offered
to yield up the power he ... Should he prevail now, it would be the triumph of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 13 the victory.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... to God every morning, and the thanksgiving to God ... God, who delights that His mercy
should triumph and ... God and the sacrifice which their Judge offered and the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

Another Royal Procession
... her glory periods, her days of thanksgiving, her court ... God what they ought spontaneously
and cheerfully to have offered. ... of Jesus led him, as it should lead us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

V. ...
... man had ever thought of it, He has offered, bestowed, and ... it, but render to Him praise
and thanksgiving, because He ... He has charged us that we should hear Christ ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v 2.htm

Paul, the Teacher of Prayer
... in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your ... to pray, how
business men should pray, and ... Prayer is offered for things, for all things ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xii paul the teacher of.htm

Hezekiah, the Praying King
... was no self-righteous plea which he offered to God ... It was that God should reconsider
and change His mind ... and covers the answer to his prayer with thanksgiving. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vi hezekiah the praying king.htm

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... and earnest prayers, with the most devout thanksgiving; on which ... functions of Christ;
because he hath offered to God the ... 2:10, 11; cx, 3,) who should glory in ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... as the occasion of that day's thanksgiving is yet ... hath brought might things to pass?"
Should not our ... and those other English heroes who offered themselves so ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

section second.
... who still had scrupulous fears about partaking of meats offered to idols ... The whole
Christian life should be a prayer, the prayer of thanksgiving and of ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

The New Covenant.
... and mercy, was excluded from joining in thanksgiving and prayer. ... is said here[174]
that He offered Himself "through an eternal spirit," or, as we should say in ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org

Why doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Thanksgiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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