Christ: God's anointed, the Messiah, King Jesus

Many people have a first and a last name; it is then assumed that Jesus Christ is the full name of our Lord and Redeemer.  In reality, and according to the scriptures, Christ is not a surname.  The word Christ is derived from the greek word christos which means anointed or anointed one (1).  In the Hebrew, the equivalent is mashiach which is where English gets the word messiah.  The label of Christ after Jesus is more about a title than a name.  The word Christ literally means the "anointed one of God".  To be anointed with oil was the typical course of action for the priests and kings of the old covenant.  Prophets were also occasionally anointed but it traditionally occurred to kings, the "anointed ones".  This explains the meaning behind David's respect for King Saul (1st Samuel 24:6).  Saul was considered to be the Lord's anointed.  Accordingly, "The overriding biblical imagery of the word “Messiah” or “Christ” is that of a king chosen by God" (1).  Much of the Old Testament points to a coming King.  Jesus fulfilled the prophecies in dramatic fashion and "confounded the wise" with His message of the New Kingdom.  Yet, during Jesus ministry and even after his resurrection, many still wondered if he would overthrow the Roman Empire and establish an earthly kingdom (or nation) for the believing Jews (Acts 1:6).  

Jesus most definitely came as a suffering savior and as a conquering King in order to bring the New Covenant to full fruition.  The ministry of Jesus brings us the Kingdom.  The message of Jesus is quite political with new commandments and responsibilities (Matthew 5-7).  The Gospel of salvation requires allegiance to the King of the message itself.  Humans should break ties to former allegiances, namely sin and the world, and embrace the new Kingdom under the Lordship and rule of Jesus.  It's no wonder that the first requirement for becoming a follower of the way is repentance (Matthew 3:2).  

When we properly understand Jesus as the long-awaited and anointed Messiah, we look at the word Christ in a new light.  A better way to think of "Jesus Christ" is to think and speak of "Jesus, the King", "Jesus, the Anointed", or "Jesus, the Messiah".  This will properly exalt the Lord to His rightful headship as "ruler of the nations" (Psalm 22:28).

Of course, at the present time, earthly kingdoms do have their place (Romans 13) but it seems that followers of Jesus should consider themselves the "us" and governments the "them".  We have committed to Jesus as our Ruler.  Our total allegiance is required without compromise.  This is quite possible by the hand of God when we understand the Gospel to be less about "getting saved and going to heaven" and more about leaving this present evil world (Galatians 1:4), dying with Messiah in baptism (Romans 6), and walking in the power of the Spirit (Romans 8 and Galatians 5).  Through this, God writes His laws in our hearts, He dwells with us and walks with us after we become His covenant people (2nd Corin. 6:14-18).  Better understanding Christ to be a glorious and powerful title brings fresh perspective to the New Testament.  

Zion's Harp #12 - Lord Jesus, Thou Art King

v.1   Lord Jesus, Thou art King; At God's right hand Thou reignest.  Thy praise the angels sing; Thy servants Thou sustainest.  The world's release didst Thou upon the cross achieve.  Look down in pity now, its wretchedness relieve.

v.2   Thy gospel free and pure send forth to every nation.  Let all perceive Thy light, and welcome Thy salvation.  Raise up Thy people true; let every tongue and clime sound forth Thy glorious praise, exalt Thy name sublime.

v.3   Let every heart and knee in reverence bow before Thee, and in the very dust in humbleness adore Thee.  Let every tongue confess that God His son did raise to be a Savior, King, unto His Father's praise.

v.5   His glorious rule shall be unending and unbroken.  The scepter of His might, of peace shall be the token.  Ye nations shout for joy; His praise let all proclaim.  Let all the earth bring forth the honor due His name.

v.8   Glory to God on high, To Father, Son, and Spirit, whose faithful children all the Kingdom shall inherit. The host of Thine elect, the heavens broad and free praise Thee, great Trinity, through all eternity.  

(1) http://ourrabbijesus.com/articles/what-does-the-word-christ-actually-mean/