Who’s Ruling Your Kingdom? (First Love Fire Part 3)
In the heart of Salt Lake City and beyond, the question echoes: Who is ruling over your life? Because who rules truly determines what reigns—life or death.
As we dive deeper into our journey through the book of Ephesians, we come to chapter two with the theme of “First Love Fire” still burning bright. This week we’re looking at a reality that is both sobering and stunning: the power of the resurrection life and what it means for those who choose to follow Jesus.
A Kingdom Divided: The Struggle Between Life and Death
The world is locked in a battle between two kingdoms: the kingdom of life ruled by Jesus, and the kingdom of death ruled by the enemy. The clearest description of this struggle is found in Ephesians 2:1–3 (ESV):
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air... among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."
We all, at one point, walked under the influence of a false king, much like the character Scar from The Lion King. We allowed ourselves to be ruled by deception, selfish desires, and spiritual death. This was our reality—dead in sin, separated from God.
But that’s not where the story ends.
But God: The Turning Point of Grace
There are two of the most beautiful words in all of scripture: But God.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
(Ephesians 2:4–6, ESV)
God doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up. In the depth of our sin, in the middle of our rebellion, He moves with mercy. Grace is not earned; it is received. This is the heartbeat of the gospel: that through Jesus Christ, we can exit the kingdom where death reigns and enter the kingdom where life reigns.
Life Reigns Through a Risen King
Paul teaches us in Romans 5:17 (ESV):
"For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."
Death once reigned—but Jesus overturned the rule of death through His resurrection. Now, all who receive His grace are called not just to live but to reign in life. That’s not reserved for elite believers—it’s the starting line of the Christian life.
Through Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin but empowered to live in freedom. The enemy may have ruled over parts of our story, but through Christ, we can walk into a new chapter where the King of kings is on the throne.
Baptism: The Public Declaration of a Private Resurrection
Baptism is more than a symbol—it is a prophetic act. When someone is baptized, it mirrors the very journey from death to life described in Ephesians. It’s a declaration: I was dead, but now I’m alive with Christ.
Just as Jesus stood outside of Lazarus’ tomb and cried out, “Lazarus, come out,” (John 11:43), He now calls each of us to come out of our graves. And just like Lazarus needed people around him to unwrap his grave clothes, we need a community of faith to walk with us into new life.
We are not saved to live in isolation but to be part of a church that helps us break free from what once bound us.
Remember Who You Are
If you’re struggling to believe this is true for you, remember the voice of the Father echoed through the cinematic parable of The Lion King: “Remember who you are.” You were made to reign with Christ, not live under the weight of death.
Whether you’re watching baptisms or considering your own journey, this is the call—step through the door that Jesus opened. By grace, through faith.
Reflection Questions
What areas of your life still feel ruled by death rather than life? What would it look like to invite Jesus to reign there?
Have you received the free gift of righteousness by grace through faith? If not, what’s holding you back?
In what ways can your community help “unbind” you from old patterns, as you step into the resurrection life of Christ?