Episode Summary:

Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung
Episode: What Are the Reigns of Christ and the Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church?
Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Kevin DeYoung (A)
Producer: Crossway

Overview

In this episode, Kevin DeYoung explores two key theological concepts within the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology):

1. The distinction between the essential reign and the mediatorial reign of Christ.
2. The doctrine of the spirituality of the Church.

DeYoung discusses how these doctrines help Christians understand the church’s responsibilities and boundaries in the world, especially regarding public witness, the intersection of faith and culture, and involvement in societal and political matters.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Essential vs. Mediatorial Reign of Christ

[00:45 – 09:45]

• Definition and Context:

  • DeYoung introduces Abraham Kuyper’s famous statement:
    “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is Lord over all, does not exclaim ‘Mine.’” [01:09]
  • Discusses Kuyper's idea of “sphere sovereignty”—the belief that different areas of human activity (state, church, family, etc.) should operate independently under God’s overarching rule.

• Key Distinction:

  • Essential Reign: Christ’s sovereign rule as Divine Logos over all creation, by virtue of his deity and providence.
  • Mediatorial Reign: Christ’s unique rule over the Church as the God-man, secured through his redemptive work—focused on the community of the redeemed.

• Theological Implications:

  • The Church is not just a subset of Christ’s universal rule—it is central to God’s kingdom purposes:
    “We don’t want to de-center the church as what God is doing in the world. It is, to put it positively, at the very center of his plan in the world.” [07:33]
  • Christ’s dominion over all (“kingdom of power”) exists to advance his reign of grace (“kingdom of grace”), not the other way around.

• Practical Applications:

  • The way Christ’s lordship is exercised differs according to the context:
    “We should not expect that because every square inch belongs to Christ, the kingdom of this world has already become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. That’s yet to happen.” [08:45]
  • Earthly kingdoms answer to Christ, but his kingdom is not itself an earthly, political nation.

• Notable Quote:

  • "If anything, Christ’s essential reign exists for the advancement of his mediatorial reign." [07:10]

2. The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church

[09:45 – 14:58]

• Origins and Misunderstandings:

  • The doctrine has been misunderstood—sometimes seen as a way for Christians or the church to avoid addressing social justice issues such as slavery or, more broadly, anything “political.”
  • Points to historical debates (e.g., Hodge vs. Thornwell, North vs. South during American slavery debates).

• Clarifications:

  • Spirituality of the church is not an excuse for silence on every contentious issue:
    “It’s not to say that Christians, or the church even…have to be silent on issues that are debated as political issues.” [11:31]
  • The church ought not to “meddle” in civil affairs, per the Westminster Confession, except in extraordinary cases or when advice is requested by civil authorities.

• Practical Wisdom:

  • The church should recognize its limits in expertise and authority:
    “The church does not have expertise in everything. When the church ventures to speak in a way that is beyond its purview and its authority in the Word of God, it dilutes its authority in other areas.” [13:40]
  • The doctrine serves as a warning to remain focused on gospel priorities and avoid overextending into political activism.
  • Properly applied, the doctrine preserves the church’s unique spiritual mission—without forbidding participation or counsel on issues where biblical clarity exists (such as justice concerns).

• Notable Quote:

  • “In an era where everything is politicized, this doctrine, wisely administered, can be a helpful antidote to many of the controversies that plague the church today.” [14:37]

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Kuyper’s legacy and wisdom for today:
  • “These public schools are becoming modernist schools. They’re not non-sectarian. There is no neutrality. That’s one of his famous ideas picked up by many others.” [03:14]
• Regarding the centrality of the church:
  • “Christ has been made head over all things to the Church, so all things have been placed under his feet for the welfare and triumph of the Church, which is his body.” [07:52]
• On the risk of misapplication:
  • “The spirituality of the Church certainly can be abused. People could hide behind it. And yet I think for many, many Christians and churches out there, we could use a good dose of this old Reformed doctrine.” [13:27]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:45 | Opening of ecclesiology topics and Kuyper’s “square inch” quote
• 02:00 | Explanation of Kuyper’s “sphere sovereignty” and application
• 03:05 | Kuyper’s pluralism and contextual relevance
• 05:20 | Essential vs. mediatorial reign explained
• 07:10 | Why the mediatorial reign centers the church in Christ’s plan
• 08:27 | Christ’s reign in the present age, Revelation 11:15 mentioned
• 09:45 | Introduction of the “spirituality of the church” doctrine
• 11:05 | Southern Presbyterian controversy and misuse
• 11:31 | Distinguishing political, civil, and ecclesiastical issues
• 12:41 | Westminster Confession on church and civil affairs
• 13:27 | Practical implications and abuses of the doctrine
• 14:37 | Concluding wisdom for today’s church

Conclusion

DeYoung encourages listeners to:

• Understand and apply the distinction between the two reigns of Christ to avoid conflating Christ’s redemptive mission with cultural or political projects.
• Recover the doctrine of the spirituality of the church as an important, nuanced safeguard for gospel focus and ecclesiastical wisdom in a heavily politicized age.

Recommended Resource:
Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung (print/audio, Crossway.org)