Renewing Your Mind – "The King Shall Come"
Podcast: Renewing Your Mind (Ligonier Ministries)
Date: December 25, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Speaker: Dr. R.C. Sproul
Overview
On this special Christmas Day episode, Dr. R.C. Sproul dives into the prophetic meaning of Isaiah 9:6, exploring the Old Testament’s anticipation of a Messianic King whose rule would transcend all earthly power. The discussion centers on Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of these hopes—not merely as a political figure, but as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on Christ’s sovereignty, the reliability of God’s promises, and the deeper significance of Christmas.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 (01:30–06:00)
- Dr. Sproul reads and unpacks Isaiah 9:6, a foundational Messianic prophecy:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
- Historical Context:
- Sproul sets the scene by recalling Israel’s golden age under David—turning "a tiny little country about the size of Rhode Island" (02:15) into a regional powerhouse.
- The future king was promised to restore this "golden age," reviving David’s fallen dynasty.
2. Israel’s Longing for the Messiah (06:00–08:30)
- After David and Solomon’s rule, Israel suffered division and a string of corrupt monarchs:
"The future history of the divided kingdom reads in part like a rogues gallery of wicked monarchs." (07:30)
- The people yearned for a ruler "like David" who would restore hope and unity.
3. "Unto Us a Child Is Born" — Corporate & Cosmic Significance (08:30–11:00)
- The prophecy’s language speaks of a child as a gift to the nation—more than a private family joy:
"This is a child that is to be born for the nation. Unto us a son is born, unto us a child is to be given. And then we read the government will be upon his shoulder." (09:00)
- The metaphor of Atlas illustrates the king’s immense burden, but this Messiah will carry more—the whole nation on His shoulders.
4. Titles and Identity of the Messiah (11:00–18:00)
- Dr. Sproul carefully analyzes each Messianic title:
- Wonderful Counselor:
"What Isaiah is saying here about this king who is to come is that he will be a counselor par excellence...whose wisdom will amaze and astonish." (00:04, 12:30)
- Notes an often-misplaced comma in translations ("Wonderful, Counselor") and explains the richness of "wonderful" as "full of wonder."
- Connects this title to the biblical tradition of wisdom, concluding:
"This king is going to be a king who incorporates the fullness of wisdom." (14:30)
- Mighty God:
- Not just an abstract omnipotent deity, but "invincible in warfare" (16:00).
"This mighty God king is the one who leads captivity captive and conquers the most fierce enemies of the people, the enemies of Satan, of hell, and of death itself." (17:00)
- Everlasting Father:
- A surprising royal title:
"We don't think of a king as a father. And yet the character of God in his reign over his people is expressed in this image." (18:30)
- Emphasizes eternal care rather than political gain.
- A surprising royal title:
- Prince of Peace:
- His war is fought to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation, "above all, peace with God." (19:30)
- Wonderful Counselor:
5. Christ’s Reign and Application for Today (19:30–21:00)
- Dr. Sproul highlights the universality and present reality of Christ’s rule:
"Right now the person who is the chief executive officer in the cosmos...is this child who was born, this son who was given to us." (20:30)
- Listeners are encouraged to place ultimate trust in Christ—the eternal King—rather than earthly rulers.
6. Faithfulness of God’s Promises (20:45–22:00)
- Nathan W. Bingham recaps the significance:
"God is a promise keeper, he cannot lie, and the Old Testament is filled with prophecies that were fulfilled by Christ." (21:00)
- Reflecting on the Incarnation should move Christians to deeper awe—not just at Christmas, but year-round.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Jesus’ Kingship:
"The success of our king isn't based on a piece of land or anything else in creation, but on the King himself." — Dr. Sproul (01:00)
- On the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy:
"All of these things are wrapped up in one who is to come, and his reign shall be forever." — Dr. Sproul (19:30)
- On Christ’s Current Reign:
"We live in a government ruled by Christ... our supreme ruler right now is the one who has come and fulfilled in every aspect and every detail this description that was penned centuries ago by Isaiah." — Dr. Sproul (20:45)
- On God’s Faithfulness:
"God is a promise keeper, he cannot lie... This teaches us about the identity of Jesus, and it affirms the reliability of the Scriptures. We can trust God and we can trust His Word." — Nathan W. Bingham (21:00)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 01:30 | Introduction of Isaiah 9:6 and reading the prophecy | | 06:00 | Historical context: David, Solomon, divided kingdom | | 08:30 | Significance of "Unto us a child is born" | | 11:00 | Analysis of Messianic titles in Isaiah 9:6 | | 16:00 | "Mighty God" and warrior imagery | | 18:30 | "Everlasting Father" and royal fatherhood | | 19:30 | "Prince of Peace" and the purpose of Messianic reign | | 20:30 | Christ’s reign now and our response | | 21:00 | The reliability of God's promises |
Conclusion
This Christmas episode from Dr. R.C. Sproul delivers a profound meditation on the identity of Jesus as the prophesied King from Isaiah 9:6. By revisiting ancient expectations, scriptural titles, and the fulfillment found in Christ, listeners are equipped to contemplate Jesus’ divine wisdom, power, and enduring reign—not as a distant figure, but as the living King who rules even now. Sproul and Bingham challenge listeners to trust wholly in God’s promises and to rediscover the wonder of Christmas beyond tradition and familiarity.