Ultimately with R.C. Sproul — "Kiss the Son" (April 10, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this concise yet weighty episode titled “Kiss the Son,” R.C. Sproul draws from Psalm 2 to urge listeners to reflect on their relationship with Christ. The focus is on the seriousness of Christ’s authority and the necessity of responding to Him—not with mere outward gesture, but with genuine affection and joyful submission. This moment is both a warning and a loving appeal for believers to set their minds and hearts on what matters most.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Admonition from Psalm 2

• Reference and Urgency:
  At the outset, R.C. Sproul reminds listeners of the sobering warning found in Psalm 2:
  • “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way.” (00:00)
• Seriousness of Christ’s Anger:
  Sproul emphasizes that being subject to the anger of Christ is a fearful prospect—one he urges all to avoid.

2. The Right Response to Christ

• Affection vs. Betrayal:
  Sproul contrasts two possible responses:
  • The “kiss of Judas”—a gesture of betrayal vs.
  • “The kiss of love and affection in which he delights”—a sincere embrace of Christ.
• Heartfelt Submission:
  He exhorts listeners:
  • To “rejoice in his coming,”
  • To “willingly bow our knee before him,”
  • To “embrace him with affection.”

3. Pastoral Plea and Gospel Invitation

• Personal Concern:
  Sproul’s tone is urgent and pastoral, expressing a desire:
  • “that we would all rejoice in his coming… embrace him… and give him not the kiss of Judas, but the kiss of love and affection.” (00:35)
• Renewed Focus:
  The call is to genuine faith and affection, reminding listeners to focus on Christ as the ultimate priority.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Seriousness of Ignoring Christ:
  “I remind you again of the terrifying words in the admonition of the Psalmist in Psalm 2. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way.” — R.C. Sproul (00:00)
• On Heartfelt Worship:
  “My plea is that we would all rejoice in his coming, willingly bow our knee before him, embrace him with affection, and give him not the kiss of Judas, but the kiss of love and affection in which he delights.” — R.C. Sproul (00:35)

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• 00:00–00:35:
  R.C. Sproul reads and expounds on Psalm 2, emphasizing the biblical command to “kiss the Son.” He passionately distinguishes between betrayals versus true worship.
• 00:35–00:56:
  Sproul’s heartfelt plea: He urges listeners to respond to Christ with affection and sincere devotion.

Episode Summary

R.C. Sproul, in his signature earnest manner, uses the weighty imagery of Psalm 2 to draw a stark line: we are all called to respond to Christ, but only the response of humble affection and loyal worship is pleasing to God. Contrasting the feigned kiss of Judas with genuine love, Sproul’s message is a clarion call to embrace Christ wholeheartedly—not out of fear alone, but out of deep joy and reverence.

This episode, though brief, encapsulates the heart of Sproul’s ministry: to set minds on what matters ultimately, calling listeners to both reflect honestly and rejoice fully in their relationship with Jesus.