Executive Summary:

This white paper critically examines the ideological underpinnings and theological implications of the “No Kings” protest movement, especially as it emerges in reactionary political rhetoric within republican and anarchist traditions. While the slogan purports to reject tyranny and authoritarianism, it inadvertently denies fundamental biblical truths regarding the kingship of Jesus Christ, the delegated regal authority of believers, and the structure of divine order. By contrasting the slogans and goals of the movement with the teachings of Scripture, this paper argues that “No Kings” constitutes an unintentional but direct challenge to the Lordship of Christ and the royal priesthood of believers. Furthermore, it explores how American republicanism, despite its rejection of physical monarchs, is not inherently opposed to biblical kingship but rather can coexist with it in a properly ordered covenantal framework.

I. Introduction: The Emergence of the “No Kings” Rhetoric

The phrase “No Kings” has gained popularity in activist circles and youth counterculture as a declaration of autonomy from perceived hierarchical oppression. It is meant to signal resistance to concentrated power, often aligning with anarchist, libertarian socialist, or radical egalitarian ideologies. However, beneath its rhetorical appeal lies an unintended theological provocation. The phrase “No Kings” not only rejects human monarchy, but when absolutized, becomes a symbolic repudiation of any form of exalted rulership—including divine kingship. This paper contends that such a posture is in direct rebellion to God’s ordained order and is incompatible with Christian faith.

II. Jesus Christ as King in Scripture

A. Prophetic Expectations of Kingship

The kingship of Jesus is foundational to biblical revelation. From Genesis onward, the Old Testament anticipates a ruler who will arise from among God’s people and reign forever.

Genesis 49:10: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come.” 2 Samuel 7:12-13: God promises David that one of his descendants will establish an eternal kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7: “For unto us a child is born… and the government shall be upon his shoulder… of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”

These prophecies culminate in the New Testament’s announcement of Jesus’ birth:

Luke 1:32-33: “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David… and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

B. Jesus’ Claim and Reception as King

The Gospels portray Jesus not merely as a teacher or savior but explicitly as a king:

Matthew 2:2: The Magi seek “he who has been born king of the Jews.” John 18:36-37: Jesus affirms to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world, but He is indeed a king. Revelation 17:14: “The Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings.”

The crucifixion itself was a declaration of His kingship, albeit in mockery by Roman authorities:

John 19:19: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

Far from rejecting kingship, the Christian faith confesses that Jesus is the ultimate King to whom all earthly powers must submit.

III. Believers as Kings and Priests: Sharing in Christ’s Reign

One of the most radical implications of Christ’s kingship is that He shares His royal authority with His followers.

A. Theological Foundation of Believer Kingship

Revelation 1:6: “[He] hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.” Revelation 5:10: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” 1 Peter 2:9: “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation…”

This language is not metaphorical in the abstract. It speaks to real spiritual authority and dominion granted to the saints. The dominion originally given to Adam is restored in Christ and entrusted to the Church.

B. Participation in Christ’s Rule

2 Timothy 2:12: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” Romans 5:17: “They which receive abundance of grace… shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

The Church is not a merely passive recipient of God’s will but is an active co-regent, executing divine judgment, discipline, intercession, and governance on earth in anticipation of full glorification.

IV. The Rebellion of “No Kings” as a Recapitulation of Ancient Apostasy

A. Israel’s Sin in Rejecting God as King

The most vivid biblical precedent for the “No Kings” posture is Israel’s request for a king in 1 Samuel 8—not because monarchy is evil, but because the people desired to be like other nations and rejected God’s unique rule over them.

1 Samuel 8:7: “They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”

Ironically, the very demand for a human king was a rejection of divine kingship—just as today’s cry of “No Kings” likewise ends up rejecting God’s claim.

B. The Revolt of Psalm 2

Psalm 2 prophetically portrays rebellious nations rising against the Lord and His anointed King:

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed… He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh… Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.”

To reject Christ’s kingship is to identify with the very nations and powers that oppose God.

C. The Spirit of Antichrist

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: “The man of sin… exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped.” 1 John 2:22: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?”

The “No Kings” slogan becomes, whether intended or not, a mouthpiece for the spirit of Antichrist when it denies Christ’s exalted rule.

V. The Absence of Physical Monarchs in American Republicanism

A. Historical Context

The American republican tradition was born in opposition to human monarchy, particularly that of the British Crown. However, it was not anti-authority or anti-Christ. Many Founders held Christian convictions, and their rejection of monarchy was framed in covenantal terms—opposing tyranny, not the principle of divine order.

B. Theological Compatibility of Republicanism with Divine Kingship

American governance rests on delegated authority, checks and balances, and popular consent. Biblically, such principles are not contrary to the rule of Christ:

Romans 13:1-4 affirms that all earthly powers are ordained by God. Exodus 18:21 shows Moses delegating authority under God’s law.

A biblical republic recognizes the ultimate sovereignty of God while rejecting the idolatry of human power. Christ is not displaced by the Constitution; rather, the moral order of the Constitution is accountable to Him.

VI. Why “No Kings” is a Rebellion Against Divine Order

A. Denial of Jesus’ Identity and Mission

To declare “No Kings” is to repudiate Jesus’ very mission, for He came to establish a kingdom (Mark 1:15, Luke 4:43). It is not merely a political slogan—it becomes a doctrinal affront.

B. Denial of the Christian’s Identity and Purpose

Believers are called not to egalitarian flattening of all authority but to reign with Christ. “No Kings” would eliminate not only the divine hierarchy but also the ennobling of the saints as co-rulers in righteousness.

C. The Eschatological Kingdom Cannot Be Denied

The final vision of history is not anarchist, but monarchist:

Revelation 11:15: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever.” Daniel 7:14: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion… and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”

The denial of kingship is not only false in the present but heretical in light of the future.

VII. Reclaiming Biblical Kingship Today

A. Restoring Honor to the Word “King”

Christians must not allow secular abuses of monarchy to rob the word of its sacred content. Jesus is not a tyrant, but a just ruler. His kingship is the solution to human corruption, not the cause.

B. Training to Reign: The Calling of the Saints

The Church must disciple believers in the virtues and disciplines of rulership: judgment, mercy, justice, stewardship. We do not reject kingship—we redeem it.

C. Living as Citizens of the Kingdom Now

Philippians 3:20: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Hebrews 12:28: “We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved.”

This requires not flattening the structure of divine authority but embodying it in love, service, and faithfulness.

VIII. Conclusion: Kingship Is the Destiny of the Redeemed

The phrase “No Kings” is not merely a rebellious slogan—it is a theological error of grave proportions. It rejects not only the structure of God’s rule over creation but also the identity of Christ and His people. The Bible is clear: Jesus is King, and those who follow Him are kings and priests with Him. American Christians must not conflate opposition to earthly monarchy with opposition to Christ’s divine reign. To deny His kingship is to ally with the nations who rage against the Lord. To affirm it is to join in the everlasting kingdom whose increase will know no end.

Let the Church, therefore, reject the spirit of lawlessness masquerading as liberty and boldly proclaim the truth:

Jesus is King—and so are we.