I. The One is king

The highest authority in the Great Kingdom belongs not to any individual, people or institution, but to the One. He is the King and the supreme Judge. Human rulers may serve only within the bounds of His word. In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus summarizes the first and greatest commandments: to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. The scribe confirms that the One is one, and that love is greater than burnt offerings and sacrifices. Mark 12:28–34 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, What commandment is the first of all? 12:29 Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: 12:30 and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. 12:31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but he: 12:33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices. 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. Isaiah 2:2–4 shows that the nations will come to seek God's instruction and that He will settle their disputes. Deuteronomy 1:16–17 teaches that judgment belongs to God. Qur’an 4:58 commands that judgment be rendered justly; Qur’an 5:44–48 connects judgment to what God has revealed.

A person who faithfully applies God's word may serve as an executor of God's justice. This does not make their own judgment infallible. Even a sincere believer can be mistaken. Decisions must therefore remain open to examination in the light of revelation; no interpreter or ancient tradition may be placed above God's word.

The word ‘king’ means more here than an honorary title. If God is King, no ruler may replace His word with personal preference, group interests or the authority of an earlier interpreter. The ruler serves justice; he is not its source.

This also requires humility. A sincerely believing judge may misunderstand a text. His ruling does not become infallible simply because he believes in God. It must remain possible to examine his judgment against God's word.