The article "From Henceforth Expecting" by Don Fortner addresses the theological themes of Christ's sovereignty and the subjugation of His enemies as articulated in Hebrews 10:13. Fortner outlines that Christ's exaltation following His substitutionary atonement grants Him supreme authority over all creation, with both willing and unwilling servants under His dominion (2 Peter 2:1). He argues that the presence of Christ's rule is evident in the ongoing subjugation of His enemies—Satan and the wicked—through both supernatural and providential means while emphasizing that many are redeemed through His grace (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Crucially, he presents the eschatological expectation of final judgment, where all will acknowledge Christ's lordship (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) and affirms the ultimate salvation of the elect (Romans 11:26). The article highlights the doctrinal significance of Christ's reign, encouraging believers to embrace His governing grace and anticipate His triumphant return.
Key Quotes
“He reigns upon that throne of universal monarchy, from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.”
“Satan himself is Christ's slave beaten into subjection.”
“Not even demons of hell can run into a herd of hogs without the permission of Christ their Lord.”
“In the end because Christ is exalted, he shall have his expectation. All his enemies shall be made his footstool.”
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. - Hebrews 10:13“From Henceforth Expecting”
We have seen the expiation of our sin by our Savior’s blood atonement, and his exaltation as Lord as the reward of his obedience to the Father’s will as our covenant Surety and Mediator. Here the Holy Spirit shows us that which our great Savior yet expects to be the reward of his labor as our Mediator.
As we have seen, he who redeemed us with his blood and saved us by his grace has been exalted to the throne of sovereign dominion. He reigns upon that throne of universal monarchy, “From henceforth expecting till his enemies has been made his footstool.” His foes shall all, without exception, become his servant and his footstool (Isa. 45:22-25).
Present Subjugation
In one sense, this crushing of his enemies into subjection beneath his feet has already begun. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the sovereign ruler of the universe. All creation, all events, all animals, and all rational beings, either willingly or unwillingly, are his servants (2 Pet. 2:1). He has power over all flesh.
Be sure you understand this. Satan himself is Christ’s slave, beaten into subjection (John 12:31; Rev. 20:1-3). Wicked men and women are the servants of Christ, the errand boys of his providential rule. Satan cannot tempt God’s servant Job without first obtaining permission from the Lord God.; and having the limits of the temptation set by God. Not even demons of hell can run into a herd of hogs without the permission of Christ their Lord. Yes, the Lord God our Savior rules the universe totally and absolutely for the everlasting salvation of his own elect (Rom. 8:28-30; Ps. 76:10).
Gracious Subjugation
Many of Christ’s enemies are conquered by his grace through the preaching of the gospel (2 Cor. 10:4-5). How I thank God for conquering grace! Nothing else could have broken this rebel’s heart. Nothing less than sovereign, omnipotent, conquering grace could have stopped me in my mad rush to hell. Nothing else could have brought me to Christ and reconciled my heart to my God, making me willing in the day of his power to gladly bow to Christ as my Lord (Ps. 110:3). My heart sings with David, “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and causest to approach unto thee!”
Final Subjugation
When Christ comes the second time, he will come to crush all rebellion. The second advent will not be a time of salvation for rebels, but of judgment and wrath. “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel” (2 Thess. 1:8-9). In the last day, in the day of judgment, every enemy shall bow to Christ as Lord. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess, in heaven, earth, and hell, that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God shall be all in all.
In the end, because Christ is exalted, he shall have his expectation. All his enemies shall be made his footstool. All who believe shall be saved. “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied!” All his foes shall be destroyed. All of God’s elect shall be saved (Rom. 11:26). Christ shall be triumphant and glorious forever in all things and over all things (Rev. 19:6).
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