Why We Preach the Cross, but Whisper the Crown

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In this episode of Bible Prophecy Answers, Dr. Alan Kurschner challenges a common imbalance in modern evangelism: many Christians boldly proclaim the cross (Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection) while rarely proclaiming the crown—the second coming of Christ, His kingdom reign, and His coming judgment. The result is a “truncated” message that often omits what the host calls the full gospel of the kingdom.

What Is the Gospel of the Kingdom?

The host explains that Jesus and Paul preached not only personal salvation, but the larger announcement that Jesus will return as King. Quoting Michael V. Black, he summarizes the gospel of the kingdom this way: Jesus will return to reign over the earth, evict Satan, restore creation, and rule the nations with justice and righteousness. This is not a competing gospel alongside the cross; it is the same gospel in its full scope—salvation and restoration, personal redemption and cosmic renewal.

The Cross and the Kingdom Belong Together

The episode stresses that to enter God’s kingdom, sinners must still embrace the foundational message of the cross: repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ. Yet the host insists the gospel is “bigger than us.” Jesus is restoring more than individual hearts—He is restoring creation, society, and the original creation mandate given in Genesis 1. In this framework, even debates about the future kingdom (including the millennial discussion) should begin with God’s design from the beginning.

Why the Second Coming Must Be Preached

A major concern in the episode is that many believers avoid speaking about the return of Jesus. The host suggests some Christians are embarrassed or ashamed to discuss the second coming, but warns that if Christians are ashamed of Christ’s return before sinners, Christ may be ashamed of them when He returns. The host argues that sinners must hear why they must repent: Jesus is coming back to judge His enemies, punish evil, and establish real peace among the nations through His Davidic kingdom reign.

Biblical Snapshot of Kingdom Judgment and Reign

To ground this message, the host highlights Isaiah 24, describing the Lord’s coming punishment of heavenly powers and earthly kings, imprisonment and final judgment, and the Lord reigning in Jerusalem on Mount Zion in majestic splendor. He also points to Acts 17, where Paul declares God now commands all people everywhere to repent because He has appointed a day to judge the world in righteousness by the man He ordained—proved by the resurrection.

A Call to Proclaim the Whole Gospel

The episode closes by urging Christians to keep proper perspective: don’t overshadow one aspect of the gospel over another. Proclaim Christ crucified and Christ crowned—the cross and the kingdom—because the gospel of the kingdom is essential to faithful gospel proclamation.