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Jesus Is Lord
Quick Look: The early Christian declaration of Jesus is Lord clashed with the Roman Empire’s demand for allegiance to Caesar, highlighting the ongoing struggle between divine and earthly authority. The term "Lord" today often lacks its biblical significance, which encompasses Jesus as the ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Accepting Jesus as Lord brings peace, as obedience ensures His protection and guidance. On the other hand, rebellion against His Lordship does not reduce or destroy His authority but leads to eternal judgment. The article calls for a complete submission to Jesus, promising rest and security in His care.
We have seen that Jesus is Saviour, but Jesus is Lord, too. In fact, if Jesus is not Lord, neither will He be Saviour. The two go together. True Christianity is not a smorgasbord; it is a full meal deal. You take it all, or you have nothing. If you have no intention of going all the way, don't get started. As we see in the verse below, Jesus counselled people to take time to consider the cost of following Him. There is a cost either way, and we will all pay one or the other.
"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.' Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27-33
Jesus is Lord is the primary confession of the Christian church. Countless people have been martyred over the last 2,000 years for refusing to compromise this confession. It is the declaration that Jesus is Lord which brought the early church into conflict with the mighty Roman Empire. The Roman Empire declared that Caesar is Lord and required all people in their empire to acknowledge it, at least in a nominal way. Christians refused. They saw it as a fundamental conflict: Caesar as Lord and Christ as Lord. As citizens of the Kingdom of God first, they would not deny Christ. Today, the Roman Empire is no more, but the Kingdom of God continues to expand. The same destiny awaits any nation which tries to replace the cry, "Jesus Is Lord" with false priorities of their own.
The same choice is offered to Christians today in various guises. The State - whether it be American, Canadian, or whoever - often declares that it is the Lord wanting to control life from beginning to end. Christians, in a false patriotism, may many times bow to it. Those who do so deny Jesus, for there can only be one true Lord in the universe.
What Does "Jesus Is Lord"
Really Mean?
Today, the term "Lord" is usually an honorary title with little meaning behind it. With our democracy and spirit of independence, we have lost the concept of "Lord." We often have the attitude of the cowboy in the American West who was sitting beside the ranch house when a man visiting from England approached. Inquiring if the ranch owner was home, the Englishman asked, "Is your master home?" To which the cowboy replied, "The man hasn't been born yet."
When the Bible says Jesus is Lord, it means He is the absolute Master of everything. Nature bows to His commands. Angels joyfully rush to obey. Demons tremble, but obey. It means that the word of Jesus is the Absolute Law. He declares how nations are to be governed, how businesses are to operate, how families are to be managed, how churches are to minister, how individual lives are to be lived, and everything else. No realm of life is outside the authority of His Lordship.
Every human being operates either as a rebel against the Lord Jesus or in submission to the Lord Jesus. We all began life as rebels. We are born into this spiritual war on the wrong side. Those who have truly found Jesus as Saviour have moved to accepting Him as the ultimate Ruler of their lives. Jesus is Lord means that their will is submitted to the will of Christ. They repeat the commitment of Jesus to His Father, "Not my will but Thine be done."
There is rest and peace in accepting the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It means, as long as we are obedient, He is responsible for looking after us. He will provide us with all the tools needed to complete whatever He has asked us to do - this includes immaterial things such as strength and wisdom as well. He becomes our Protector. No one can harm us in any way unless He allows it for some overriding purpose which will ultimately turn out for our good. He provides all our needs. Worry becomes a thing of the past. Jesus is in control!
Lordship and responsibility go together. If Jesus is Lord in our lives, and we are obedient to His voice, then He is responsible for everything that happens or doesn't happen. Even in the most frustrating or perilous situations, we can remain peaceful. He is Lord, and He is in Charge.
Those who continue in their rebellion against the Lordship of Jesus Christ don't change His power or authority at all. They are still responsible for obeying their Creator and lawful Ruler. Their continual rebellion will only lead to a terrible and eternal judgment.
Jesus Is Lord
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What Does It Mean To Consider The Cost Of Following Jesus?
Question: What Does It Mean To Consider The Cost Of Following Jesus?
Answer: Committing our lives to Jesus is the right thing to do. It is becoming who we were created to be. However, we should not be naive. Following Jesus means making Him our priority in life. This may cost us our goals, favourite activities, relationships, employment and even our earthly lives.
Question: How Did The Early Christians Respond To Roman Authorities Declaring Caesar Is Lord?
Question: How Did The Early Christians Respond To Roman Authorities Declaring Caesar Is Lord?
Answer: Some Christians gave in to the temptation and abandoned Christianity. Some compromised by yielding the nominal tribute required. Many refused to compromise even when it meant their lives. Their love for and commitment to Christ were more important to them than anything else. The Book of Revelation was written to encourage suffering Christians and provide them with the Big Picture view, in which Christ is reigning and will destroy all enemies in His timing.
Question: How Can Christians Balance Patriotism With Their Allegiance To Jesus?
Question: How Can Christians Balance Patriotism With Their Allegiance To Jesus?
Answer: Christians should be loyal and obedient to their country as long as their country is not requiring them to violate the Word of Jesus. They are citizens of the Kingdom of God first, and their highest obedience is to King Jesus. Christians should not be blinded by patriotism and should be willing to call government leaders to account for unGodly actions.
Question: In What Ways Might Modern States Attempt To Play The Role Of "Lord"?
Question: In What Ways Might Modern States Attempt To Play The Role Of "Lord"?
Answer: Modern States have assumed a messianic role, putting themselves in the place of God. Even in so-called free countries like the United States and Canada, the State attempts unGodly control of its citizens while robbing them of their wealth and refusing to provide justice for the crimes committed against them. For a detailed study of this, see our courses on Biblical Law.
Question: How Can A Believer Submit To Jesus As Lord In Their Everyday Life?
Question: How Can A Believer Submit To Jesus As Lord In Their Everyday Life?
Answer: Asking the questions, What would Jesus do?, in the situations of life can be a good guide to a person's actions. However, this assumes that the believer has a consistent and growing Bible study and prayer life, so they have a good understanding of what Jesus would actually do. Jesus did surprising things at times!
Question: Can Anyone Say "Jesus Is Lord"?
Question: Can Anyone Say "Jesus Is Lord"?
Answer: Anyone can say the words. However, no one can genuinely declare that Jesus is Lord of their life unless the Holy Spirit has worked that desire into their heart.
For more information about Glenn Davis, see our About Glenn page or visit Glenn Davis Books.
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