What Does the Bible Mean When it Says Jesus is Lord?
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This past Sunday, you may have stood in church singing a powerful song declaring Jesus is Lord. Maybe you’ve heard those words preached countless times from the pulpit. Although it’s a phrase you may have heard often, have you ever stopped to ask what those words truly mean? It’s easy to make these pronouncements without truly understanding their weight, but grasping the Lordship of Jesus Christ is essential to your relationship with Him. This isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a life-changing reality. When you truly understand what it means for Jesus to be Lord, it will transform the way you see Him, the way you follow Him, and the way you live every single day. So, let’s take a deeper look at what the Bible means when it declares Jesus is Lord. You might find that this simple statement carries more power and significance than you ever realized.
When you say Jesus is Lord, within this one declaration, you are acknowledging his authority and affirming his divinity. It’s a recognition that Jesus reigns supreme over everything and his authority has no bounds. However, that is a more global context. The personal reality of Jesus as Lord means you declare that his authority extends to every corner of your life. For most people, this is their struggle. Jesus’ authority over all will always be true. Jesus’ authority over your life is something you must choose.
Where Does the Bible Say That Jesus Is Lord?
The Bible clearly states that Jesus is Lord. Even if you read the Bible as just literature, you see it declares Jesus is Lord. Some may not agree with the Bible, but you cannot deny what it says. Here are a few scriptures that make the declaration that Jesus is Lord.
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. - John 13:13-14
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. - Luke 2:11
You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. - Acts 10:36
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. - Colossians 2:6
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. - 1 Peter 3:15
Why Is It Important to Declare Jesus as Lord?
Declaring Jesus is Lord is not just a nice thing to do; it is necessary for salvation.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9
Understanding the Lordship of Christ ties your entire relationship with him together. When you acknowledge Jesus is Lord, the first thing you are doing is recognizing that he is the only one who can save you. You are declaring that he is the author of your salvation; he is the only way to salvation, therefore he is Lord of your salvation.
Not only is acknowledging Jesus is Lord how we come to him, but it becomes the foundation of our relationship with him. At some point, Jesus must move from just Lord of your salvation to Lord of your life. Without this step, your relationship with Jesus will not grow. That’s why we must always keep Christ as Lord in our hearts, because that is how we live in him. He is Lord and everything we do flows out of that relationship.
How Does Jesus’ Lordship Impact Our Daily Lives?
When Jesus is Lord over your life, there are two key aspects that show his Lordship: surrender and obedience. It is important to note that Jesus is not some harsh taskmaster ruling over his people with an iron fist. That is slavery, not surrender. Jesus is a loving, compassionate savior who cares for us and knows what is best for us. Knowing that is why we willingly surrender our hearts to him.
When you choose to live under his Lordship, then you bring him into the daily decisions of your life. It means you give up control of the direction of your life because you want to do what he desires for your life. If Christ is truly Lord of your life, then "not my will, but yours be done" becomes the purpose for which you live. If you are not willing to do this, then Jesus is not the Lord of your life.
We used to say this years ago, and it rings true today. Either Jesus is Lord of all or he is not Lord at all. Lordship is not partial but total. Lordship requires that you bring your entire life and lay it before the feet of Jesus. It means you are laying down your desires, your dreams, your goals, and your aspirations and choosing to follow what he wants for your life. As you can see, this is more than a casual statement but committed surrender. If you struggle with this, then it requires a greater understanding of who Jesus is to you, because when you do, then you recognize that his Lordship over your life is not only the best option but the only option.
What Does It Look Like to Submit to Jesus as Lord?
As much as Jesus is Lord of all, we still have a choice in making him our Lord. There are two realities concerning the Lordship of Christ. If you think globally, Jesus is the Lord of lords. The Bible declares every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:9-11). This highlights the two aspects of Jesus’ Lordship. Everyone will one day declare that Jesus is Lord. However, some will do it because they know he is Lord and have surrendered their hearts. Other will do it through the stubbornness of their rejection of Christ. When his glory is truly revealed then it will be plain to them that Jesus is Lord. Unfortunately for the second group, that acknowledgment will come too late. You can submit now and find hope or submit then and find regret.
There is another wonderful reality that submitting to the Lordship of Christ brings. When he is Lord of your life, then he is responsible for your life. Jesus is Lord means not just that he saves you, but that he will also keep you. With his Lordship comes salvation, which takes care of your eternal destiny. However, there is protection, provision, and peace which covers you through your years here on earth. When Jesus is Lord of your life, there will never be a moment, whether in life or death, in which you will be separated from him. He is not just the Lord of your life for now, but for all time and all eternity.
How Does Declaring Jesus as Lord Unite Believers?
Despite the differences that exist among believers, if we believe and live in the truth that Jesus is Lord, that should always be the first level of unity and agreement. We may differ in styles of worship, gifts of the Holy Spirit and how he moves today, even the right way to approach the issues of our day. However, if we begin with Jesus is Lord and we agree on what that means, then that should be the unifying cry coming from all believers. I would also add this is a true measure of whether Jesus is really Lord of your life.
On the night Jesus was crucified he prayed for all of us. Here are his words:
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. - John 17:20-21
If this was the thing Jesus was praying for literally hours before he was going to face the cross, then if you are not seeking unity in the body of Christ, then how can you proclaim Jesus is Lord? When we unite around the truth of Jesus’ Lordship, and we become one body, it is the outcome of doing this which is most important. "So that the world may believe that you have sent me." That’s why declaring Jesus is Lord and being one unified body matters.
So let me ask you. Is Jesus truly Lord of your life? Maybe answering these questions will reveal the answer to you:
- Have you trusted him for salvation?
- Have you surrendered your will to his?
- Are you walking in obedience to what he desires for your life?
- Are you laying aside sinful things to live a holy life before him?
- Do you care about the unity of the body of Christ so the world will believe Jesus was sent to be the Messiah?
- Are you willing to lay down everything to follow him?
As you consider these questions, don’t just casually say yes. Take a moment to examine your heart and understand what this really means. Jesus being Lord of your life is serious business and before we declare to the world Jesus is Lord of all, let’s make sure Jesus is Lord of our hearts and lives first.
Further Reading
What Does it Really Mean That Jesus is Lord?
10 Things You Should Know about the Lordship of Christ
Why is Jesus Named "King of Kings and Lord of Lords"?
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