Why Do We Call Jesus Lord?

Romans 14:7-12

When you were born again, God destined you to have kingdom authority, which is given to you by Jesus, our Lord. The world, the flesh, and the devil should never have dominion over you. If God has “made us kings and priests” (Revelation 1:6, 5:10) and “always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14), why are we so often “under the circumstances” instead of over them?

The truth is, you’ll never have authority over the things God has put you over until you submit to the authority God has placed you under: Jesus. Kingdom authority is never given to rebels, and if you rebel against the king, you’ll never know His authority in your life.

Jesus died and rose again for you. As Lord, He has absolute authority. Many so-called Christians don’t get this. They remain in control. They’ll sometimes say they’re “making a commitment” to pray or read the Bible, but that still leaves them in control. Instead, they need to surrender—give Jesus full control.

The foundational truth in the New Testament is that Jesus Christ is Lord—“God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

He’s called Lord 747 times in the New Testament. But have you surrendered to His lordship? Is He Lord of your thoughts, your tongue, your temper, your time, your testimony?

He must be Lord if you’re going to exercise kingdom authority. You must decide if you will recognize His lordship and bow to Him. You have no right to call yourself a Christian if Jesus is not Lord in your life. You’re saved by believing that He is Lord and yielding to His lordship. (See Romans 10:9.)

The Bible doesn’t talk about “receiving Christ as Savior.” It says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Salvation isn’t a cafeteria line where you say, “I’ll take a little saviorhood today but no Lordship, thank you.” You cannot have what He gives unless you accept who He is, and He is Lord.

Many pseudo-Christians come down church aisles and get baptized but have never been born again. When you gave your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, that was the last legitimate independent decision you ever made. You are not your own. You belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. He redeemed you with His blood from Satan’s domain, and “you are not your own.” (See 1 Corinthians 6:19.) Jesus is in you: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

You’re under new management. He knows how to manage your life better than you do. He has invested so much in you—His own blood. He watches over you carefully. We are God’s, legally transferred to Him. He put His mark on you, sealing you with the Holy Spirit of promise. (See Ephesians 1:13-14.) We are secure in Him.

What will Jesus’ Lordship mean in your life?

Complete Submission

 No other king in your life. He must be Lord of all if He is to be Lord at all.

Complete Obedience

Surrender every aspect of your life to Jesus. (See Luke 6:46.) Like a father, He has compassion on His children. (See Psalm 103:13.) Trust your heart and life to the One who loved you enough to die for you.

One day “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Romans 14:11). If you don’t confess it in this world, you’ll confess it in the next. Every created being, saved or unsaved—including Satan himself—will bow and say, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

What will confessing Jesus as Lord do?

Confession conquers Satan. (See Revelation 12:11.)

Confession strengthens faith.

The more we assert a thing to others, the stronger it grows. Confession increases your love for Jesus.

Confession separates you from the world.

As you begin to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you find that the things of this world fall away from you.

At all times—in times of joy, sadness, success, or in the valley of decision—say “Jesus is Lord.” He alone is worthy.

If you want kingdom authority, God pouring His life and strength into you, come under the absolute lordship of Jesus Christ. Authority isn’t for rebels. You will never be over until you’re under.

Have a coronation service today and say, “Jesus Christ is Lord of my life.” Confess Him and crown Him king.

One day all the redeemed will be gathered around His throne. Angels, principalities, and powers will bow before Him. You will join the redeemed, look up at the One with the nail prints in His hands and say, “He is Lord.”

Crown Him Lord of all.