The Lordship of Christ

Understanding the Authority and Dominion of Jesus Christ

The concept of the Lordship of Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It emphasizes Jesus’s rightful authority. He has dominion over all creation. It is a doctrine that calls believers to acknowledge Jesus not merely as a Savior who redeems. Believers must also recognize Him as the ultimate Lord. To Him, all allegiance, obedience, and devotion are due. This profound truth invites reflection. It explores how His Lordship shapes the faith and lives of Christians in every dimension—spiritual, moral, and practical.

Universal Authority

At the heart of the Lordship of Christ lies the recognition of His universal authority. According to Scripture, Jesus has been given “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). This statement is both a declaration of His divinity. It is a reminder of His sovereign rule over every aspect of creation. From the stars in the heavens to the smallest details of earthly life, nothing exists outside His reign.

Jesus’s Lordship is not limited to a particular domain or group of people. It extends to all nations, all systems, and all realms. It encompasses both the visible and the invisible. This universal authority is rooted in His identity as the Son of God. It is affirmed by His resurrection from the dead. He achieved victory over sin and death. As Colossians 1:16-17 proclaims, “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

Obedience and Submission

Acknowledging the Lordship of Christ is not merely an intellectual assent but a call to action. It demands obedience and submission from those who profess faith in Him. As Lord, Jesus commands a total surrender of one’s will, desires, and priorities to align with His purposes. This is a life-changing process, requiring believers to trust His wisdom and direction above their own.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of obedience, stating, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Pursuing Christ means allowing His teachings to guide every decision and action. This involves living out values like love, humility, forgiveness, and justice. These values are important even when they conflict with cultural norms or personal preferences. Submission to Christ’s Lordship also involves seeking His will through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation and Faith

One of the key theological discussions surrounding the Lordship of Christ is its role in salvation. Some theologians assert that accepting Jesus as Lord is inseparable from accepting Him as Savior. In this view, salvation involves more than receiving forgiveness of sins. It also requires yielding to Jesus’s authority as the ruler of one’s life.

If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ you will be saved. Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. This summarizes the message of Romans 10:9. This verse highlights the dual aspects of faith—confessing Jesus’s Lordship and trusting in His redemptive work. The grace of God is the foundation of salvation. The response of faith involves recognizing Jesus’s rightful place as Lord over all.

Yet, this perspective has sparked debate within Christian circles. Some emphasize that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. They caution against conflating justification with the ongoing process of sanctification. Most agree on one point. The Lordship of Christ is integral to the believer’s journey of faith. It is also critical for spiritual growth.

Application in Daily Life

The Lordship of Christ is not a theological abstraction—it is a practical reality with implications for daily living. It calls Christians to live in a way that reflects their allegiance to Jesus as Lord. This devotion should be clear in every sphere of life. This includes relationships, work, finances, decision-making, and even leisure activities.

In the realm of relationships, the Lordship of Christ challenges believers. They are urged to embody His love and grace. This includes treating others with dignity and respect. In the workplace, it inspires integrity, diligence, and a commitment to excellence. It encourages the acknowledgment that all work is ultimately done for the glory of God. When making decisions, it involves seeking His guidance and prioritizing His kingdom over personal ambition.

Moreover, the Lordship of Christ influences how Christians approach societal issues and engage with the world. It calls for a commitment to justice, compassion, and stewardship of creation. This commitment reflects God’s heart for the flourishing of all people and the earth. By living under Jesus’s Lordship, believers become witnesses to His life-changing power and agents of His kingdom.

The Comprehensive Nature of His Lordship

To fully grasp the Lordship of Christ, one must understand its comprehensive nature. It is not confined to Sunday worship or spiritual activities—it encompasses every moment, every decision, and every aspect of life. Jesus’s Lordship transcends the boundaries between the sacred and the secular, demanding holistic devotion.

This comprehensive submission is both a challenge and a joy. It requires believers to relinquish control, trusting in Jesus’s wisdom and sovereignty. Yet, it also offers the assurance of His guidance, provision, and presence. As the ultimate authority, Jesus is not a distant ruler. He is an intimate Shepherd who walks with His people. He leads them toward abundant life.

Conclusion

The Lordship of Christ is a profound and life-changing truth that calls for a response. It is an invitation to recognize Jesus as the rightful ruler of all creation. It also urges believers to live in alignment with His will. Through obedience, submission, and faith, believers honor His authority and experience the fullness of life He offers.

In a world often marked by self-reliance and individualism, the Lordship of Christ stands as a countercultural declaration. It reminds Christians that their lives are not their own. Instead, they belong to the One who created them. He also redeemed and sustains them. By embracing His Lordship, they find purpose. They experience peace and the joy of walking in His way. They truly live under the reign of the King of Kings.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Blessings, 

Minister A. Francine Green