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What does the Lordship of Jesus involve?


Introduction. There is currently a growing controversy within denominationalism over the Lordship of Christ. Some claim, even though ostensibly, that "the Lordship of Christ means we obey him – if we recognize his Lordship." Others contend, "the Lordship of Jesus does not involve obedience, as that would mean one earns salvation or works in the matter."

The use of "Lord" in the scriptures. Lord (Gk., kurios) is a title of honor. Sara expressed respect for Abraham by "calling him Lord" (1 Pet. 3:6). "Lord" as applied to deity, however, denotes more than simply honor. When the leper came to Jesus, he said: "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean" (Matt. 8:2). Jesus said, "the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day" (Matt. 12:8).

The term "Lord" as applied to Christ, denotes his sovereign will and the necessity of man's obedience. Jesus asked, "And why call ye me Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). It is hypocritical to call Jesus lord and not obey him. One of the primary goals of Peter's sermon in Acts 2 was to emphasize the Lordship of Jesus (see vs. 365). Notice the meaning and implication attached to Jesus' Lordship by those who heard Peter. "...Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (vs. 37) these concerned people then recognized Jesus Lordship by doing what they were told to do (vss. 38-47).

Conclusion. No, you do not earn salvation. However, man's obedience is necessary. This is certainly seen in the Lordship of Jesus. The Lordship of Jesus and some of the related current teaching also illustrates how desperate some false teachers are. Rather than say, "the Lordship of Jesus proves man's obedience is required for man's salvation," they say, "Jesus' Lordship does not require man's obedience, if it did, then man would be saved by his own works!" Folly indeed.
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