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The term (lord) is used many times throughout the Bible. There are times when that word (lord) is used when it does not refer to deity. In those cases, it refers to men. For example, Sarah recognized Abraham’s authority as the head of the family by calling him “lord” (1 Peter 3:6). Again, in the parable of the talents in Matt. 25: 14-30, in that parable a man’s servants showed respect for their master by calling him “lord.” There also times in the Bible when the word (lord) is used, and it has reference to deity (Matthew 22:37 and (Luke 2:11). A careful study of the scriptures and a comparison of the verses that contain “lord” or “Lord” helps us to know which is meant in the different verses. The term (lord) refers to someone who has power or authority, someone who owns or possesses another, someone who has control of another, and someone who deserves honor and respect.
As we consider Paul’s oneness statements in Ephesians 4:4-7, it is evident that Paul is speaking of the one Lord, the Son of God. Paul said, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul refers to Jesus as the “one Lord.” To the church at Rome, he said Jesus was the same Lord over all people, both “the Jew and the Greek (Romans 10:12).” Jesus in (Matthew 28:18) said that He had all power and authority. The divine authority of Jesus can be seen throughout the New Testament. In exercising his authority, Jesus performed many miracles showing His authority over all things that pertain to the physical world. He also exercised his supreme authority as he forgave people of their sins. We also see His divine authority in His teaching, casting out demons and unclean spirits and when he assumed power over the Church (Colossians 1:18).
God wants everyone to bow before Jesus and confess Him as “Lord” (Philippians 2:9-11). Furthermore, confessing the Lord Jesus and His authority is a requirement for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). We should remember that merely calling Him “Lord” without complying with His will and the will of the Father is not enough. In Luke 6:46 Jesus asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” He also said, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The point is, there is a difference between calling Jesus “Lord” and MAKING Jesus Lord of our lives. The question is, have you made Him Lord over your life by being added to Jesus’ “one body” by confessing Him as “Lord” and submitting to His “one baptism?”
(Tony Hoss is minister of Centerview Church of Christ.)