The apostle Peter affirms the absolute lordship of Jesus to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost, saying, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). Jesus had said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18). The word "power" is authority-authority possessed by the Lord himself. Peter says God made Jesus Lord and Christ. We understand the term "made" to be used as it is in Rev. 5:10-to constitute or appoint one anything."

Religious problems and divisions would not exist if people knew and respected the lordship of Jesus Christ. Men want their way and are willing to set aside the authority of Christ to have it, too. The human Creeds subscribed to by churches attest the truthfulness of this statement. Common practices within many churches of Christ, for which no Bible authority can be found, further prove my contention.

Christ has every right to lordship! He has right as creator (John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:2 and redeemer (1 Cor. 6:20; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18,19). His right to lordship was by inheritance (Heb. 1:4) and was appointed to him in the indefinite past (Eph. 3:11; Heb. 1:2). Paul says this lordship is above all dominion (Eph. 1:21). His lordship is predicated on sonship (Psa. 2:7; 89:28; Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7). The fact that He is the Son of God, He was made lord! His lordship and heirship depend upon His sonship (Acts 10:36; Gal. 4:1). The lordship of Christ benefits one only as he sets Christ apart as the Lord Christ in his heart (1 Pet. 3:15).

As Peter affirms that Christ "is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36), we understand that He is not subject to the enemy. His invitations to come (Matt. 11:28) are meaningless if He is not really Lord. He bruised Satan's head (triumphed in power) (Gen. 3:15), and enjoys His victorious conquest over Satan having bound Him (Matt. 12:22-30). This is illustrated in His temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).

His having all authority in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18-20) is duly recognized in heaven (1 Pet. 3:22). We approach the Father through Him (1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6; 6:43-45). He is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22). His authority is seen from the river to the ends of the earth (Psa. 72:8). He is Lord to the house of Israel (Acts 2:36), and is reigning over the Gentiles (Rom. 15:12). He reigns over both alike (Acts 10:34, 35; 15:711). Make Him your lord by obeying Him!

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 216
March 30, 1978