Firm Foundation: Part 8

Jesus Christ:  God’s Only Son, Our Lord...

So, what do we mean—what are we actually saying when we say we believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Or, what are we saying when we declare that “Jesus is Lord”?

Remember, we’re talking about what we believe and what it means to believe. All too often, we use these words and phrases casually or out of habit or from memory without taking the time to consider what it means to believe the basic foundations of our Christian faith.

Jesus … He’s the centerpiece of our belief! These words are more than a doctrine … Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God IS our doctrine!

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Jesus Christ, the living Word of God was from the beginning and is even now alive—eternal.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1-2)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

The earliest Christians’ costly confession consisted of just two words: “Kyrios Iesous” or “Jesus is Lord”. It is those two words that led many on the path to horrifying persecution and often unimaginable martyrdom. It was a bold confession with deep conviction and loyalty to the One who was sent from God to provide a way of redemption for those who believe -- their confession of faith was with deep conviction. I have to wonder how my/our conviction would compare.

The Lord Jesus Christ serves as the hub from which all our beliefs radiate. Personal attachment to the hub, Jesus Christ, requires our total allegiance to Him.

To confess Jesus Christ as Lord is to set Him above all other loyalties. When we declare, “I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord,” it is only because I recognize Him as THE Lord, and as one with the Father.

Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, is at the center of our Christian faith. He is not an idea or a theory or even a vision! The name of Jesus, the name above every name … our faith centers on personal attachment to Him as we proclaim His name. This is believing loyalty ... putting our hope and trust in no one or nothing apart from Him while remaining loyal to Him and Him alone.

And, as a side but important note, the Name of Jesus—the Name above every name—is not to be maligned by using it disrespectfully, as an expletive or as a swear word. Exalt His name. Magnify His name. Respect His name. Love His name. Resist the common, profane and unholy use of His name by carefully guarding the words we speak and the manner in which we use the Name.

If you believe, proclaim your confession with conviction:  I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, my Lord!