The All-Encompassing Lordship of Christ
As believers, we acknowledge that God rules over all things through His providential control. This truth is evident in the Bible, where we see that each person in the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exercises comprehensive dominion over all aspects of creation.
Christ’s Universal Dominion
Through His resurrection and ascension, Christ has been enthroned at the right hand of God the Father, with universal dominion over all things. As Ephesians 1:20-23 declares, “He [God the Father] worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
Implications of Christ’s Lordship
So, what does this mean for us as believers? It means that we acknowledge and submit to Christ’s rule with joy, recognizing that our salvation is a gift from God. We are justified by God’s grace, not by our own obedience or works. Our obedience is rather an offering of gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit of Christ.
Serving Christ in All of Life
We serve Christ not just in church or in “spiritual” activities, but in all areas of life. This includes our work, social relations, finances, art, science, and education. Every aspect of our lives is an opportunity to serve Christ and reflect His glory. As we do so, we recognize that our service is not built on human effort alone, but is empowered by God’s means of grace, including Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
A Distinctive People
As Christians, we are a distinctive people, set apart from the world by our love for Christ and our desire to serve Him. We have a different starting point, motivations, and purposes than those who do not know Christ. Our hearts are inclined towards God, and we seek to honor Him in all that we do.
Authority and Responsibility
We recognize that authority comes from God, and that all human authority is limited and delegated by Him. As such, we seek to understand our responsibilities in each area of life, whether as citizens, parents, church leaders, business owners, teachers, artists, or farmers. We strive to live out our faith in a way that honors Christ and reflects His lordship over all of life.
The Church: A Source of Encouragement and Empowerment
Finally, we recognize the importance of the church as a source of encouragement and empowerment for believers. The church is the body of Christ, made holy by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As such, it is distinct from other institutions and is uniquely empowered to accomplish God’s will. We treat church members differently from the world, recognizing our shared identity in Christ and our shared purpose of serving Him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christ’s lordship over all of life is a fundamental truth that shapes our understanding of ourselves, our world, and our place in it. As believers, we seek to live out our faith in a way that honors Christ and reflects His glory in all that we do. May we be encouraged and empowered by the knowledge of His universal dominion, and may we strive to serve Him with joy and gratitude in all areas of life.
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