Far too many today cling to the idea that simply “believing in Jesus” is their ticket to Heaven. But Scripture warns us that belief alone is not salvation. James writes: “Even the demons believe—and tremble” (James 2:19). The demons know who Jesus is, yet they will never bow to Him. And so it is with many people—acknowledging Christ with their lips, while refusing Him their lives.
Jesus Himself declared: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Salvation is not found in words alone, but in surrender.
Saving faith is not mere acknowledgment of facts—it is surrender to Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
What Does it Mean to Make Christ Lord?
The word “Lord” means Master, Ruler, King. To truly call Jesus ‘Lord’ is to acknowledge Him as Sovereign over every part of your life. It is not enough to only believe that He exists—we must live as citizens of His Kingdom, subject to His rule, bowing down to His wishes and desires, not our own. Think of how we treat earthly rulers. We obey their laws, we respect their authority, and we understand there are consequences if we rebel. How much more should we honor the King of Kings, the Lord of all Creation, the One who has final say over our eternal souls?
To make Christ ‘Lord’ is to say: “Not my will, but Your will be done.” It is to live daily in obedience to His commands, not out of fear alone, but out of love, devotion, and reverence.
How Do We Live Under Christ’s Lordship?
1. Daily Prayer –
A true citizen of Christ’s Kingdom communicates with the King. Prayer is not optional; it is the lifeline of relationship. Paul wrote: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). If we claim Christ as Lord but never speak to Him, are we truly under His authority? How can we know His will if we dont go to Him in prayer, and ask Him to guide us towards His will?
2. Knowing Him Through His Word –
We cannot follow a Lord we do not know. Jesus said: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). But how can we keep His commandments if we don’t read the book He has given us? The Scriptures reveal His heart, His laws, His commands, His love, His promises, His warnings. To neglect the Word is to neglect Christ Himself.
3. Obedience Beyond Earthly Crimes –
Many think they are “good enough” because they don’t murder, steal, or commit adultery. But Christ’s Kingdom goes deeper than that. He said:– “Everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…and anyone who says, ‘You fool’ will be in danger of the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:22). “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).– “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44).
Have you ever been angry with your brother or called him names?
Have you ever looked on another with lust or viewed pornography?
Have you ever wished harm on someone, or secretly rejoiced when something bad happened to them?
In Christ’s Kingdom, gossip is sin. Anger, bitterness, and jealousy are all sin. Lustful thoughts and vengeful fantasies are sin. Selfishness is sin. To know someone needs help yet refusing to act is sin. Christ calls us not just to avoid jail-worthy crimes, but to live holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
4. Repentance as a Lifestyle –
Salvation begins with repentance, but repentance is not a one-time act. It is the daily turning of our hearts from sin to Christ. When we stumble, we confess quickly, rise again, and walk in obedience.
5. Bearing Fruit of the Spirit –
A true subject of Christ’s Kingdom is marked by transformation. Paul wrote: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities are the evidence of a life submitted to the King. Like fruit from the same tree, these qualities grow together. If one begins to spoil, it affects the sweetness of the rest. In other words, if one is neglected, the fullness of Christ’s likeness in us is hindered and incomplete.
The Call to Endure
Jesus never painted discipleship as a quick prayer or fleeting moments of belief. He spoke of a cross to carry, a race to run, a fight to finish. He said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Faith is not proven by how it begins, nor by the works you perform, the size of your church, or the volume of your praise. Faith is proven by how it endures—by your obedience to Him. True disciples press on through trials, doubts, persecution, and temptation. They do not turn back when the road grows narrow, but run with endurance the race set before them, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2), ever pressing on “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Christ’s Lordship demands everything from us—our thoughts, our choices, our desires, our obedience. Every decision we make must be for Him, yet the cost cannot compare to the eternal reward that awaits. As Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Following Christ is not a one-time decision, it’s a thousand decisions, both big and small, made each and every day for the rest of your life.
The Danger of Lukewarm Faith
But many today are deceived. They wear the name of Christ but refuse the life of Christ. They want salvation without sacrifice, Heaven without holiness, a crown without a cross.
Jesus warned the church in Laodicea: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm…I will spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16).
To be lukewarm is to give Christ your Sundays but not your life. It is to sing His praises while clinging to your sins. It is to call Him “Lord” while living as your own master.
Do not be deceived: a Christianity that costs you nothing is worth nothing. If you will not sacrifice your comfort, your pride, your desires, your reputation for Him now, then do not expect Him to confess your name before the Father on that Day of Judgement. For Jesus said, “Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33).
And remember—silence is not neutral; not professing Him is also to deny Him. Which brings us to the next point…
The Lordship of Christ Also Commands Us to Witness
Christ is not only Lord over our private hearts—He is Lord over our public lives. Those who are truly His will not hide Him. He commanded: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This mission is not just for pastors or missionaries—it is for every citizen of His Kingdom.
If Christ is truly Lord, we will profess His name openly—to family, to friends, to strangers, to the ends of the earth. To be ashamed of Him is to prove we do not know Him.
How can we claim to belong to Christ if we are silent about Him? How can we call Him Lord if we withhold His gospel from those perishing around us? In the words of Isaiah Robinson, “Ain’t no such thing as a silent Christian”.
If He is our King, then we are His heralds. His ambassadors. His witnesses.
The Mark of His Disciples: Love
And yet, this Lordship is not only about what we give up—it is about what we gain. Jesus said: “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
To live under Christ’s Lordship is to love—even the unlovable. To forgive—even the unforgivable. To help those in need—even those we do not like. It is to be marked by mercy, generosity, and compassion, because our King was merciful, generous, and compassionate toward us, even when we were lost, dirty, and utterly undeserving.
As Scripture reminds us, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35–36).
The Joy of His Lordship
Finally, we must remember this: making Christ Lord is not slavery, it is freedom. It is not bondage, but rest. Jesus said: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me…for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).
To submit to Christ is to be set free from sin’s chains. To bow to Him is to rise in victory. To give Him everything is to receive everything.
For the King who commands our lives is also the Savior who laid down His life. And those who belong to Him will reign with Him forever and ever. Amen
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