| The Apostles' Creed, Part 7: "...our Lord..." |
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| Written by David Lawrence |
| Monday, November 28 2011 00:00 |
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The Apostles’ Creed is amazing in that it says so much so well in such a short message. We have already seen how much is said about God the Father in nine words, and we have thus far seen the creed establish and affirm that Jesus (Savior) Christ (Messiah: anointed) is the only Son of God the Father. These next two words state that Jesus Christ is our Lord. The word Lord (Greek: kouros) connotes authority. In political relationships lords were those designated as having authority over those under them. Such people might be known as serfs or commoners, but everyone realized that there was an established system of authority. The Lord was not to be questioned but obeyed. The creed affirms that Jesus is our Lord, that is, He is the One with authority. Jesus claimed such authority for Himself when he said in Matt. 28:18: “all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” Paul said in Eph. 1:22-23: “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Other passages of Scripture continue to teach the same doctrine. We have one lord, one with authority. As disciples of Christ we are taught by Jesus that whereas Gentiles had those who exercised authority over them, it was not to be so among His disciples, but whoever was great was to be a servant (Matt. 20:25-28). Peter instructed those who were considered elders or shepherds that they were not to be lords over the flock of God, but examples (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Unfortunately, the history of the church shows that man’s sinful desire for power has violated the absolute lordship of Jesus again and again by exercising coercive power over members in an ungodly political manner. It is important for church leaders to understand their servant role, and it is also important for all Christians to recognize their own sinful nature that impels us to exercise our own lordship over our lives. In refusing to recognize Jesus’ authority over our lives and denying His lordship, we are yielding to our sinful nature and the impulse of Satan. We are resisting and grieving the Holy Spirit. People who continue to live in such an autonomous fashion in an unrepentant manner simply illustrate that they are not regenerate, never born of the Spirit, and thus not saved or Christians at all. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is our only Lord! |
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