The Lordship of Jesus while plainly taught in the scriptures has become an issue of great controversy and even division in some of the major religions (see why later). The Baptist religion, for instance, continues to experience serious problems from their seminaries down to many of their local pulpits over Jesus' Lordship.

     Kurios is the common Greek noun translated Lord in the New Testament. "…Signifying having power or authority…," Vine observes regarding kurios (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Jesus assumed the title Lord (Matt. 7: 21, 22). The full significance of Lord, as applied to Jesus, seems to have been realized in connection with Jesus' triumphant resurrection. "And Thomas answered and said unto him," after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus, "my Lord and my God" (Jn. 20: 28, see vss. 26-29). Vine again comments on "Lord" from the standpoint of its general meaning (i.e., "Sir") to its special meaning in the case of Jesus: "How soon and how completely the lower meaning had been superseded is seen in Peter's declaration in his first sermon after the resurrection, 'God hath made Him - Lord,' Acts 2: 36…" (Ibid.). Subsequent to John 20: 28, "Lord" is almost always used concerning God (deity) and, for the most part, is applied to Jesus.

    After Jesus' resurrection and in connection to Jesus' Great Commission, He said, "…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28: 18). "Power" (exousia) means authority and ability. Jesus is God's spokesman in this dispensation (Heb. 1: 1, 2). We are to abide in Jesus' doctrine (teaching) or be lost (2 Jn. 9). Jesus shall be the august judge of all men (2 Cor. 5: 10). In this vein, Jesus is Lord. Recognition of Lordship necessarily involves obedience and acquiescence. Hear Jesus: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Lk. 6: 46.) Many will be rejected on that Great Day, Jesus, says, because while they will address him as "Lord," they will be without his authority ("workers of iniquity," anomia, lawlessness, see "Authority," accessed from the home page).

     Jesus' Lordship is synonymous with Jesus' headship. "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church," Paul wrote of Christ (Eph. 1: 22, 23). Hear the inspired apostle again, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ…" (I Cor. 11: 3). There is coming a time (the Judgment) when "every knee shall bow to me…" (Rom. 14: 11, 10). Every knee should now bow to Jesus "and…every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phili. 2: 10, 11).

     Why Jesus' Lordship is creating such a stir in some religions. Beloved, many want to acknowledge Jesus as Savior but not as Lord. In common parlance, they want to enjoy salvation, but they do not want to yield their stubborn wills to Jesus in humble obedience to his word (Heb. 5: 8, 9). Another reason for labeling those who are now beginning to teach Jesus' Lordship as false teachers is because of the erroneous view many theologies present regarding obedience ("works"). "You see," they explain, "if we teach Jesus' Lordship, some will think we are saying one must obey Jesus to be saved, hence, salvation by works." There is absolutely no doubt about the necessity of obeying Jesus (Lk. 6: 46). I submit the real problem is their theology, which excludes the necessity of obedience to be saved, is distorted (see "Salvation," accessed from the home page).