Matthew 16:15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

In many ways this is the question of eternity, because how we answer it determines our eternal destiny. Peter answered it well, but many people do not, even members of Christian churches. Peter’s answer was good because it directly addressed lordship. In his context, he could hardly call Jesus “the Messiah, the Son of the Living God,” without committing to total loyalty and obedience. He didn’t yet know Jesus as Savior, because the cross and resurrection had not yet taken place. In English, “Savior” is somewhat separated from lordship, but in Japanese the very word means “saving Lord.” I think that’s a real advantage! The problem is, Jesus isn’t our Savior until He is our Lord. Modern society in general and American society in particular doesn’t like the concept of lordship. Democracy is all well and good (and I certainly prefer to live in a democratic society), but it can work against understanding of lordship. Many churches prefer to hide the issue of lordship, bringing it out only after a person has “joined the church,” if then, and treating it as something of a “higher level” of Christianity for “saints” rather than “common people.” The Bible knows nothing of such distinctions! If Jesus Christ isn’t your Lord, then He isn’t your Savior, either. Many evangelists will call people to “accept Jesus as your Savior,” rather than to acknowledge Him as Lord. Agreeing with the facts of His birth, death, burial, and resurrection is not enough in itself. As James points out (James 2:19), even demons do that, and they certainly aren’t saved! The issue is lordship, because we will spend eternity with our Lord, whether that is Jesus or the devil.

This is an understanding that I have come to somewhat slowly, because I grew up with “accept Jesus as your Savior” from many directions. I don’t think my parents taught it that way, to us or to anyone else, but plenty of well-meaning people around me at least used the terminology. As a result, I have used it myself. I know full well that we are not born mature, any more spiritually than we are physically, so I must be careful not to place false barriers in the way of people coming to Christ. At the same time, I must make it clear that coming to Christ means committing to His Lordship. This is why I feel our current emphasis on discipleship is so vital. A disciple must be committed to his Master and Lord. That’s why Jesus said to “go and made disciples,” rather than any other term, like “converts.” Salvation is entirely a work of God, but our commitment is required to receive it.

Father, thank You for bringing this out so clearly at a point when we have people preparing for baptism. Help me get it across clearly to them, so that they may not be “half born,” but fully re-born into Your family. Guide us as we continue our study of discipleship, that all the believers may not only be firm in their own commitment, but equipped to lead others into that same commitment, for their salva­tion and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!