LORD

In Biblical times, the title 'lord' was used for someone with authority, control, or power over others (i.e. a master or ruler). 

When the term is applied to our Savior, we find that it is vital to our salvation. Belief in Christ's atoning death, burial, and resurrection is important but surrendering to His Lordship is key ... 

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

Two religious groups exist in today's church ... the 'possessors' of the Lord Jesus Christ and the mere 'professors' of His Lordship. Scripture recognizes them as the 'doers' and the 'hearers' ... 

'Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves'. James 1:22

How tragic it is that so many so-called Christians 'hear but do not heed'; ponder but do not practice. We are to experience Jesus by surrendering to His Lordship and walking in obedience. His authoritative instructions for life are not just some academic exercise to contemplate and put aside ... 

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46

This pointed question implies that Christ was not pleased with the flippant use of the word 'Lord'. No matter how emphatic the confession, it is meaningless if not acted upon. 

To think you can address Jesus as Lord, but live like He isn't ... this is at the core of one of today's frightening ideologies, the 'easy believism' doctrine that many evangelicals espouse (i.e. just say a prayer to receive Jesus and you are saved regardless of how you live the remainder of your life). This represents a soul-ruining false faith.

A disciple cannot legitimately refer to Jesus as Lord and ignore what He teaches. Christ said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn 14:15). Nothing less will do.

The Word of God gives us this dire warning ... Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven ... I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21,23)

Is your faith real or an empty profession?