THE NAME OF JESUS-PART 3
Philippians 2:11 "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
To confess means to acknowledge; to declare; and to admit.
Presently, there are many persons who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord of their lives. Such individuals boldly express their opposing views about the validity and relevance of Jesus in our present era. It must be clearly understood that our opinions, our ideologies nor our dispositions can negate the unadulterated, pure, everlasting Word of God. John 1:14 states "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14 informs us that Jesus dwelt among mankind, as the Son of God. He physically interacted with His disciples and the multitude that received many blessings from His hands.
Additionally, to reject Jesus is to deny our very existence, for He is our Creator. John 1:3 tells us, "All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made."
Our verse of focus definitively states, "that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord," There is no maybe or perhaps about these profound words. The acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord shall be made by all humanity. Each individual has the opportunity now, to decide, and to declare Jesus as Lord.
What is required? We must confess our sins and accept His free gift of salvation. By so doing, we will enjoy the benefits of having meaningful relationships with Jesus now. When He comes the second time, the opportunities to acknowledge our sins; to repent of them; and to be forgiven, would have passed. Sadly, it will be too late. With the tongue, expressions of the mind are made. We need to proclaim glory to God now.
The words of the hymn, "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing", aptly describe such a need. Stanza 1 states
"O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King
The triumphs of His grace."
The "now" is essential for what will happen then, (when Jesus comes the second time).
2 Corinthians 6:2 encourages us, ".....behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
May we choose to accept Jesus as Lord of our lives now, before it is eternally too late.