Introduction

There is a profound difference between admiring Jesus, believing facts about Jesus, or even receiving benefits from Jesus — and declaring Him Lord.

Many want a Savior.
Far fewer want a Lord.

Yet Scripture presents salvation not merely as forgiveness, but as a transfer of rule.

This post will walk through:

• • What it means to declare Jesus Lord
  • Why it is essential
  • Why “believing as Savior” alone is not enough
  • How to submit
  • How to know if you have truly submitted to Jesus as Lord
  • Where to go deeper

The Big Story: Creation, Rebellion, Restoration

God Created What Was Good

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image…’
…Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” – Genesis 1:26–27, 31

Humanity was designed for life under God’s loving authority. 

Humanity Rebelled and Broke What Was Good

“Through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin…” – Romans 5:12

Sin is not merely moral failure.
It is rejection of God’s rule.

At its root: self-rule.

God Entered Creation As A Man To Restore It

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” – John 1:14

God did not abandon His creation.
He entered it — in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Fulfilled Scripture

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

His life, suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidental.
They were foretold and fulfilled.

Jesus Is Now Lord

“God also has highly exalted Him… that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” – Philippians 2:9–11

The resurrection was not merely victory over death. It was enthronement.

Jesus is not waiting to become Lord. He already is.

The question is: Have you aligned with that reality?

What Does It Mean to Declare Jesus Lord?

To declare Jesus Lord means:

• • You renounce self-governance and autonomy.
  • You transfer ultimate authority for your life from yourself to Christ.
  • You submit your will, plans, values, and identity to Him.
  • You align your life under His Word.

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9

Notice the order:

Confess Him as Lord.

Believe in the resurrection.

Lordship is not optional add-on theology. It is fundamental in salvation.

Why Believing in Jesus as “Savior” Is Not Enough

Many say: “I believe Jesus died for my sins.”

But Scripture warns directly that belief without submission is insufficient.

Even Demons Believe

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!” – James 2:19

Mental agreement does not equal surrendered allegiance.

Jesus’ Own Warning – Obedience is necessary

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” – Luke 6:46

Calling Him Lord without obedience is self-deception.

Savior Without Lordship?

Jesus does not offer a divided identity:

Savior from consequences

But not Lord over conduct

“God has made this Jesus… both Lord and Christ.” – Acts 2:36

He is both.

To receive Him truly is to receive Him wholly.

Why Is Lordship Essential

Because the root of our problem is not ignorance — it is self-rule.

Declaring Jesus Lord addresses:

• • Authority
  • Allegiance
  • Identity
  • Direction
  • Ownership

It restores:

• • Right order
  • Covenant loyalty
  • Proper governance of the heart

Salvation is not merely rescue from hell.
It is restoration of rightful rule in this life so it can carry on to the next.

How Do You Know If You Have Submitted?

Submission is not a feeling.
It is visible in trajectory.

Signs of Self as Lord

• • You determine truth by preference.
  • You justify disobedience.
  • You negotiate with Scripture.
  • You cling to control.
  • You resist correction.
  • You want forgiveness without transformation.

Signs Jesus Is Lord

• • You repent quickly.
  • You align decisions with Scripture.
  • You surrender outcomes to Him.
  • You desire obedience even when costly.
  • You yield your resources and future.
  • You hunger to know Him and walk with Him.

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” – Galatians 2:20

Lordship produces displacement of self at the center.

Self Test Comparison

You as Lord	Jesus as Lord
My will be done	Lord, Your will be done
I define truth	Scripture defines truth
I control outcomes	I trust His sovereignty
I protect myself first	I love and serve others first
I seek comfort	I pursue obedience
I manage my life	I steward what belongs to Him
I justify sin	I confess and turn from sin

Lordship is not perfection.
It is posture.

The Declaration That Changes Direction

Declaring Jesus Lord is saying:

• • I repent of self-rule.
  • I believe He rose from the dead.
  • I confess Him as Lord.
  • I submit my life under His authority.
  • I trust His finished work.
  • I yield my future to Him.

This is not performance-based salvation.
It is grace received through faith.

But grace never leaves the throne of your life unchanged.

Where to Learn More

Scripture to Study Deeply

Romans (especially chapters 6–8)

Colossians (Christ’s supremacy and lordship)

Philippians 2

John 14–17 (abiding and obedience)

James (faith that works)

Solid Teaching Resources

John Stott — Basic Christianity

R.C. Sproul — The Holiness of God

Dietrich Bonhoeffer — The Cost of Discipleship

Sinclair Ferguson — The Christian Life

John MacArthur — The Gospel According to Jesus

These works emphasize repentance, lordship, and authentic discipleship.

Final Word

Jesus is already Lord.

The question is not whether He holds authority.
The question is whether you have aligned your life under it.

Declare Him Lord.
Repent of self-rule.
Submit your life.
Get on the right track — not just forgiven, but rightly ordered.

And walk with Him.