Romans 10: 12-13
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV)
We were, are and will be saved from three things – all having to do with sin:
- The penalty of sin through Justification
- The power of sin through Sanctification
- The presence of sin through Glorification
In order to so be saved we need to call on the Name of the Lord, whether you are a Jew or a Gentile.
The word ‘Jehovah’ (God’s Name in Hebrew) is translated ‘LORD’ and the word ‘Kurios’ (Master in Greek) is translated ‘Lord’ in our English Bibles.
It’s remarkable that monotheistic Jews of the first century like Paul and James would ascribe to a human being the title ‘Kurios’ and apply to Jesus of Nazareth Old Testament verses which in their original context refer to Jehovah, the God of Israel. You need to understand the importance when we call this humble Nazarite Lord.
We must realise that we are calling out to God when we call on Jesus’ Name.
James was our Lord Jesus’ half-brother and says in the opening words of his letter:
‘…a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ’.
The Gospel writers were inspired to call Him Lord. Jesus Himself owned that title and carried Himself as Lord. He is not just our Saviour – He is our Lord.
What is involved with this title ‘Lord’ (Kurios)?
At least four great ideas:
- Christ has complete ownership – particularly of servants / slaves.
The word ‘Despotes’ (despot) is used to describe Him in 2 Peter 2:1, also in Jude 4.
You ask whether you must give up your rights and freedoms for Him?
Consider what the Son of God did when He became a Servant for you.
When He hung on the cross, He gave up all His rights, freedoms and well-being unto death in order to serve us, so why are you holding back on giving up – in many cases even what we shouldn’t have? - Receiving His truth – obeying and teaching it as the Word of God.
In Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration they call Jesus Lord, but in Mark’s account ‘Rabbi’ – as Disciples of the Lord He is our Teacher – we hear Him and do what He teaches. - That you know you carry the penalty of sin, buckling under its power and are in its presence. The saddest thing is how often we enjoy that – to be in the presence of sin! I hate the presence of sin – I want to be free from it.
- That you know He is the great King on great David’s throne. You need to obey Him and hear what He says. One of the most beautiful, clear and useful commandments apart from the Ten Commandments is when God said with a voice from heaven: ‘This is My beloved Son – hear Ye Him!’
What you need in order to be saved is to hear Jesus as you Prophet, receive Him as your Priest and Sacrifice and obey Him as your King.