THE CURRENT REIGN OF JESUS -- Tomorrow:
(1 Corinthians 15:25)
The clear implication of this text is this: if Jesus is not Lord of all, peace cannot be preached. There can be no peace with God, within the individual, or upon the earth, unless One is exalted above all opposing forces. Peter does not say Jesus will be Lord of all, but that He IS Lord of all. It is not on the part of wisdom to affirm anything else.
GOD HAS MADE JESUS LORD. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). Having made the required atonement, destroyed the devil (Heb 2:14), spoiled principalities and powers (Col 2:15), and reconciled the world to God (2 Cor 5:18), God the Father has made Jesus "Lord." This was, in a sense, the Savior's reward -- but it was more than that. What Jesus was now required to do necessitated that He be made Lord. The sons could not be brought to glory in any other way. Unless He is Lord over everything, the saved cannot be fed, led, or perfected.
EXALTED FOR A PURPOSE. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31). Sin had dealt such a devastating blow to humanity that men had to be given repentance and the forgiveness of sins. These could not simply be given to them by an announcement. The Giver must be Lord of all -- both a reigning Prince, and an effective Savior. The Father exalted Him above all in order that He could give men repentance and the forgiveness of sins, without which there is no hope of eternal life.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Twenty-seven times the Savior is referred to as "the Lord Jesus Christ." In that capacity people were said to believe on Him. We are saved by Him in that capacity. True preaching and teaching centered in this. Grace and peace come from Him as "the Lord Jesus Christ." We put Him on, love Him, and look for Him in that capacity. Our Kingdom responsibilities are carried out in the awareness of His exaltation to be Lord of all. As 'the Lord Jesus Christ," He comes to be with our spirit. (Acts 11:17; 15:11; 16:31; 28:31; Rom 1:7; 13:14; 1 Cor 1:3; 16:22; 2 Cor 1:2; 13:14; Eph 1:2;6:23; Phil 1:2; 3:20; Col 1:2; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess 1:1.12; 1 Tim 5:21; 2 Tim 4:1,22; Tit 1:4; Phile 1:3; James 1:1; 2 John 3).
He is "over all," and there are no exceptions. "Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, Who IS over all, God blessed for ever. Amen" (Rom 9:5). It is not possible to be "over all" and not reign. Being "over all" is, in fact, what constitutes the required reign.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus I thank You for a Savior who is over all. I know there is no foe He cannot subdue, and no required benefit He cannot give.