There is One Lord

They have been called “God’s Platform for Unity.” “The Unifying Facts of the Gospel.” And “Seven Doctrinal Pillars of Unity.”

However you label them, Ephesian 4:4-6 offers seven essential facts that serve a basis for the Christian religion.

This year our writing and preaching theme is “Fundamentals of Faith.” This post is the second in series of seven that lay the foundation for everything else we’re teaching.

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Eph. 4:4-6)

Just as there is only One God, identified in the Bible as Jehovah, there is only one Lord.

Who is the One Lord?

Just a casual pursual of the New Testment quickly reveals the answer. Over 200 times we see the expressions “Lord Jesus” or “Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul’s preaching regarding God’s Kingdom included believing on “the Lord Jesus Christ (Ax. 28:31).

James spoke of holding “the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ” “Jas. 2:1).

Peter affirmed that he and others were eyewitnesses of “the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:16).

John identified “the Lord Jesus Christ” as “the Son of Father” (2 John 3)

There can be no doubt that Jesus of Nazareth is the one Lord.

What Does it Mean?

The word Lord is from the Greek word “kurios” which means “supreme in authority.” It can also be translated “Master.” It means “to have dominion over, to rule over.” It signifies one’s power.

Jesus assumed the title of “Lord” (Matt. 7:21), making Himself one with God. He called upon His followers to hear His Word, believe His message, and obey His commands. Why? Because He’s the “one Lord” to whom we should surrender.

Through the One Lord Jesus Christ we…

…Obtain grace (2 Cor. 8:9).
…Experience peace (Ax. 10:36).
…Receive mercy (Jude 21).
…Have hope (2 Thess. 2:16).
…Feel joy (Phile. 20).
…Find forgiveness (Eph. 4:32).
…Realize justification (Gal. 2:16).
…Enjoy fellowship with the Father (1 Jn. 1:1-4).
…Have all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).
…Anticipate eternal victory (1 Cor. 15:57).

These blessings, benefits, and promises (as well as many others) cannot be obtained through a mere man, but only through the one Lord.

The Lord’s Uniqueness

Jesus was unlike anyone who has ever lived. His character was holy, harmless and undefiled (Heb. 7:26). His teaching and preaching was unlike other religious leaders of His day (Matt. 7:29). His message was powerful. Penetrating. And personal. He came to do the Father’s will and work (Jn. 5:36.)

The One Lord’s unique message and ministry can be summed up in His affirmation in John. 14:6. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The One Lord is Without Peer

The apostle Paul affirmed that the one Lord Jesus Christ, “is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light…” (1 Tim. 6:15-16).

There is no preacher, pastor, pontiff, or self-proclaimed prophet, who can claim equality with the one Lord. He alone is unequaled and unparalleled. No church leader can rightlyfully assume to be the Lord’s vicar.

In the words of the late African American Preacher S. M. Lockridge, the Lord Jesus Christ is the…

…King of Righteousness.
…King of the Ages.
…King of Glory.

He’s August.
He’s Supreme.
He’s Pre-eminent.

He’s the…
…Wellspring of wisdom.
…Doorway of deliverance.
…Pathway of peace.
…Roadway of righteousness.
…Highway of holiness.
…Master of the mighty.
…Captain of the conquerors.
…Prince of the princes.

He always has been.
And He always will be.
He had no predecessor.
And He’ll no no successor.

That’s my King!

Indeed, there is only “one Lord.” Do you know Him? Will you serve Him? Obey Him? Live for Him? And die in Him?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman