“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and earth has been given to Me’” (Matthew 28:18 Amplified).

That is to say, Jesus is not simply a historical figure, a great Man, or just a prophet. Nor is He but a Savior–though that He is. Indeed, He is all these things, but aye, far more. He is the Supreme Being, the ruler of the universe. He ought then be taken much more seriously than He is.

In fact, not only was the universe of both seen and unseen things made by and through Him (John 1:10, Colossians 1:16), the entire created order is held together and sustained by Him (Hebrews 1:3). There is no greater Personality in all heaven and earth than the One we know as Jesus Christ.

“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might (the Father’s, that is) which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:19-22).

What then does this mean, if these things be so? It means we must give Him His rightful place in our hearts. Meaning this: we not only trust Him as our Savior, but we obey Him as our Lord. Both are conditions upon which we experience the salvation Scripture promises.

Here’s the thing: if we do indeed trust Him to save us, we will certainly do what He says. What man in peril, who, crying out for help, when a rescuer comes to his aid, will refute his instructions? Will argue with his commands?

All that Jesus requires of we who name His name is for the purpose of our good and that of others. No command of the Christ is intended for our harm. As Lord, His law is love and all the requirements of His kingdom are born of His love and kindness for mankind. There is another kingdom, but one other, whose supreme ruler is that evil one, and all his regulations are aimed at our destruction.

It is often overlooked that recognizing–and confessing–Jesus as Lord is the basis for eternal salvation.

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

The role of Christ in your life is intended by God to be that of Supreme Ruler. Jesus is to be Lord of your life. By this is meant your whole life, not just part of it. Life, as I understand and live it, is eating, drinking, sleeping, working, playing, relationships, buying and selling, money–everything we think, say, and do, including the reason for why we think, say, and do the things we do, all these God wants under the oversight and rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.