Romans 14:9 – Lord of all, the dead and the living

For for this Christ died and lives, that He should be Lord of the dead as well as of the living.

Christ did not die for a select group of people but “for all” (1Tim.2:6; 2Cor.5:15). He died to be resurrected by God three days later (Rom.10:9) that He might be Lord (=Owner) of all. Not just Lord for all, as if it were an offer to be turned down. None of that, He is “Lord of all” (10:12; Acts 10:36). The Gospel is not an offer but the communication of a fact. Whether you believe it or not.

The fact that Jesus is “Lord of all” is so universal that it concerns not only the living but also all the dead. Yes it is true, the dead are dead and conscious of nothing (Eccl. 9:5). And yet it has great significance that Christ is also their Lord. Because it guarantees that the dead will soon hear the call to rise. All the dead will be vivified, like Christ the Firstfruits (1Cor.15:22).

The Scriptures assure us that the time will come when all, heavenly, terrestrial and subterranean, will recognize Jesus as Lord. With bent knees and from within every tongue will confess: Jesus is Lord! Not under duress but “to the glory of God the Father” (Phil.2:9-11)!

Delen: