Jesus is Lord: The Call to True Repentance

 

Summary

In the first century, the Roman Empire was dominated by the Cult of Emperor worship, where citizens were required to declare "Caesar is Lord." However, the early Christian community, even at the cost of their lives, boldly proclaimed "Jesus is Lord," a declaration that was both simple and profound. This confession is rooted in the teachings of Peter at Pentecost, where he referenced Psalm 110, a text frequently cited in the New Testament. This Psalm speaks of a divine conversation where God elevates Jesus to a position of cosmic authority, seated at His right hand, above all earthly rulers. This enthronement of Christ is not just a theological assertion but a political statement of ultimate authority.

The sermon challenges the modern dichotomy between accepting Jesus as Savior but not as Lord. This separation is foreign to the New Testament, which consistently affirms the lordship of Christ. The notion of a "carnal Christian" who accepts salvation but delays submission to Christ's lordship is a recent and erroneous development. The true gospel message is radical, declaring that Christ rules over all, regardless of human acknowledgment or resistance.

Peter's message at Pentecost was a call to repentance, urging those who had crucified Jesus to recognize Him as both Lord and Christ. This recognition is not merely intellectual but demands a heartfelt response, cutting through the hardened hearts of those who initially rejected Him. The sermon emphasizes that genuine repentance arises when one is confronted with their guilt and the reality of Christ's lordship. It is only through real forgiveness, which comes from true repentance, that one can find relief from the burden of guilt.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that the only authentic treatment for guilt is forgiveness, which requires repentance. This is a call to acknowledge one's sin and turn to Christ, the Redeemer, as the only hope for true reconciliation with God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Lordship of Christ: The early Christians' confession of "Jesus is Lord" was a bold declaration of Christ's ultimate authority, challenging the Roman demand to declare "Caesar is Lord." This confession is rooted in the understanding that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, possessing cosmic authority over all earthly powers. [02:21]

2. The Error of Separating Savior and Lord: The modern notion of accepting Jesus as Savior but not as Lord is foreign to the New Testament. True faith recognizes Christ's lordship as integral to salvation, rejecting the idea of a "carnal Christian" who delays submission to His authority. [10:00]

3. The Call to Repentance: Genuine repentance arises when one is confronted with their guilt and the reality of Christ's lordship. This involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of sin and a turning to Christ as both Lord and Redeemer. [19:07]

4. The Reality of Guilt and Forgiveness: Real guilt is not measured by feelings but by the transgression of God's law. The only authentic treatment for guilt is real forgiveness, which requires true repentance and acknowledgment of one's sin before God. [21:42]

5. The Power of God's Word: The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word to cut through hardened hearts, leading to genuine repentance and recognition of Christ's lordship. This divine intervention is necessary for true spiritual awakening and reconciliation with God. [17:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - The Cult of Emperor Worship
- [01:18] - The Christian Confession
- [02:21] - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
- [03:28] - Psalm 110 and Christ's Authority
- [04:49] - The Astonishing Conversation
- [06:06] - Yahweh and Adonai
- [07:08] - Christ's Cosmic Authority
- [08:22] - The Significance of Christ's Enthronement
- [09:04] - The Lordship Salvation Controversy
- [10:15] - The Radical Gospel Message
- [11:10] - Christ's Reign Over All
- [12:09] - The Coming Messiah and Bowing the Knee
- [13:56] - Peter's Bold Declaration
- [16:24] - The Call to Repentance and Forgiveness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 110:1 - "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'"
- Acts 2:36 - "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of the early Christians' confession "Jesus is Lord" in the context of the Roman Empire's demand to declare "Caesar is Lord"? [01:18]

2. How does Peter use Psalm 110 in his sermon at Pentecost to affirm the authority of Jesus? [03:28]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the modern notion of separating Jesus as Savior from Jesus as Lord? [10:00]

4. How did the crowd react to Peter's message about Jesus being both Lord and Christ, and what does this reveal about their understanding of guilt and repentance? [16:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the declaration of "Jesus is Lord" serve as both a theological and political statement in the context of the sermon? [07:44]

2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea of a "carnal Christian," and how does this relate to the New Testament's portrayal of faith? [09:04]

3. How does the sermon describe the process and necessity of genuine repentance in the life of a believer? [19:07]

4. What role does the power of God's Word play in transforming hardened hearts, according to the sermon? [17:07]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you acknowledge Jesus as Savior but struggle to submit to His lordship? How can you address this separation? [10:00]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for genuine repentance. Can you identify a time when you experienced true repentance? What steps did you take to seek forgiveness? [19:07]

3. How can you actively recognize and confront any guilt in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God? What practical steps can you take to seek forgiveness and reconciliation? [21:42]

4. Consider the power of God's Word in your life. How can you make space for it to cut through any hardened areas of your heart? What specific practices can you implement to allow God's Word to transform you? [17:07]

5. The sermon challenges the notion of a "carnal Christian." How can you ensure that your faith is not just intellectual but also heartfelt and transformative? [09:04]

6. In what ways can you boldly declare "Jesus is Lord" in your daily life, especially in situations where it might be challenging or counter-cultural? [02:21]

7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with guilt and the need for repentance? What role can you play in guiding them towards forgiveness and reconciliation with God? [22:30]

Devotional

Day 1: The Bold Confession of Christ's Lordship
The early Christians' declaration of "Jesus is Lord" was a profound and courageous statement that directly challenged the Roman Empire's demand for allegiance to Caesar. This confession was not merely a religious sentiment but a radical assertion of Christ's ultimate authority over all earthly powers. Rooted in the teachings of Peter at Pentecost, this declaration is grounded in the understanding that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, possessing cosmic authority. This enthronement of Christ signifies His supremacy and challenges believers to recognize His lordship in every aspect of life. [02:21]

Psalm 110:1-2 (ESV): "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies!"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge Christ's authority? How can you begin to submit those areas to His lordship today?


Day 2: The Indivisibility of Savior and Lord
The modern notion of accepting Jesus as Savior but not as Lord is foreign to the New Testament. True faith recognizes Christ's lordship as integral to salvation, rejecting the idea of a "carnal Christian" who delays submission to His authority. This separation is a recent and erroneous development that undermines the radical nature of the gospel message. The New Testament consistently affirms that salvation involves acknowledging Jesus as both Savior and Lord, calling believers to a life of obedience and submission to His reign. [10:00]

Luke 6:46-47 (ESV): "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you acknowledge Jesus as Savior but not as Lord? What steps can you take to align your actions with His teachings?


Day 3: The Transformative Call to Repentance
Genuine repentance arises when one is confronted with their guilt and the reality of Christ's lordship. This involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of sin and a turning to Christ as both Lord and Redeemer. Peter's message at Pentecost was a call to repentance, urging those who had crucified Jesus to recognize Him as both Lord and Christ. This recognition is not merely intellectual but demands a heartfelt response, cutting through the hardened hearts of those who initially rejected Him. [19:07]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: When was the last time you truly repented for something? How can you cultivate a heart that is quick to repent and turn back to God?


Day 4: The Reality of Guilt and the Need for Forgiveness
Real guilt is not measured by feelings but by the transgression of God's law. The only authentic treatment for guilt is real forgiveness, which requires true repentance and acknowledgment of one's sin before God. This is a call to recognize one's sin and turn to Christ, the Redeemer, as the only hope for true reconciliation with God. Forgiveness is not just a release from guilt but a restoration of relationship with God, bringing peace and relief from the burden of sin. [21:42]

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV): "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: Is there a sin you have been reluctant to confess? What is holding you back from seeking God's forgiveness and experiencing His cleansing?


Day 5: The Power of God's Word to Transform Hearts
The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word to cut through hardened hearts, leading to genuine repentance and recognition of Christ's lordship. This divine intervention is necessary for true spiritual awakening and reconciliation with God. The Word of God is living and active, capable of penetrating the deepest parts of our being and bringing about lasting change. Believers are called to engage with Scripture, allowing it to shape their hearts and minds in alignment with God's will. [17:07]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: How regularly do you engage with God's Word? What changes can you make to ensure that Scripture is a central part of your daily life, allowing it to transform your heart and mind?

Quotes


The early Christians, even at the cost of their lives, responded to the mandate of Rome by saying, "Dear s, we will honor you, we will pray for you, we will submit to your civil ordinances, we won't drive our chariots over the speed limit, but we cannot say Kaiser curios because our confession is Yus ho curios, Jesus is Lord." [00:01:36]

The first Creed of the first-century church was that short, it was that simple: Yus oh curios, Jesus is Lord. And we see that startling confession coming now at the conclusion of Peter's sermon at Pentecost. He had been speaking about prophecies of the Psalms of David not seeing corruption. [00:02:21]

The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand. Essential to the Apostles' Creed, after the confession of the life and of the death and of the resurrection of Jesus, is the affirmation that he ascended into heaven for his session where he is seated at the right hand of God, which means he is placed in that seat of cosmic authority. [00:07:01]

The theology that's prevalent today has a sweet and blessed Jesus who saves us from our sins but is a Jesus who is the savior that does not reign. One of the most divisive controversies of the last 25 years has been called The Lordship Salvation controversy. [00:08:42]

The disjunction that is of recent origin between Christ as Savior and Christ as Lord is as foreign and antithetical to the New Testament as anything can be. And I want you to notice here that in this text where the carigma is being preached, where the gospel is being preached, at the heart of the message is the affirmation of the lordship of Christ. [00:10:00]

What Peter is saying is that as a matter of objective reality, God who created heaven and Earth has made Christ the lord of the universe. He rules. He doesn't wait for you to invite him. He rules you whether you want him to rule you or don't want him to rule you. [00:11:04]

The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand. How long? Until I make your enemies your footstools. When we look at the imagery with respect to the coming Messiah of Israel in the Old Testament, the metaphor of bowing the knee is used again and again. [00:12:07]

Let all of the House of Israel know assuredly with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Who are we talking about, ladies and gentlemen? Peter saying to those who are gathered, I'm talking about this Jesus, you know, the one, the one that you took and that you crucified. [00:14:00]

This very Jesus, whose blood is on your hands, whom you despised, whom you rejected, whom you crucified, this very Jesus God has made both Lord and Christ. And when they heard that, Luke tells us they were cut to the heart. [00:16:01]

The power of God to cut through it, and these people were just like everybody else in the world. They didn't want to be invaded by somebody making ultimate demands upon their lives, and their hearts had become hardened, their necks had become stiff, so stiff, so hard that they crucified the Son of God. [00:17:07]

There really is such a thing as guilt, and real guilt takes place when we disobey the law of God. When we transgress against the law of God, we are guilty. We may be psychopaths about it and say we don't feel guilty. You imagine going before the judge after you've been arrested for armed robbery. [00:20:58]

The only thing I know in all of the universe that is an authentic treatment for authentic guilt is real forgiveness. You can't make it up. We're debtors who can't pay our debts. We can't live so well the rest of our lives that it will atone for this past. [00:22:19]

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Transcript
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