In John 8:11, Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, "Neither do I condemn you," He follows with, Go, and from now on sin no more." This instruction is powerful, as it not only declares her forgiven but also sets a new standard for her life moving forward.
This directive can be seen as a call to live a life that aligns with God's will—a life of holiness and righteousness that reflects a change brought about by encountering Jesus. It emphasizes that forgiveness isn't just about absolution but also about a renewed commitment to living according to God’s principles. Thus, it suggests that those who are forgiven are called to pursue a blameless life as a response to the grace they have received.
The call to live a blameless life, as Jesus suggests, can feel daunting because, as humans, we are all prone to making mistakes and sinning—even with the best intentions.
The Bible acknowledges this human condition. For example, 1 John 1:8 says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." This passage underscores the ongoing struggle with sin that believers face. However, it also points to the grace available through Christ, as the next verse offers reassurance: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Trying and sometimes failing is a shared experience for those who are Born Again. It highlights the importance of grace, continuous repentance, and the Holy Spirit's role in sanctification—the process of being made holy over time. Rather than a demand for immediate perfection, Jesus' instruction to "go and sin no more" can be seen as an encouragement to pursue righteousness while relying on God’s strength and forgiveness when we fall short. This aligns with the idea of living a life dependent on God’s guidance and care, and being transformed by an ongoing relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit.
So, if we consider Jesus Christ our "Savior", by Grace. We should also consider Him "Lord" by that same grace. When we accept Him as Savior, acknowledging that it is by grace through faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9), we also recognize His sovereignty over our lives, thereby accepting Him as Lord.
The title "Lord" implies authority, leadership, and control. To call Jesus "Lord" is to submit to His will, obey His teachings, and align our lives according to His purposes. This is not just a declaration of belief but a commitment to action—it means actively seeking His guidance in all areas of life and striving to reflect His character.
This relationship of grace is reciprocal and dynamic. Just as we receive grace in salvation, we continue to depend on that grace to empower and enable us to live under His lordship. This understanding deeply connects with the idea of God’s Guidance, Provision and Care, and living out a radical dependence on Him.
By grace, He saves us. Through faith, we make Him Lord.
Making Jesus Lord of our lives is the natural progression of that faith. When we believe in Him, we not only trust Him for salvation but also commit to His lordship, which means acknowledging His authority, obeying His commands, and conforming our lives to His will. This act of making Jesus Lord is both a decision and a process. It starts with a decision to give Him control but continues as a daily process of yielding to the Holy Spirit, who helps us to live according to God's ways.This concept also aligns with the Biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). The faith that saves us is also supposed to transform us, leading to a life that evidences His lordship through our actions, decisions, and interactions. This transformative journey is underpinned by grace, enabling us to grow in Christ-likeness and to live out our calling in the kingdom of God effectively.