Why Every Knee Shall Bow: Understanding the Universal Lordship of Jesus Christ

Why Every Knee Shall Bow

In today's world, where division and injustice seem to be rampant, one question arises: why should every knee bow? This question takes us back to the origins of humanity and the purpose for which we were created. To understand why every knee shall bow, we must delve into the truth of God's Word, the Bible.

The Sovereign Creator

From the beginning, the Bible reveals God as the sovereign creator of the universe. In Genesis 1:1, it states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This simple yet profound statement sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, spoke the world into existence.

As the creator, God holds authority over all things. Psalm 95:3-6 reminds us, "For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!"

These verses emphasize the greatness of God and call us to worship and bow before Him. When we recognize His sovereignty and power, it becomes clear why every knee shall bow.

The Lordship of Jesus Christ

While God is the creator, the Bible also reveals that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of all. In Philippians 2:9-11, it is written, "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This passage highlights the exaltation of Jesus Christ and His ultimate authority. As believers, we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we willingly bow before Him. However, the Bible declares that every knee, whether willingly or not, will eventually bow before Jesus. This truth reveals the universal lordship of Christ and underscores the reason why every knee shall bow.

The Final Judgment

Another reason why every knee shall bow is the certainty of the final judgment. In Romans 14:10-12, it states, "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."

These verses remind us that one day, every person will stand before the judgment seat of God. At that moment, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to God. This is not a matter of choice but an inevitable reality. The final judgment serves as a compelling reason why every knee shall bow.

The Call to Surrender

Understanding why every knee shall bow also brings us to the call to surrender our lives to God. In Romans 10:9-10, it says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

This verse presents a clear invitation to confess Jesus as Lord and believe in Him for salvation. When we surrender our lives to God and recognize Jesus as our Lord, we willingly bow before Him. This act of surrender not only brings us salvation but also aligns us with God's ultimate plan for humanity.

A Future of Hope

As we contemplate why every knee shall bow, we can find hope for the future. In Revelation 21:3-4, it says, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

These verses paint a beautiful picture of the future that awaits those who have bowed before God in surrender. In this future, there will be no more suffering, pain, or injustice. God will dwell with His people, and His presence will bring eternal peace and joy. This future hope gives us a glimpse of the ultimate reason why every knee shall bow.

Conclusion

As we reflect on why every knee shall bow, we are reminded of the greatness of God, the lordship of Jesus Christ, the certainty of the final judgment, the call to surrender, and the future hope that awaits those who bow before God. These biblical truths transcend time and remain relevant in the year 2023 and beyond. They invite us to examine our lives, acknowledge our need for a Savior, and willingly bow before Jesus Christ. In doing so, we align ourselves with God's ultimate plan and find hope for the future. So, let us ask ourselves, will we choose to bow willingly now or wait until every knee bows in the presence of the Almighty? The choice is ours.