What does "God put everything under His feet" reveal about Jesus' sovereignty? Context of 1 Corinthians 15:27 “ ‘For “God has put everything under His feet.” ’ ” Paul is unpacking the certainty of Christ’s resurrection and its cosmic implications. By citing Psalm 8:6, he shows that the risen Lord is the One to whom universal dominion has always pointed. What “under His feet” Means • An ancient picture of conquest: the victor stands with foot on a subdued enemy. • Total submission: “everything” leaves nothing outside Christ’s control. • Delegated authority: the Father’s act of placing all things under the Son highlights Jesus as God’s chosen Ruler while preserving the Father’s headship (v. 28). Old Testament Echoes That Reinforce the Point • Psalm 8:6 — “You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.” First applied to humanity’s mandate, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the true Man. • Psalm 110:1 — “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” A prophetic enthronement text fulfilled in Jesus. • Daniel 7:13-14 — The Son of Man receives dominion “that all peoples… should serve Him.” New Testament Affirmations of the Same Sovereignty • Matthew 28:18 — “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Ephesians 1:22 — “God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church.” • Hebrews 2:8 — “Yet at present we do not see everything subject to Him.” The dominion is real now, fully visible later. • Philippians 2:9-11 — Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. • Revelation 5:12-13 — All creation praises the Lamb, recognizing His ultimate rule. Present Reality of Christ’s Rule • Ruling from the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3). • Sustaining creation (Colossians 1:16-17). • Directing history for the church’s good (Ephesians 1:22-23). • Exercising authority over demonic powers (Colossians 2:15). Future Consummation of His Reign • The last enemy, death itself, will be abolished (1 Corinthians 15:26). • Visible subjugation of all opposition at His return (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). • The kingdom handed to the Father so “God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Why This Matters for Believers • Assurance: Our risen Lord already reigns; nothing can thwart His plan. • Confidence in mission: We proclaim the gospel under His sovereign authority (Matthew 28:18-20). • Hope: Even unresolved pain and injustice will be set right when every knee bows. • Worship: Recognizing His supremacy fuels heartfelt praise and joyful obedience. Everything under His feet means nothing above His head. The risen Jesus reigns now, will reign forever, and invites us to live in the security and purpose His sovereignty provides. |
    |