Introduction

The worship of Jesus as Lord is a central tenet of Christian faith, reflecting the belief in His divinity and His role as the Savior of humanity. This entry explores the biblical basis for worshiping Jesus, examining scriptural references and theological implications from a conservative Christian perspective.

Biblical Foundation

1. Divine Nature of Jesus

The New Testament affirms the divinity of Jesus, which forms the foundation for His worship. In John 1:1, the Apostle John declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This passage identifies Jesus (the Word) as God, establishing His divine nature. Furthermore, in John 20:28, Thomas addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" after witnessing His resurrection, acknowledging His divine status.

2. Jesus as the Object of Worship

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the rightful object of worship. In Matthew 2:11, the Magi worship Jesus as a child, offering Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Similarly, in Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, the disciples worship Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

3. The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian formula underscores the equality of Jesus with the Father and the Holy Spirit, further justifying His worship as Lord.

4. Philippians 2:9-11

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:9-11, writes, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 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 universal acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship and the worship due to Him.

Theological Implications

1. Christ's Lordship

The worship of Jesus as Lord signifies His authority over all creation. In Colossians 1:16-17, Paul states, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This underscores Jesus' preeminence and His role as the sustainer of the universe.

2. Salvation and Worship

Worshiping Jesus as Lord is intrinsically linked to the salvation He offers. Romans 10:9 declares, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." This confession of Jesus' lordship is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith and worship.

3. Eschatological Worship

The Book of Revelation presents a vision of eschatological worship, where Jesus is honored as the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 5:12-13 proclaims, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" This future vision of worship emphasizes the eternal recognition of Jesus' sacrifice and His lordship.

Conclusion

The worship of Jesus as Lord is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, affirming His divinity, authority, and role in salvation. Through scriptural testimony and theological reflection, Christians are called to honor and worship Jesus as the exalted Lord, both now and in the age to come.