THAT ALL MEN BE SAVED (III)
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NIV
Philippians 2:9 is both a cosmic and judicial declaration.
In the last few days, we have explored the merciful ways in which God extends an invitation to all men to repent and be saved. Yet Scripture also makes clear that this salvation calls for active participation, not mere acknowledgment or forced submission.
Our theme passage reveals that every creature, those in heaven, on earth, and those who have departed this life (under the earth), will acknowledge the lordship of Jesus Christ. The Greek word used for “confessing” is exomologeō, meaning to publicly declare or admit what is true.
This confession, child of God, is the public and final vindication of Christ. Every lie spoken against Him will fail. Every opposing voice and every foreign power will be silenced. Still, this acknowledgment is not necessarily repentance, for we know that even demons confess Jesus as Lord (Mark 1:24). Some will bow as worshipers; others as conquered rebels. Yet every knee, without exception, will bow.
In this sense, the passage remains an intentional invitation to us as believers: to walk worthy of the calling we have received, to study and show ourselves approved, to do all things with excellence as unto the Lord, and above all, to live and move and have our being in Him.
This collaboration between God and man remains a mystery we may never fully comprehend on this side of eternity. Yet it stands as one of life’s greatest and most indescribable privileges, to the glory of His name.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for who you are. I thank you for being merciful, patient, and gracious toward humanity. I thank you for granting me the sacred privilege to choose You, to be indwelt by your Spirit, and to share in your glory through Christ. May it never be said of me that I stood as a hindrance to another’s salvation. Let my life point clearly and faithfully to You, in Jesus name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Isaiah 45:22-24
• Revelation 5:12
• James 2:19
• Romans 14:10
