The Supremacy of Christ

The Bible is very clear that Jesus is supreme in all respects. He is Creator and Sustainer of all creation[2] but his supreme greatness is in the work of saving sinners he accomplished. He was great in becoming man and displayed his greatness in mercy and power on the earth; He was great in dying for us, and in his own body bore all our sin[3] and its power and penalty in a sacrifice that was once for all, and never repeatable[4]. He is great in resurrection and gloriously overthrowing death and its power[5]. And this was fitting for who he is – the Creator and Lord should bring “many sons to glory.”[6]

Jesus overcame all His enemies - the schemes of the Jewish leaders, the steel and military power of the Romans, even death itself and finally ascended. It meant victory. John Chrysostom said, “A royal chariot was sent for him”. One of the earliest worship songs of the Church says, “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."[7] There was nothing over which he had not triumphed.[8] Paul returns to the theme in Ephesians 1:19-23. God the Father has handed over this world and its redemption to His Son and has committed all judgement to him[9]; he alone is now the beginning and the end[10] and all authority belongs to him[11]. That is why we proclaim him to others and seek to do the works of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is Lord and "he will reign forever and ever"[12]. Jesus has asked the Father for the nations[13] as His inheritance and now they are His.[14]

But his ultimate glory and power is yet to be seen. He will come again and “every eye will see Him”[15]. He will return with millions of followers, human and angelic[16]. He will come to unite heaven and earth and establish a glorious kingdom of righteousness[17].

Jesus has and will always have the title of “Lord” because everything in heaven and earth is subject to him. We must let the book of Revelation have the last word. “I saw heavens opened, and behold a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God… He has a name written, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”[18] Supreme in creation, supreme on earth, supreme as Saviour, supreme in authority and supreme in heaven. This is our Jesus!

1. J. Piper, The Pleasures of God, p. 37. See also Hebrews 1:1-4
2. Colossians 1: 16-17
3. 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21
4. Hebrews 9:25-26
5. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
6. Hebrews 2:10
7. Philippians 2:9-10"
8. Ephesians 1:19-23
9. John 5:22
10. Revelation 1:8
11. Matthew 28:18-19
12. Revelation 11:15
13. Psalm 2:8
14. Revelation 11:15
15. Revelation 1:7
16. Luke 9:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7
17. Revelation 21
18. Revelation 19:11-16