Jesus as Lord: Confession and Consecration
- Edward D. Andrews
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Romans 10:9–13; 1 Corinthians 12:3 – “Jesus is Lord” as a salvation-defining confession
In Paul’s theology, the confession “Jesus is Lord” (κύριος Ἰησοῦς) is not a mere doctrinal acknowledgment or a cultural affirmation. It is a decisive, covenantal declaration—a submission of allegiance and faith that marks the entry into salvation. It is both a doctrinal affirmation of Jesus’ exalted status and a personal pledge of loyalty to him as the divine ruler, Messiah, and redeemer. This confession, Paul makes clear, lies at the center of the believer’s response to the gospel.
In Romans 10:9–13, Paul explains the relationship between confession, faith, and salvation:
“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 unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, who is rich to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Several important theological points are embedded here:
“Jesus is Lord” (κύριος Ἰησοῦς) is the core verbal confession of faith. The term κύριος, when applied to Jesus, echoes its Septuagintal use for Jehovah. This is not merely recognizing Jesus as a master or teacher but as sovereign and divine, now exalted and ruling. It signals that the crucified Messiah is now the enthroned Lord (cf. Philippians 2:9–11).
Confession and belief are inseparable. Belief “in the heart” (not emotion, but inner conviction) and confession “with the mouth” form a unified response to the gospel. Faith is not a private sentiment but a public allegiance. This reflects the covenantal nature of salvation: confession is a verbal covenant pledge—a declaration of fidelity to the risen Lord.
The resurrection of Jesus is the object of faith here, highlighting that salvation requires not just believing about Jesus, but specifically believing in the vindicated and living Messiah.
Quoting Joel 2:32, Paul affirms that salvation is available to “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.” In its Old Testament context, the “Lord” (JHVH) is Jehovah. Paul applies this directly to Jesus, indicating again that Jesus shares in the divine name and prerogatives, yet without collapsing the distinction between the Father and the Son.
No distinction between Jew and Greek—This universal offer reinforces that Jesus is Lord over all humanity, not merely over Israel. The implication is eschatological and ethical: all peoples are invited into the one covenant community by acknowledging the same Lord.
In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul further clarifies that this confession is not made lightly:
“Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus is accursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the holy spirit.”
Here, Paul identifies confession of Jesus’ lordship as the fruit of Spirit-enabled conviction, not mystical speech. The Holy Spirit operates through the message of the gospel (cf. Romans 10:17), and when a person responds in faith, declaring “Jesus is Lord,” that response reflects the Spirit’s work through the Word—not an emotional or supernatural outburst, but an informed, volitional allegiance to the Messiah.
This confession has both salvific and sanctifying implications:
Salvific, because it marks the point of entry into the covenant of grace.
Sanctifying, because it reorients the believer’s life under Christ’s lordship. One’s priorities, actions, and community identity are now governed by Christ.
Importantly, Paul does not use the confession as a mere verbal formula. The phrase “Jesus is Lord” carries the weight of a covenantal vow, similar to the Shema’s declaration that “Jehovah is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). It binds the believer to Christ as Master, Savior, and coming King.
Thus, in Paul’s gospel:
“Jesus is Lord” is the fundamental confession of saving faith.
It reflects acknowledgment of Jesus’ exalted identity.
It arises from true belief in the resurrection.
It is empowered by the Spirit through the Word.
It entails personal consecration to the risen Christ.
This confession not only saves; it consecrates. It transforms the believer from a slave of sin into a servant (δοῦλος) of Christ, marked by loyalty, obedience, and hope in the one who is both Lord and Savior.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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