There are two races of man. "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven" (1 Car. 15:47). All are of the first race, that is, born of the first man. Those who are born of God are in the race of the second man. Notice this verse, 'Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God" (1 John 5:11Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (1 John 5:1)).
Are you there? In Peter's first epistle he tells us how to be born again. He writes, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever”
Peter both confessed his sins and confessed Jesus (the second man) as Lord in Luke 5:88When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. (Luke 5:8). Also in Luke 23, one of the malefactors who was crucified beside Jesus turned and said, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." When Paul was converted in Acts 9, he said, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?”
Today, all those who have confessed Jesus as Lord have the blessed, precious privilege, position and responsibility to continue each day to own Him as Lord in profession, obedience and service. In this service we are not alone, but rather we have many fellow servants, and each of them is under the same Lord. Our solemn responsibility is not to judge the servant of another, nor to interfere between his conscience and his heavenly master (Lord). "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand" (Rom. 14:44Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4)).
As servants of our gracious Lord, we can commit the judgment of our stewardship and service to Him. Paul could say, "He that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God" (1 or. 4:4-5).
In keeping the unity f the Spirit in this day of so much ruin, we must o the lordship of Christ. "I therefore, the prisoner, of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:1-61I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1‑6)).
As to Christ's lordship over all and His riches toward all for salvation we read, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:12-1312For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:12‑13)).
In this year of 1996, as another millennium is winding down, what a privilege it is for us to own Jesus as Lord by confession and in practice. It is still the day of grace and He is such a gracious Lord. Peter's first preaching to the Gentiles showed the importance of this as he proclaimed: "Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all)" (Acts 10:3636The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (Acts 10:36)).