Every Tongue Shall Confess

Philippians 2:9-11 is a profound passage that encapsulates the essence of Christian belief regarding the lordship of Jesus Christ. The verses read: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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 declaration is not merely a statement of authority; it is a profound affirmation of worship and recognition of Jesus’ divine status.

The original Greek word for confess used in this passage is exomologeō, which carries a rich connotation of voluntary acknowledgment and worship. This term suggests an act of will, a conscious decision to recognize and affirm the lordship of Jesus. It is not a coerced submission but rather a heartfelt response to the truth of who Jesus is. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of worship as presented in the New Testament. Worship, in this context, is an act of love and reverence, a natural response to the recognition of Jesus’ divine authority and love.

The implications of this understanding are significant. It suggests that the ultimate acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not merely a future event where all beings are forced to submit, but rather a culmination of a process where every individual comes to a realization of His lordship. This realization is rooted in the transformative power of God’s love, which draws people to Him willingly. Thomas Talbott, in his work The Inescapable Love of God, articulates this idea beautifully. He posits that God’s love is inescapable and that it ultimately leads every person to a place of recognition and acceptance of Jesus as Lord. Talbott’s insights align with the notion that the confession of "Jesus as Lord" is an act of worship that arises from an understanding of His love and grace.

The passage also emphasizes the universality of this acknowledgment. “Every knee should bow” and “every tongue confess” signifies that this recognition transcends all boundaries—be they cultural, geographical, or temporal. It speaks to the inclusivity of God’s plan for humanity. The acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not limited to a select few but is intended for all creation. This universality reinforces the idea that God’s love is extended to everyone, inviting all to respond willingly to His grace.

Moreover, the context of Philippians 2 highlights the humility of Christ, which serves as a model for believers. The preceding verses describe how Jesus, "though in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant." This self-emptying love is what compels believers to respond in worship. When individuals recognize the depth of Christ’s humility and sacrifice, their response is one of gratitude and reverence, leading them to willingly confess Him as Lord.

The act of confession, therefore, is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but an embodiment of a relationship with Jesus. It signifies a transformation of the heart, where individuals move from a place of rebellion or indifference to one of submission and worship. This transformation is a testament to the power of God’s love, which draws people into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He represents.

In conclusion, Philippians 2:9-11 encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of worship and the lordship of Jesus Christ. The original Greek term for confess emphasizes a willing act of acknowledgment, reflecting a heart transformed by love. This understanding aligns with the broader narrative of Scripture, which portrays God’s love as inescapable and inviting. As individuals come to recognize the depth of Christ’s humility and sacrifice, their response is one of willing worship, leading to the ultimate acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord. This passage serves as a reminder of the inclusive nature of God’s plan, inviting all of creation to bow in reverence and confess the lordship of Jesus Christ.