Suppose I were to read off a list of a dozen or so names of random famous people to you, and ask for your response to those names, whether positive, negative, or indifferent. Some great political figures might get a positive response, along with perhaps some movie stars or musicians you liked. Notorious criminals wouldn’t. Sometimes the mere mention of someone’s name can elicit an enormous response, either positively or negatively. Our Scripture for today speaks of a specific Name, and the response to that Name. Let’s take a look.
As you might have imagined, the Name that I am speaking of is that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Right prior to our selected Scripture, the Apostle Paul had just described Christ’s humiliation, when He, as Eternal God, took on human flesh, became a servant, and was obedient to death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Because of His obedience, Paul now tells us that Jesus will be exalted, and not just exalted, but highly exalted (vs. 9). This exaltation includes His resurrection, ascension where He is currently enthroned in heaven, and His future visible reign here on earth. As we see in the life of Jesus, God honors humility and obedience. The life that Jesus led, the path He chose, led downward in humility, but then went upward in glory. This is the pattern that we, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, should be willing to follow, as well.
Here we come to the Name of Jesus. Paul tells us that at the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow (vs. 10). Throughout the world, in every nation and group, the Name of Jesus arouses all sorts of reactions. Some people show indifference, others feel hatred. Many think of it only in a profane sense. But to those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, His Name is precious and higher than any other.
The Apostle Paul tells us that there will one day be universal submission to Jesus Christ. “Every knee” includes those in heaven - the angels and redeemed believers, those on earth - all living humanity, and those under the earth - the lost and demonic realms. This does not mean that there is universal salvation, the false belief that everyone will ultimately be saved. This means that there will be universal acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship. Isaiah spoke of this in his prophecies (Isaiah 45:23), along with Paul referring to it again in his letter to the Romans (Romans 14:11).
As we look throughout history, particularly in our own day, we see so many people, notably many celebrities, who proudly proclaim that they are atheists. They defiantly shake their fists, stating they do not believe in God. Then there are those around the world who are followers of various false religions and gods. They, too, spew their hatred of Jesus. The day is coming, though, when they will be made to bow the knee to the Lord Jesus. If we bow the knee to Jesus, submitting our lives to Him today while we are alive, that is salvation. However, if someone refuses to in this life, they will be forced to bow the knee in the afterlife, and that will bring judgment. It is so much better to live in joyful submission to Jesus’ authority today!
In like manner we read that every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (vs. 11). This will be a verbal acknowledgment and confession of Jesus Christ’s deity and authority. This concession glorifies God the Father, showing perfect unity within the Trinity. Again, we can freely believe and acknowledge this in our life now, or one day in judgment acknowledge that Jesus is indeed the Lord. But then it will be too late.
Paul now moves from Jesus’ example to our own obedience to God (vs. 12-14). “Working out our own salvation” does not mean working for our salvation, such as salvation through good works. Instead it means to bring it to completion. It is sanctification - living out what God has already worked in our lives. We should do this with reverence, being aware of God’s holiness. Sanctification is a cooperative work. We obey and God empowers us. He does not leave us to struggle on our own. The Lord wants us to go about our daily lives without murmuring or disputing, either inwardly complaining or outwardly arguing.
As we close this Scripture passage that exalts and glorifies the Name of Jesus, we see that He is exalted above all creation. There will be a day in the future when every creature will bow to Him. Knowing this, we as believers should boldly confess Jesus Christ as our Lord, and bring the Gospel to others who do not yet believe. The day is coming when every knee will bow. It is better that they do so in life now and enjoy eternity in heaven with God, than to be forced to bow later, in the afterlife on the Day of Judgment.
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