by Dorcas Kulwa | 17 October 2022 08:46 am10
What’s the Difference Between ‘God’ and ‘Lord’?
Question: Is there a difference between the names God and Lord? And is it appropriate for us as Christians to use the name Lord (Mola in Swahili) instead of God (Mungu)?
Answer:
Yes, there is a subtle but important difference between the two titles, and both are biblically and theologically valid. Understanding the distinction enhances our prayer life, worship, and knowledge of God’s character.
The name God in English is often used as a general title for the divine being—the Creator of heaven and earth. In Hebrew, the equivalent term is Elohim, which is used throughout the Old Testament to describe God as Creator, Judge, and Sovereign over all creation.
Genesis 1:1 (NIV):
“In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.”
The name Elohim highlights God’s creative power and majesty. It emphasizes His role as the origin and sustainer of life and the universe.
The word Lord in English, translated from Hebrew Adonai and Greek Kyrios, conveys authority, rulership, and dominion. It often denotes God as Master, Sovereign King, and one who governs and reigns over all.
Adonai is a title of honor and submission, acknowledging God not just as Creator, but also as Ruler—the One who commands and deserves obedience.
Psalm 97:5 (NIV):
“The mountains melt like wax before the LORD (Adonai), before the Lord of all the earth.”
Romans 10:9 (NIV):
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Here, Lord (Kyrios) is a title attributed to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as divine and sovereign. Calling Jesus Lord is a declaration of His authority and deity.
Using “Lord” in prayer is deeply biblical and powerful. It emphasizes God’s kingship, justice, and ability to act on our behalf.
Acts 4:24 (NIV):
“When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.'”
In this prayer, the disciples address God as Sovereign Lord (Despota in Greek), acknowledging His ultimate rule over creation and history.
Revelation 6:10 (NIV):
“They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?'”
The martyrs in heaven appeal to God’s justice and holiness, calling Him Sovereign Lord—emphasizing His authority and righteousness.
Using both God and Lord in our worship and prayer enriches our relationship with Him. When we say God, we affirm His power as Creator. When we say Lord, we recognize His authority, guidance, and kingship over our lives.
These names are not interchangeable but complementary. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done…” (Matthew 6:9–10). This acknowledges both God’s fatherhood (relationship) and His lordship (authority).
Yes, as Christians, it is both appropriate and biblically sound to use the name Lord (Mola) in our prayers. It is a title that speaks of God’s majesty, sovereignty, and rulership over all things.
Using names like Sovereign Lord, Almighty God, or Lord of Hosts deepens our reverence and acknowledges God’s supreme authority in our lives.
As seen in Acts 4:31 (NIV):
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
When the early Church prayed to the Sovereign Lord, the presence of God shook the place and empowered them. So let us pray with understanding, calling upon both God and Lord, as we seek His will and power in our lives.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you.
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