Savior AND Lord

When the angel heralded the coming of the Son of God into the world, he declared to the shepherds:

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11).

It seems like there's a tension here that is very difficult for the professing Church to keep in perspective:

Some are willing to have Jesus as Lord, but live daily as though they expect their obedience to His rules to save them. As a result, they are arrogant and condescending to those who don't seem to be measuring up the way they are.

On the other hand, there are some who want Jesus as Savior, so they can live any way they want without facing consequences for their disobedience. These folks profess to believe in Jesus, but they malign Christ by living lives that are indistinguishable from their non-believing neighbors, friends, etc.

But a Christian cannot pick and choose between having Jesus as Lord or as Savior. Jesus is both. "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

If we will not have Him as both, we will not have Him at all.