Why "Every Knee Shall Bow" as Said in Romans 14:11

"Every Knee Shall Bow" establishes how everyone worships God despite the different ways of practicing one’s faith. In this Bible passage, it is revealed that it is not up to one group of believers to judge how other groups of believers observe their faith because everyone is doing it to worship the Lord. It also teaches those with stronger faith to be tolerant to other believers, and how one’s thoughtless adherence to their own observance can actually become a stumbling block from truly following the teachings of Christ.

It can be understood as the great equalizer of faith because it is an assurance to His people that all who have faith in Him are equal in His eyes. It doesn’t matter if you are considered to be strong or weak in faith. To Him, all are equal and will be judged when the time comes.

This passage of the Bible appears in the chapter of Romans that addresses the differences in the practices of faith. It resolves the issue of whether one should condemn another for the observance of religious practices that differ from his own. 

It lists down how different groups of believers practice their faith. Some view the eating of meat as unclean while others, including the author Paul, holds the belief that nothing is unclean in itself. Some hold days as more sacred than others, while others chose to practice abstinence. 

The passage opens our eyes to the truth that even though these different groups of believers have different practices, they are all doing it for only one God. And so, the proper response should not be to judge another group but rather to be tolerant. For, in the end, all will be judged by one God.

It is also mentioned that it falls upon those who are strong of faith in Jesus Christ, who understands that all things are clean, to be tolerant of those who are not convinced to participate in the freedom of eating and drinking what was formerly forbidden under the law of Moses. 

We are reminded that judgment is reserved only for God, and the righteousness of one’s faith is for Him alone to determine. God claimed ownership of every group of believers when He said: “Every knee shall bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.”

It also mentions that whatever one does in the observance of his faith, he must do so without a doubt in his heart. For if he religiously observes his practices but does so without fully believing in them, then he has committed a sin because it is no longer derived from faith. His observance is then derived from convention, a practice that others believe in, but he does not fully believe himself. This is important because the passage also mentions that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” And if one’s faith is merely borrowed, then how can one be held accountable for his own faith.

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:10-11)

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. (1 Corinthians 8:6)

He has sent his word to the descendants of Israel and brought them the good news of peace through Jesus the Messiah. This man is the Lord of everyone. (Acts 10:36)

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. (1 Peter 3:15)

For there is no distinction with God between Jews and Greeks, for all have the same Lord, who is generous to all who appeal to Him for help. (Romans 10:12)

For a Savior has been born today in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord, God's specially chosen one (Luke 2:11)

Lord grant me the wisdom to see that everyone is equal in your eyes. That no one is above anyone simply because of the practices they observe in Your Holy Name. Lord I also fervently pray with a hopeful heart for the modern-day Pharisees in the world today who have given in to their pride and condemn those who they deem mistaken in their understanding of Your word. Show them, Lord, that we all praise and worship You. You who are benevolent to all your believers and reward all richly for their faith.

Lord grant me the gift of tolerance. Stay my heart from pride. Help me keep check of my ego and humble me so that I may, in Your grace, be an example of what it is like to be truly devoted and faithful to You. Strengthen my faith every day. Let it be stronger than it was yesterday, and stronger still tomorrow, as I walk this journey on the path towards You. Lead me back to the path when I go astray. I pray for the strengthening of the faith of those around me as well, Lord. More so those who walk a different path towards You. Allow all of us to see that although we walk different paths, we have our faith fixed on You, Lord. When it is our time to stand in front of the Judgement Seat of Christ, may we be reunited beside You.

Lord grant me the wisdom to see that practice without faith is meaningless. Fill me with Your most Holy Spirit when I praise you through prayer. Purify my resolve when I pray. Let me hold on to each word for each word comes from You, through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord and Savior. Use me as your instrument to evangelize those who have yet to hear Your good news. Let me praise you not only in words but also in my deeds through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Lastly, Lord, give me the grace to not judge anyone for it is only You who will one day be the judge of all. Castaway my righteousness. I surrender myself to you. By Your grace, I am able to bow down on my knees, not because I am weak but because I am strong through my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

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Article by Pearl Dy