Will Every Tongue Confess That Jesus Is Lord?

When Paul declares in Philippians 2:10–11 that “every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,” is this a picture of universal worship or a scene of final judgment? And when Isaiah 45:23 prophesies the same, is it merely symbolic or a future reality that reaches every human ever created?

The answer dismantles the fear-based systems of eternal conscious torment (ECT) and annihilationism. It restores the gospel to what it always was: a message of hope that culminates in the complete reconciliation of all things.

Isaiah 45:23 — The Original Prophecy

“I have sworn by myself; the word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness and shall not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance” (Isaiah 45:23).

This verse is foundational. God Himself swears by His own name that this will happen. And the language is cosmic and comprehensive. There is no restriction, no qualifier. It is not limited to Israel. Not limited to the righteous. Not limited to the living.

The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) reads, “to me every knee shall bend, every tongue shall confess to God.” Paul would later quote this exact Greek phrasing.

Romans 14:11 — Paul Confirms the Prophecy

“For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God’” (Romans 14:11).

Here, Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 word for word, anchoring the promise into the gospel framework. He uses it not to frighten believers into better behavior, but to end an argument about religious practice. His point is that everyone — including those we judge — will one day stand before God, bow the knee, and confess.

There is no hint that this confession is forced. Paul does not draw a line between the saved and the damned. He puts all humanity before the judgment seat — and he cites a prophecy where the only action taken is universal, covenantal allegiance.

Philippians 2:10–11 — Every Tongue, Every Realm, Every Confession

“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” (Philippians 2:10–11).

Paul expands Isaiah’s vision even further. He names three realms: heaven, earth, and under the earth. Nothing is left out. Not angels, not humans, not the dead. All bow. All confess.

And not in defeat. This confession is “to the glory of God the Father.” According to Romans 10:9, confession of Jesus as Lord is unto salvation. In Scripture, confession is tied to faith, not forced groaning. The Greek verb used here — exomologeō — means open, joyful, voluntary confession. It is never used to describe begrudging submission.

Psalm 22:27–29 — Even the Dead Will Worship

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you… all who go down to the dust shall bow before him, even the one who could not keep himself alive” (Psalm 22:27–29).

This is devastating to the theology of ECT and annihilation. Not only do all nations worship, but even those who have died — who “could not keep themselves alive” — will bow before God. This is not metaphor. It is not merely national. It is individual, personal, eschatological worship from the realm of the dead.

Revelation 5:13 — The Final Picture of All Creation

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13).

This is not a partial moment. This is the final vision of praise. Every creature in every realm joins in — not forced, but singing. Not silenced, but unified. No voices cry out in pain. No one screams from flames. There is no rebellion left. Just one cosmic “Amen.”

The four living creatures confirm it. The elders fall and worship. And the scroll is opened. The vision proceeds — but the conclusion is already guaranteed.

Psalm 86:9 — Every Nation You Have Made

“All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name” (Psalm 86:9).

This eliminates the idea that only a remnant will worship. All nations God has made — not just the believing ones — shall come and glorify Him. This isn’t a vague hope. It’s a certain future.

Isaiah 66:23 — All Flesh Shall Worship

“From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 66:23).

This passage is frequently misused to suggest it refers to only the millennial reign, but Isaiah 66:22 clearly says, “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me.” This is not the millennium. This is the final state — the permanent age — the new creation.

“All flesh” means just that. No qualifier. No filter. Not “all surviving flesh.” Not “all believing flesh.” All flesh.

Verse 24 follows with a sobering image — a view of the dead who rebelled. But the worshipers are not separated from them. They see them. They are reminded. And yet “all flesh” still comes to worship.

What About Justice?

Some say, “But the damned must be judged. There has to be justice.” And someone replies, “Did you get justice?” Silence follows. Then the answer: “We don’t need justice. We need mercy.”

This is what judgment truly is. Not eternal condemnation. Not endless torture. But exposure. Purification. Truth. The lake of fire is not a cosmic gas chamber. It is a purging flood. A consuming presence that burns away pride.

Paul said in Romans 14:11 that every person would stand before the judgment seat of God. That judgment does not have to end in destruction. It can end in worship. In fact, that is the only ending the Scriptures consistently portray.

The Final Flow

Isaiah 45:23 — God swears by Himself: every knee, every tongue.
Romans 14:11 — Paul quotes it as universal and applicable to all.
Philippians 2:10–11 — The dead, the living, and the heavenly all bow and confess.
Psalm 22:29 — Even the dead who could not keep themselves alive will bow.
Revelation 5:13 — Every creature in every realm joins the praise.
Isaiah 66:23 — In the new heavens and new earth, all flesh worships forever.

This is not wishful thinking. This is Scripture. This is the end God swore by Himself to accomplish.

The doctrine of eternal torment slanders the name of Jesus. Annihilationism undermines His power to restore all. But the Lamb is worthy. The fire is real. And the final word is not punishment, but praise.