Christ's Sovereign Submission to God's Will
Christ's Sovereign Submission to God's Will
Christ's submission to God's will is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, rooted in biblical teachings. Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, exemplifies sovereign submission to the Father's will, demonstrating a profound relationship between divine sovereignty and human obedience.
The biblical anchor for this concept lies in Jesus' own prayers and teachings. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42), echoing a sentiment found in other passages such as Matthew 26:39-44, John 12:27, and John 18:11 [2]. This submission is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of Jesus' commitment to fulfilling God's plan.
Theological traditions interpret Jesus' submission in various ways. According to Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, Jesus' statement in Hebrews 10:10, "By the which will we are sanctified," underscores the significance of God's will in Jesus' mission [4]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes on Psalms 72:11 that all kings shall fall down before Christ, indicating the universal submission to Christ's authority [5].
The concept of Christ's submission is closely tied to the idea of God's sovereignty. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines God's sovereignty as "his absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure" (Dan. 4:25, 35; Rom. 9:15-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 4:11) [1]. Christ's submission to the Father's will is an expression of this sovereignty, as He voluntarily subjects Himself to the Father's plan.
The ultimate expression of Christ's submission is seen in 1 Corinthians 15:28, where it is written, "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him" [3]. This passage highlights the eschatological dimension of Christ's submission, where, after all things are subdued under Him, He will subject Himself to the Father.
Theological reflection on Christ's sovereign submission to God's will underscores the intricate relationship between the persons of the Trinity. It demonstrates that divine sovereignty is not a unilateral concept but is exercised within the context of the Godhead, where each person submits to and cooperates with the others.
The significance of Christ's submission lies in its implications for human understanding of God's sovereignty and the nature of obedience. As Torrey's Topical Textbook notes, Christ set an example of resignation to God's will, commanding believers to exhibit similar submission [2]. This understanding is crucial for Christian discipleship, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's will with God's sovereign plan.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sovereignty — Of God, his absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure (Dan. 4:25, 35; Rom. 9:15-23; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 4:11).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 15:28 — And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 10:10: By the which will we are sanctified - Closing in with this so solemnly declared Will of God, that there is no name given under heaven among men, by which we can be saved, but Jesus the Christ, we believe in him, find redemption in his blood, and are sanctified unto God through the sacrificial offering of his body. 1. Hence we see that the sovereign Will of God is, that Jesus should be incarnated; that he should suffer and die, or, in the apostle's words, taste death for every man; that all should believe on him, and be saved from their sins: for this is the Will o”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 72:11: Yea, all kings shall fall down before him,.... Or worship him; not with a civil, but religious worship; for such worship is due to Christ, he being God equal with the Father, and so to be equally honoured; the Creator of all things, the Redeemer of his people, Head and Lord of the church, and whom the angels adore; every part of worship is to be given him; internal, which lies in the exercise of faith, hope, love, fear, &c. and external, which consists of prayer to him, praise of him, preaching in his name, and the administration of ordinances; and this worship is to”