The concept of submission is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between God and humanity, as well as interpersonal relationships among believers. Submission, in the biblical sense, is often understood as a voluntary act of yielding to the authority or will of another, rooted in humility and reverence for God's ordained order.

Submission to God

The primary call to submission in Scripture is the call for believers to submit to God. James 4:7 exhorts, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission involves acknowledging God's sovereignty, obeying His commandments, and aligning one's life with His will. It is an act of trust and faith, recognizing that God's plans and purposes are higher than human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Submission to Governing Authorities

The New Testament also addresses the believer's relationship with earthly authorities. Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the belief that governmental structures are part of God's providential order, and submission to them is an extension of submission to God, provided that such submission does not conflict with God's commands (Acts 5:29).

Submission in the Church

Within the church, submission is seen as a means of maintaining order and unity. Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This call to submission is not blind obedience but a recognition of the spiritual authority and responsibility entrusted to church leaders.

Submission in Marriage

Ephesians 5:22-24 addresses the dynamic of submission within marriage: "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage is often discussed in the context of mutual submission, as Ephesians 5:21 precedes it with, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The husband's role is also defined in terms of sacrificial love, mirroring Christ's love for the church (Ephesians 5:25).

Submission in the Family

Children are called to submit to their parents as part of the family structure. Ephesians 6:1 states, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." This submission is seen as a foundational aspect of honoring one's parents and is linked to the promise of well-being and longevity (Ephesians 6:2-3).

Submission to One Another

The broader call to submission among believers is encapsulated in the principle of mutual submission. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This attitude fosters a spirit of unity and service within the body of Christ, reflecting the humility of Christ Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).

In summary, the biblical call to submission is multifaceted, encompassing one's relationship with God, authorities, church leaders, family, and fellow believers. It is an expression of humility, respect, and love, rooted in the example of Christ and the order established by God.