Submission to God's righteousness is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's acknowledgment and acceptance of God's perfect and holy standard as revealed through Scripture. This submission is not merely an intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt surrender to God's will and commands, recognizing His authority and sovereignty over all creation.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of submission to God's righteousness is deeply rooted in the Bible. In Romans 10:3, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of Israel's failure to submit to God's righteousness: "For they were ignorant of God's righteousness and sought to establish their own. They did not submit to God's righteousness." This verse highlights the contrast between human attempts to establish self-righteousness and the necessity of submitting to the righteousness that comes from God.

Righteousness Through Faith

Central to the Christian understanding of submission to God's righteousness is the doctrine of justification by faith. Romans 3:22-24 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Here, the righteousness of God is presented as a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through human effort or adherence to the law.

The Role of the Law

The law serves as a tutor leading to Christ, as explained in Galatians 3:24: "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The law reveals God's righteous standards and humanity's inability to meet them, thus pointing to the need for a Savior. Submission to God's righteousness involves recognizing the law's role in convicting of sin and driving the sinner to Christ for salvation.

Transformation and Obedience

Submission to God's righteousness is transformative, resulting in a life of obedience and holiness. Romans 6:13 exhorts believers, "Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." This submission is not passive but active, involving a daily commitment to live according to God's righteous standards.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of submission to God's righteousness. Philippians 2:8 describes His obedience: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's submission to the Father's will, even unto death, serves as the model for believers, who are called to follow in His footsteps.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to submit to God's righteousness. Romans 8:4 explains that "the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." The Spirit empowers believers to live righteously, transforming their hearts and minds to align with God's will.

Conclusion

Submission to God's righteousness is a dynamic and ongoing process in the life of a believer. It involves recognizing God's authority, embracing His gift of righteousness through faith in Christ, and living a life of obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through this submission, believers reflect God's glory and bear witness to His transformative power in their lives.