What is Biblical Submission ?

Article by Amy Ng

The word ‘submission’ and the ideas that flow from it bring out various reactions, ideas, emotions for different people depending on their life experience, mindset and culture. Richard Foster (in his book ‘Celebration of Disciplines’) notes that “Most of us have been exposed to such a mutilated form of biblical submission that either we have embraced the deformity or we have rejected the Discipline altogether.” Still, there are others that truly believe in the necessity and amazing value of biblical submission and the fruits that come forth and thus, practise this discipline faithfully.

The discipline of submission ultimately refers to our submission and obedience to God and our heart attitude toward God and His Word. Jesus said that who ever desires to follow Him, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). Though most of us may wholly agree or embrace the principle and concept of biblical submission, I think the challenge lies in how to live it out in a way that pleases the heart of God.

Philippians 2:8 “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Absolute submission and surrender to God is seen in the life of Jesus. Jesus Christ humbled Himself and obeyed God even to death on the cross and suffered unimaginable pain and horror to redeem humankind to Himself. Indeed God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. There is awesome power in the very act of biblical submission. Submission and love goes hand in hand. Submission without love will ultimately lead to legalism and even perhaps an unbiblical form of subordination.

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another”. Galatians 5:13: ‘serve one another humbly in love’


Jesus not only lived a cross death but also a cross life. He demonstrated His cross life by washing the feet of his disciples, talking to and forgiving the Samaritan women by the well, spending time with tax collectors and many more instances where Jesus goes against the culture and prejudices that exist at that time to reach out to humanity and to demonstrate God’s love and purpose for humankind.

My submission is first of all to God (which includes His Word and His Holy Spirit) and only from there, all other submission flow e.g. submission to our family, our leaders and pastors, the state and authorities and one another.

One also needs to be aware that submission to human leadership is not absolute and where it becomes destructive, that is where submission ends. The purpose of submission is freedom and not to fetter or limit us. Ultimately, by practising this discipline in a biblical way, we will experience freedom. Fosters said that ‘It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way.’ Submission does not only involved self-denial and self-fulfilment but also self-actualisation and self-love.
Besides experiencing freedom, Foster also suggest that ‘in submission we are at last free to value other people.” Thus, in submission and self-denial (live out and practice in biblical way), one is able to let go and overcome the sinfulness and ugliness of self-interest or self-centeredness. I believe one of the most crucial first steps to address issues and problems encountered in relationships (whether in marriage or any relationships with another person) which would lead to lasting healing and restoration in a meaningful manner is when one is able to submit to one another, let go of their own self ambition and self-interest and love one another unconditionally. Indeed there is liberation to the soul when one gives up one’s right for the betterment of another and when done with the right motivation and intention. Contrary to what many believe, the way to self-fulfilment is through self-denial. Is it possible for one to surrender to God wholly and also to one another? God does not ask us to give the perfect surrender in our own strength or by the power of our will; God is willing to work it in us. Indeed, it is God that work in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.



Submission is…
Self-denial
Self-fulfilment
Self-actualization
Self-love

Submission is not…

Self-hatred
Self-mortification
Self-contempt
Self-pity
Self-indulgence

The hymn below by George Matheson provides a wonderful picture of fulfilment through submission:
Make me a captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword,
And I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life’s alarms
When by myself I stand;
Imprison me within Thine arms,
And strong shall be my hand



Excerpts taken from R Foster’s book: Celebration of Discipline