Eternal Subordination of the Son

Jeff Robinson has been writing a good series on the doctrine of the eternal subordination of the Son of God — a topic that is more relevant than you might think. Referring to Bruce Ware’s Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance, Robinson points out, “There is both unity and diversity, authority and equality in the Godhead; these transfer to our relationships within both the home and church and paint a beautiful picture of Christ’s redeeming love for His church (Eph 5).” Robinson defines his topic:

“The eternal subordination of the Son means that Jesus Christ is eternally the Son of God, equal in essence and in eternal divine nature with the Father, that the Father exercises eternal authority over the Son in function, and the Son eternally submits to the authority of the father.”

Drawing from Dr. Ware’s 2006 address at the Evangelical Theological Society national meeting, “Equal in Essence, Distinct in Roles,” Robinson proceeds to argue:

1. The subordinate relationship of the Son to the Father is seen in the Bible’s use of the names “Father” and “Son.”
2. The Father exercises rightful authority over all things.
3. The Son submits to the Father in His incarnate mission.
4. The Pre-Incarnate Son submitted to the Father in eternity past.
5. The Son will submit to the Father in eternity future.

The most recent post shows that eternal subordination has been maintained and defended by a host of respected leaders in church history.