Arguably one of the most controversial doctrines is the doctrine of the trinity, also probably the most misunderstood. Many, if not all attempts to simplify this doctrine quickly devolve into heresy. There is no perfect example that can definitively capture or illustrates its essence, this is simply because there is nothing to compare it to in this finite realm. Though we cannot fully comprehend this doctrine, we see its expression in God’s creations. God patterns His creations after his own nature, character and attributes (Romans 1:20-22). I am fully convinced and will even posit that no sound philosophy can exist without sound theology. An understanding of the attributes, character and nature of God is the beginning of real wisdom, knowledge and understanding of our own realities.
The doctrine of the trinity as understood from the scriptures is that God is One in essence (being) but eternally subsisted in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (eternally proceeding from God the Father) and God the Holy Spirit (eternally proceeding from the God the Father and God the Son). These three distinct persons (their personhood is demonstrated throughout the scriptures) together constitute the Godhead. They each are equally and fully God and possess in full all attributes and qualities of God.
The relationship within the Godhead is our focus in this post, the three persons of the Godhead have eternally existed in perfect union. God the Son, though equal in power and fully God is in subordination but not inferior to God the Father, likewise, God the Holy Spirit is in subordination but not inferior to God the Father and God the Son. Subordination in this sense does not connote or convey a sense of inferiority or derogation but is in relation to how the Godheads subsist eternally in perfect union. The Godheads exist in perfect union, that is, they are one of all things; the will of one is the will of all. God the Father as demonstrated in the scriptures ranks highest in authority, this is evident in sending God the Son to save mankind. God the Son is perfectly in agreement and in full submission to God the Father, this He demonstrated by accepting and assuming the role of the saviour. Jesus Christ (God the Son), is second in rank in the Godhead, this is evident in sending the Holy Spirit after He left. God the Holy Spirit is in perfect agreement and submission to God the Son and God the Father, this was demonstrated on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down.
This perfect union in the Godhead is reflected in the creations of God, such as and paramountly in particular, as it pertains to the focus of this post-marriage. Marriage is an institution of God and it is only fitting that it expresses attributes of Him.
The doctrine of authority and submission in marriage is a hotly contested doctrine and is most attacked by feminism and egalitarian activists even within the church. God, who instituted marriage has given clear guidelines on how it should be constituted. In Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:7-9, God’s design for marriage is unity – two distinct and equal parties, coming together to live as one.
Marriage as with all of God’s creation is patterned after and reflects the nature and character of God. In marriage, we have the man, the woman and the children. The man is the designated authority in the union, the wife is in subordination to the man, just like God The Son is to God The Father, and the children, proceeding from the man and the woman, is in subordination to both. This is the design of God for marriage and the family, the union of a family by the design of God makes it impossible for the devil to gain a foothold and also must be considered a strength because God is in the midst of it.
Leave a Reply