------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #Christology, #salvation # The Doctrine of Christ’s Obedience: Redemption through Submission to the Father The doctrine of [[Christ’s Obedience]] teaches that through [[Jesus]]’ perfect obedience to the [[Father]], humanity is redeemed. This central belief in [[Christian theology]] asserts that [[Jesus]]' submission to the [[will of God]], culminating in His death on the cross, is the foundation of [[our salvation]]. In this post, we will explore how [[Christ’s Obedience]] is portrayed in [[Scripture]] and the significance it holds for our understanding of redemption. ## Christ’s Obedience in the Old Testament: The [[Suffering Servant]] ([Isaiah 53:1–12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.1-12&version=AMP), [Psalm 22:1–31](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+22.1-31&version=AMP), [Job 1–2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+1-2&version=AMP)) Though the full revelation of [[Christ’s Obedience]] comes in the [[00.New Testament]], the theme of righteous suffering in obedience to [[God]] is not unfamiliar in the [[Old Testament]]. In fact, [Isaiah 53](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.5&version=AMP) presents the image of the [[Suffering Servant]], a figure whose righteous suffering is described as the means by which [[God’s People]] are healed and redeemed. The [[Suffering Servant]] is “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities” ([Isaiah 53:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.5&version=AMP)), a clear foreshadowing of [[Christ’s Sacrificial Obedience]]. > “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter” ([Isaiah 53:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.7&version=AMP)). Additionally, the trials of [[Job]] and the laments in [Psalm 22](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+22&version=AMP) reveal that the righteous may suffer without being guilty of sin. These stories build a foundation for understanding [[the Obedience of Christ]], who, like the [[Suffering Servant]], would endure suffering on behalf of others. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on how the theme of righteous suffering in the [[Old Testament]] points forward to [[Christ]]. How does reflecting on [[Christ’s Obedience]] in the face of suffering help you endure your own trials? ## Christ as the [[Obedient Son of God]] ([Romans 5:19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5.19&version=AMP), [2 Corinthians 5:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5.21&version=AMP), [Philippians 2:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.8&version=AMP)) The [[00.New Testament]] presents [[Jesus]] as the **obedient Son of God**, whose obedience is central to the redemption of humanity. In contrast to the first [[Adam]], whose disobedience led to sin and death, [[Jesus]] is portrayed as the [[second Adam]]—one who fulfills [[God’s Will]] perfectly. As Paul writes in [Romans 5:19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5.19&version=AMP), “For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.” > “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” ([Philippians 2:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2.8&version=AMP)). [[Christ’s Sinless Obedience]], particularly His willingness to submit to the [[Father’s Will]] even in His death, is the means by which humanity’s sins are atoned for. [2 Corinthians 5:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5.21&version=AMP) echoes this truth: “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Through His obedience, [[Christ]] becomes the perfect sacrifice, taking on the punishment that humanity deserves and fulfilling the righteousness required by [[God]]. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on [[Christ’s Obedience]] in your own life. How does His submission to the [[Father]] challenge you to live in obedience, even when it is difficult or costly? ## Christ’s Obedience as the [[Sinless Prophet]] ([Matthew 23:37](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23.37&version=AMP), [Luke 13:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13.34&version=AMP), [John 1:29](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.29&version=AMP)) In the [[Synoptic Gospels]], [[Jesus]] is often portrayed as the **righteous prophet** sent to [[Israel]]. His obedience to the [[Father]] highlights the depth of humanity’s sinfulness, as His message of salvation is rejected by the people He came to save. [[Jesus]] laments over [[Jerusalem]] in [Matthew 23:37](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23.37&version=AMP) and [Luke 13:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13.34&version=AMP), mourning the rejection of the righteous prophets, a pattern fulfilled in His own rejection and crucifixion. > “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” ([Luke 13:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13.34&version=AMP)). In [John 1:29](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.29&version=AMP), [[Jesus]] is called the **[[Lamb of God]]** who takes away the sin of the world, echoing the [[Old Testament Sacrifices]]. His obedience to the [[Father’s Will]], even to the point of death, shows that He is the final, perfect prophet whose sacrifice brings redemption for all. #### Call to Action: - Consider how [[Christ’s Role]] as the [[Sinless Prophet]] sheds light on the seriousness of sin and the beauty of [[God’s Grace]]. How does [[Jesus]]’ perfect obedience reveal our need for a Savior? ## Conclusion: Living Out Christ’s Obedience [[Christ’s Obedience]] to the [[Father]] is the means by which we are redeemed and reconciled to [[God]]. His perfect submission, even to the point of death on a cross, shows us the depth of His love and the seriousness of our sin. As believers, we are called to respond to [[Christ’s Obedience]] by living in obedience ourselves, submitting to [[God’s Will]] in every aspect of our lives. #### Call to Action: - **Embrace Christ’s Example**: Are you living in obedience to the [[Father]] as [[Christ]] did? How is [[Christ’s Example]] challenging you to trust [[God’s plan]] and submit to His will, even when it’s difficult? This week, reflect on the significance of [[Christ’s Obedience]] in your own life. Consider how His submission to the [[Father’s Will]] can inspire you to live a life of faithful obedience, trusting in [[God’s plan]] and resting in the righteousness of [[Christ]] that covers you.