submission – Ministry of Grace Church

Romans 10:13 – Admission, Submission, and Appeal

For “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Truth to Learn

Admission, submission, and appeal are all important aspects of our salvation.

Behind the Words

The words “calls upon” are translated from the Greek word epikaleō, which we looked at in the previous verse. In both these verses the word is expressed in the middle voice. In Greek grammar, the middle voice expresses an action that is done by a person to, or about, himself or herself.

This same word was used by the Apostle Paul when he stood before Festus accused of a crime worthy of death. Knowing that he was innocent, Paul called upon Caesar to judge him. In Acts 25:11 it is translated this way: “I appeal to Caesar.” Thus, we see that this word expresses more than simply naming a name or acknowledging a higher authority. It implies an appeal that a person makes by himself for himself to a higher authority who is able to pass judgment on the person making the appeal.

“Name” is translated from onoma, which is “the word or words by which a person is known or called.” It is often used as a reference to a person’s position or authority. Also, referring to the name of a person is a reference to that person himself. For example, Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower.” That is, God Himself is a strong tower.

Meaning Explained

One of the most amazing things about the gospel message is its simplicity. Paul states that “Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” It does not require obeying a lot of rules, it does not require an animal sacrifice, and it does not require payment of a large sum of money. It simply requires the penitent sinner to realize his or her helpless condition and to appeal to God to save him or her.

There are two things we want to mention about this simple act, however. First, the expression “call on the name” means to call upon God Himself. The second thing is the implication made by this calling on the Lord. This implication is that the person calling realizes that he or she needs saving. In other words, before one can be saved, he or she must realize that he or she needs to be saved. This realization along with the act of appealing to God indicates a submission on the part of the sinner. Speaking to God or invoking the name of Jesus and demanding salvation will produce nothing. But for a person who realizes that he or she is a sinner deserving of Hell who cannot save him or herself, appealing to God for salvation is an act of submission that produces the guarantee of salvation.

Therefore, calling on the name of the Lord means:

(1) Admission – we know we have sinned against God and that we deserve the judgment of Hell.

(2) Submission – to call upon him is to acknowledge him as our God, our Lord, and our Master; therefore, it is an indication that we submit ourselves to Him.

(2) Appeal – Since He alone can pardon us, it is natural that if we are to obtain pardon, we should appeal to God.

Application

Do you know that you are a sinner destined for Hell because of your sins? Do you recognize God as the supreme authority over you and your life? Have you appealed to Him for salvation?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 3:1

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

Truth to Learn

Submission is one part of God’s plan for marriages.

Behind the Words

“Wives” is translated from gunē, meaning “a woman” or “a wife” (see Revelation 19:7).

The word “husbands” is from anēr, meaning “a man” or “a husband.”

The words “your own” are a translation of the Greek word idiois, meaning “that which is specifically one’s own.” Hence, wives are to be submitted to their own husband, not to any husband.

The word translated “submissive” is from hupotassō, which we have recently learned has the meaning “under rank.” It is expressed here not as a command, but as a passive participle. Hence, Peter is saying, “Wives being submitted to …”

Meaning Explained

In the middle of the previous chapter Peter began a theme of submission, “submit unto every ordinance of man” and “servants submit yourselves to your masters.” The same idea appears in James’ letter to the church where we are instructed to submit ourselves to God (James 4:7).

Submission is a key in our battle against our enemy, the Devil. In each case this word refers to an act of our will, allowing our own wishes and desires to be subordinated to those of the one to whom we are submitting. This is contrary to our sin nature which wants to promote self. And, seeing self as number one is encouraged today through the messages being proclaimed by the word system, such as, “Do your own thing”, or “After all, I’m worth it”, or “Be you; do what you want to do.”

For a woman married to a godly man who is himself submitted to God, it may be easier to submit, though not always easy. For a woman married to an unsaved man or to a saved man who is not in submission to Christ, it is certainly much more difficult. However, Peter does not make an exception in these cases. He simply says that the conduct of a submissive woman may be the thing that God uses to reach her unbelieving husband.

Lest men think that this makes them any more important than their wives, let me remind you men that we are to be the spiritual leaders, able to answer doctrinal questions from our wives (1 Corinthians 14:35). We are to treat our wives as having great value (1 Peter 3:7). Twice we are commanded to love our wives with a self-sacrificing love (Ephesians 5:25 and Colossians 3:19) even to the point of dying for them, just as Christ died for the church. Incidentally, wives are never commanded to love their husbands in this manner. Men, this means that when you and your wife have an argument, it is up to you to sacrifice your own will and apologize to her for your inappropriate behavior, expecting nothing in return from her.

Application

In God’s church, the body of Christ, men and women have different roles. Neither is better than the other. Neither is superior to the other. In a marriage, wives are to be submitted to their husbands who are to love their wives. Both of these actions are commanded and neither one depends on the other.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Tag: submission

Romans 10:13 – Admission, Submission, and Appeal

Romans 10:13 – Admission, Submission, and Appeal

Truth to Learn

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

Application

1 Peter 3:1 – Submission & Love