Eternal Submission

Christians currently agree that Jesus was submissive to God the Father during his incarnation and time on earth leading to the cross. The issue at hand is whether or not Jesus the Son is eternally submissive or subordinate to the Father in terms of their relations. On one side of the debate are those who say that the Son is only subordinate in authority during his earthly ministry but is coequal both ontologically and relationally with the Father eternally. On the other side are those who claim that the Son's obedience and submission during his earthly ministry demonstrate an eternal, voluntary submission to the Father so that the Son is always subordinate relationally while remaining fully equal with the Father ontologically.
This book examines the eternal submission of the Son from both biblical and theological perspectives. The author surveys some of the recent trinitarian debate and engages with critics of eternal submission before setting out to provide biblical and theological support for the doctrine. The implications of this debate for theology proper and gender relationships in the church and home are also addressed. Whether you are new to the topic or a seasoned reader of the theological debate, this book will be a helpful resource.


""No matter where you stand in the debate on eternal submission, Routley's book warrants your attention. He pushes the conversation forward in a biblical and theological way, while modeling grace and respect for his interlocutors. Routley will help bring you into the debate, show you how to think through these complex ideas with ease and accessibility, and--maybe most importantly--he helps you see how these concepts affect the way you worship the Lord. Routley has done the church a wonderful and much needed service by bringing these issues out of the ivory towers and into the Christian life.""
--J. Ryan Lister, Associate Professor of Theology, Western Seminary

""Some books confuse and muddy; others clarify and enlighten. J.J. Routley's work on the eternal submission of the Son (ESS) is definitely in the latter category. For those who want to understand aspects of Trinitarian doctrine more precisely, and particularly for those who would like to see a capable defense of ESS, which also upholds the full equality and divine identity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Routley has provided a commendable defense. . . . On this subject where much confusion exists, I heartily commend this thoughtful and compelling treatment.""
--Bruce A. Ware, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary


Jonathan J. Routley teaches in the Bible Department at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa. He has attended Wheaton College, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a master of theology from Western Seminary in Portland. He enjoys preaching and teaching at churches, camps, and conferences across the country. Routley and his wife Janelle have two children, Asher and Lillian.