Surrender or Submit
Submitted by Hunter Grills
July 30, 2024
Ro 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Recently, someone mentioned to me about the difference in the two words surrender and submit. I was amazed to realize that the word surrender was not in the Bible. I understand that these two words are closely akin, and I am not trying to split hairs by any means. However, I do find it amazing that there is a difference in the meaning of these words, especially when you read them in context.
The 1828 definition of surrender is as follows: “to yield to the power of another; to give or deliver up possession upon compulsion or demand.”
The word compulsion is used here to define surrender, and compulsion means the act of driving or urging by force, physical or moral; force applied; constraint of the will; the application of a force that is irresistible.
In the Garden of Eden, God gave Adam and Eve a choice. God did not force them to not eat of the fruit, but gave them the opportunity to submit to Him. Unfortunately, they fell to temptation thus allowing sin to enter into the world.
The key point is that they had a choice.
The definition of submit is as follows: “to yield one's opinion to the opinion or authority of another. On hearing the opinion of the court, the counsel submitted without further argument.”
God has given us the opportunity to make a choice. He doesn’t force us to surrender our lives to Him. He invites us to live a victorious life by submitting to Him. Our Saviour loves us, and He desires for us to love Him in such a manner that we choose to submit to His authority.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.