How can there be subordination in the trinity?

TL;DR:

Subordination within the triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) communicates how the three distinct equal persons of Godhead relate to one another. The Bible reveals that God the Father sent Jesus to do His will on the earth. The Holy Spirit came to live within believers and glorify Jesus by revealing and reminding us of His word.

what does the bible say?

The term “trinity” is a word picture used by Christians to explain the nature of God. God is one being but exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. “Subordination” is a willingness to submit one’s own authority to the will of another. This is vital to our understanding of God and has application in our own personal relationship with God. Subordination does not require a hierarchy of God; all three persons of the Trinity are equally God – there is no ontological difference. Rather, subordination communicates the relational aspects of the Godhead, which are utilized to accomplish His will . This subordination is perfect: it is voluntary, loving, and without error. The Bible testifies that Jesus willingly subjected Himself to only do the will of God the Father, not His own (John 6:38). Similarly, the Holy Spirit willfully subjects Himself to Jesus and only speaks what brings glory to Him (John 16:13-14). This subordination remains and culminates with the return of Jesus at the end of the age:

“After that the end will come, when He [Jesus] will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until He humbles all His enemies beneath His feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. For the Scriptures say, ‘God has put all things under His authority.’” When all things are under His authority, the Son will put Himself under God’s authority, so God, who gave His Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere.”

–(1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

Of course, when it says “all things are under His authority,” that does not include God Himself, who gave Christ His authority. The subordination within the Trinity shows us the distinction between the persons of the trinity and encourages us in the relational unity we can experience even as there is distinction and subordination to others.

from the old testament

The triune God working together in unity at creation (Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27).
God the Father communicates His relationship with God the Son and the authority given to Him to rule and reign as the king (Psalm 2:7-12).
God the Father promises to put the Holy Spirit in His people (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

from the new testament

Jesus embodies subordination (Philippians 2:5-8).
Jesus fully submits to the will of God even unto death (Luke 22:41-42).
The Holy Spirit submits Himself to glorifying Jesus (John 16:13-14).

implications for today

The Godhead perfectly models the benefits of subordination to accomplish the will of God. As Christians, subordination is essential for us as well. The Bible says, “Submit to God” and “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (James 4:7, Ephesians 5:21). This submission to God and one another coupled with humility is the model shown to us by Jesus:

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

–(Philippians 2:3-8 NLT)

As subordination within the Godhead accomplished God’s plan of salvation for mankind, our submission to God will accomplish the good and perfect will of God in our lives.

understand

Subordination in the Trinity reveals the distinct actions of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit without implying a hierarchy.
Each person of the Trinity is equally God, yet they interact relationally to accomplish God's will.
The Trinity serves as a model for humility and submission for us both to God and to each other.

reflect

How does understanding the subordination within the Trinity shape your view of humility in your own life and relationships with others?
How do you apply submission to God's authority in your daily decisions and interactions?
Reflecting on Jesus’ example of subordination, how can you cultivate a mindset that prioritizes the needs and interests of others over your own?

engage

How does the biblical depiction of the Trinity as equal yet distinct challenge common perceptions of hierarchy in leadership and relationships today?
What practical steps can we take to embody the principles of humility and submission in our community or church?
How might understanding the relational dynamics of the Trinity influence our approach to conflict resolution and collaboration with others?