Reverence

Reverence in the biblical context refers to a profound respect and awe for God, His holiness, and His authority. It is an attitude of the heart that acknowledges God's supreme power and majesty. Reverence is foundational to worship and is expressed through obedience, humility, and devotion.

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of reverence towards God. In Hebrews 12:28-29 , it is written, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage highlights the necessity of approaching God with a heart full of respect and awe, recognizing His holiness and power.

Reverence is also evident in the way believers are called to treat God's name and His commandments. The Third Commandment, found in Exodus 20:7 , instructs, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." This command underscores the reverence due to God's name, reflecting His character and authority.

In the New Testament, reverence is further illustrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 6:9 , Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." This prayer begins with an acknowledgment of God's holiness and a call to revere His name.

Submission

Submission in the biblical sense involves yielding to God's authority and the structures He has established. It is an act of humility and trust, recognizing God's wisdom and sovereignty over all aspects of life. Submission is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of faith and obedience to God's will.

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on submission. In James 4:7 , believers are instructed, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's authority as a means of spiritual strength and protection.

Submission is also a key theme in the context of relationships within the Christian community. Ephesians 5:21 states, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This mutual submission is rooted in love and respect, reflecting the unity and harmony that should characterize the body of Christ.

In the family structure, submission is addressed in the relationship between husbands and wives. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This passage highlights the model of Christ and the church as the basis for marital submission, emphasizing love and sacrificial leadership.

Furthermore, submission to governing authorities is a biblical principle outlined in Romans 13:1 : "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This teaching underscores the belief that all authority is ultimately derived from God, and submission to it is an act of obedience to Him.

Reverence and submission are intertwined in the life of a believer, as both reflect a heart aligned with God's purposes and a life lived in accordance with His will. Through reverence, believers honor God's holiness, and through submission, they demonstrate their trust in His divine order.