Topical Encyclopedia Resignation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of submitting to God's will and accepting His divine plan, even amidst trials and uncertainties. This submission is not born out of defeat but is a conscious decision to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The Scriptures provide numerous motives for believers to embrace resignation, rooted in the unwavering faithfulness of God.1. God's Unchanging Nature The Bible consistently affirms that God is unchanging, providing a solid foundation for trust and resignation. In Malachi 3:6, the Lord declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." This assurance of God's immutable nature encourages believers to resign themselves to His will, knowing that His character and promises remain steadfast. 2. God's Sovereign Control God's sovereignty is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing His ultimate authority over all creation. In Isaiah 46:10, God proclaims, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This divine control assures believers that their lives are in the hands of a faithful Creator, motivating them to surrender their own plans and desires. 3. God's Providential Care The Bible illustrates God's providential care for His people, providing for their needs and guiding their paths. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus reminds His followers, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This assurance of God's care encourages believers to resign themselves to His provision, trusting that He will meet their needs. 4. God's Faithfulness in Trials Scripture acknowledges that trials and suffering are part of the Christian journey, yet it also affirms God's faithfulness in these times. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul writes, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This promise of God's faithfulness in trials motivates believers to endure with patience and resignation. 5. God's Promises of Future Glory The hope of future glory is a powerful motive for resignation, as believers look beyond present sufferings to the eternal promises of God. In Romans 8:18, Paul declares, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This perspective encourages believers to resign themselves to God's will, knowing that their current trials are temporary and will ultimately lead to eternal joy. 6. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of resignation to God's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing imminent suffering, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). Christ's submission to the Father's will, even unto death, provides a model for believers to follow, inspiring them to trust in God's faithfulness and surrender their own wills. 7. The Witness of the Saints Throughout Scripture, the lives of the saints bear witness to the power of resignation motivated by God's faithfulness. Job, despite immense suffering, declared, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Similarly, the Apostle Paul, amidst numerous trials, expressed his contentment in God's sufficiency, stating, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). These testimonies encourage believers to embrace resignation, trusting in the same faithful God who sustained the saints of old. In summary, the motives for resignation to God's will are deeply rooted in His faithfulness, sovereignty, and promises. The believer's journey of faith is marked by a continual surrender to God's divine plan, assured by the knowledge that He is faithful and true. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 4:19Why let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library David's Weakness On the Feast of a Holy Bishop Two Households Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. All Joy in all Trials More and More From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... The Evangelical Revival. Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What does the Bible say about acceptance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about fate / destiny? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to pray, “Thy will be done”? | GotQuestions.org Resignation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Resignation: Christ Set and Example of Resignation: General Scriptures Concerning Resignation: Motives to God's Faithfulness Resignation: Motives to God's Greatness Resignation: Motives to God's Justice Resignation: Motives to God's Love Resignation: Motives to God's Wisdom Resignation: Motives to Our own Sinfulness Resignation: Submission to the Sovereignty of God in his Purposes Resignation: Submission to the Will of God Resignation: The Prospect of Death Resignation: The Wicked are Devoid of Related Terms |
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