Resignation: Motives to Our own Sinfulness
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Resignation, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the acceptance of God's will and the acknowledgment of one's own limitations and sinfulness. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of human nature and the need for divine grace. The Bible provides numerous insights into the motives that lead believers to resign themselves to their own sinfulness, recognizing their need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy.

Recognition of Human Sinfulness

The Bible consistently emphasizes the inherent sinfulness of humanity. In Romans 3:23, the Apostle Paul declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This acknowledgment of universal sinfulness serves as a foundational motive for resignation. Believers are called to recognize their own shortcomings and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through their own efforts. This recognition fosters a spirit of humility and dependence on God.

The Holiness of God

The holiness of God is another powerful motive for resignation. Isaiah 6:5 captures the prophet's reaction to a vision of God's holiness: "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." The stark contrast between God's purity and human sinfulness compels believers to resign themselves to their need for divine intervention and cleansing.

The Consequences of Sin

Scripture warns of the dire consequences of sin, which serve as a sobering motive for resignation. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The reality of spiritual death and separation from God due to sin underscores the urgency of acknowledging one's sinful state and seeking God's forgiveness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ's life and teachings provide a compelling motive for resignation. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Christ's example of humility and submission to the Father's will encourages believers to resign themselves to God's plan, trusting in His grace and guidance.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convicting individuals of their sinfulness and leading them to resignation. In John 16:8, Jesus explains, "When He comes, He will convict the world regarding sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit's work in the hearts of believers prompts them to acknowledge their sins and turn to God in repentance and faith.

The Promise of Forgiveness

The promise of forgiveness and restoration is a powerful motive for resignation. In 1 John 1:9, believers are assured, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance of God's mercy encourages believers to humbly accept their sinfulness and seek His forgiveness, knowing that He is ready to restore them to a right relationship with Him.

The Call to Repentance

Finally, the call to repentance is a central theme in Scripture that motivates resignation. Acts 3:19 urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." This call to turn away from sin and toward God is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, prompting believers to resign themselves to their need for ongoing repentance and transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Lamentations 3:39
Why does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 7:9
I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Feast of a Holy Bishop
... from his own in true humility and real resignation. ... to please others, or from evil
motives, then he ... desire for human praise and our own gratification, which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxii on the feast.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... The motives which urge us to seek and maintain an ... mouth wide, and I will fill it."
Our Lord repeatedly ... She felt "an uninterrupted and entire resignation to God ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... of our ministers was assailed, their motives impugned, and ... it soon became adequate
to its own support, and has since remained among our regular circuits. ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Corn, sinfulness of shutting up, [377]362 ... ib.; accused by the devil, [947]284; his
resignation showed a ... 1032]307; to be preserved in it by our own efforts, [1033 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Letter xix. Submission to the Will of God; Dependence Upon Him for ...
... than other histories is, that the motives of men ... possible motive for a hearty and
cheerful resignation to all ... lawful and proper means to improve our condition. ...
/.../letter xix submission to the.htm

The New-Birth
... in itself, by its departing from due resignation, and obedience ... denial, and also
all the motives and incitements ... truths, have awakened, and opened our minds for ...
/.../law/the grounds and reasons of christian regeneration/the new-birth.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... Not merely with resignation, nor even with resolution, but with ... He appeals to them
by many motives; by their ... this all a message, an oracle, from our Lord Jesus ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about acceptance? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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Resignation: Motives to God's Wisdom
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