Eternal functional subordination explained

Eternal functional subordination (EFS) or Eternal subordination of the Son (ESS) is a Trinitarian doctrine which proposes a hierarchy within the trinity, where though the Son is ontologically equal to the Father, he is subordinate in role, obeying the Father in eternity. Advocates of eternal subordination generally see this as a model for human relationships. Eternal Subordination is contrasted with the view held by Augustine, where the obedience of the Son to the Father is only by virtue of His human nature. Two prominent modern advocates of the doctrine are Wayne Grudem and Bruce Ware, though they often use the monicker "eternal relations of authority and submission" to further nuance their view.^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

Although the doctrine of eternal functional subordination has been used to justify complementarian views, it has gained criticism from both complementarian and egalitarian theologians.^{[6] [7] [8]}

History

Wayne Grudem argued that the doctrine has been affirmed by many theologians within the last few centuries, including Carl F. H. Henry, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Ryrie, Charles Hodge and others. However, his interpretation of some of these theologians has been challenged.^{[9] [3]}

The doctrine of eternal functional subordination has been criticized by theologians such as Glenn Butner, Matthew Barrett, Michael Bird, R. Scott Clark and Kevin Giles.^{[10] [11] [12]}

Doctrine

Wayne Grudem holds that the Son eternally submits to the Father, arguing that authority is not an attribute of God but of relationship. Grudem however denies that the doctrine of eternal subordination implies three wills in God, instead saying that God has one will but three distinctive expressions of that will.^{[13] [14]} However, its critics have argued that Wayne Grudem's view of the divine will is contradictory.^[15]

See also

• Subordinationism
• Social Trinitarianism

Notes and References

1. Web site: Trinitarian Agency and the Eternal Subordination of the Son: An Augustinian Perspective . 2023-05-01 . The Gospel Coalition . en-US.
2. Web site: Gatewood . Timothy . Why Should Evangelicals Reject the Eternal Subordination of the Son? Michael Bird and Matthew Barrett - Credo Magazine . 2023-05-01 . credomag.com . en-US.
3. Web site: Another Thirteen Evangelical Theologians Who Affirm the Eternal Submission of the Son to the Father . 2023-05-01 . www.reformation21.org . en.
4. Web site: Sazo . Timoteo . 2023-02-23 . Eternal Functional Subordination of the Son (EFS), Part I: Why It Misunderstands God . 2023-05-01 . The Washington Institute . en-US.
5. Web site: Question & Answer: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church . 2023-05-01 . opc.org . en.
6. Butner, Jr. . Glenn . "Eternal Functional Subordination and the Problem of the Divine Will" . JETS . 58/1 . 131–49.
7. Web site: 2022-04-18 . Rescuing Complementarianism - The Heidelblog . 2023-10-25 . heidelblog.net/ . en-US.
8. Web site: The Eternal Subordination of the Son Controversy: Survey of Some Relevant Material . 2023-10-25 . www.reformation21.org . en.
9. Web site: A Response To Grudem's Appeal To Hodge On Eternal Subordination . 2023-05-01 . theaquilareport.com.
10. Web site: Gatewood . Timothy . Does Eternal Subordination Compromise Biblical Orthodoxy? Liam Goligher and Matthew Barrett - Credo Magazine . 2023-10-25 . credomag.com/ . en-US.
11. Web site: Eternal Subordination . 2023-10-25 . The Heidelblog . en-US.
12. Bird, Michael F., and Scott D. Harrower, eds. 2019. Trinity without Hierarchy : Reclaiming Nicene Orthodoxy in Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic.
13. Web site: Grudem . Wayne . 2016 . Why a denial of the Son's eternal submission threatens both the Trinity and the Bible .
14. Web site: Grudem . Wayne . "Biblical Evidence for the Eternal Submission of the Son to the Father" .
15. Butner, Jr. . Glenn . "Eternal Functional Subordination and the Problem of the Divine Will" . JETS . 58/1 . 131–49.