Romans 10:3, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
A while back before discovering Blue Letter Bible, I would have not have the same understanding of this verse as I do today. This is the definition of the Greek word for submitted, hypotassō,
This word was a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.
The “volunteering attitude of giving in” could be misconstrued without knowing this word is in passive voice. The passive voice definition says,
The passive voice represents the subject as being the recipient of the action. E.g., in the sentence, “The boy was hit by the ball,” the boy receives the action.
In this context, I am the recipient of the ability or will to submit, be obedient, or have a voluntary attitude. This contrasts from so many times I hear brethren say, “So, I gotta surrender.” The answer is no. 2 Cor. 7:10 talks about godly sorrow unto repentance. Repentance literally means “afterthought“.
I believe the Lord reveals Who He IS. The effect is salvation of our spirit, soul and body. After seeing the real Son of God, it has an afterthought effect. This effect is passive and supernatural. It creates obedience to the faith, Rom. 1:5. This obedience to the faith is His willingness in us.
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