The main difference between submission and surrender is that submission may not always involve willing acceptance of someone’s authority, whereas surrender usually involves willingly yielding to someone’s authority.
These are two similar words that describe the action of accepting another’s authority. Both have a religious meaning, i.e., submitting or surrendering to God’s will.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Submission
– Definition, Features
2. What is Surrender
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Submission and Surrender
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Submission and Surrender
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Submission, Surrender
What is Submission
If we look at the dictionary definitions of the noun submission, we can describe it as “the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person”, “the act of giving something for a decision to be made by others”. Submission basically refers to yielding control to a more powerful entity. For example, we submit to the laws of the country we live in, and if we sign a legal contract, we submit to the conditions in that contract. Let’s look at some example sentences in a general context.
They bowed their heads in submission.
The defeated soldiers were forced into submission.
His attempts to force his partner’s submission to his authority resulted in the end of their relationship.
The concept of submission also occurs in Christianity. However, the biblical definition of submission is different from the general definitions. In a religious context, submission is an act of worship to God and involves putting God’s desires above your desires. It also involves putting others before yourself and not always doing what you want to do. It’s important to note that submission here is not about control.
What is Surrender
Surrender has a meaning similar to submission. Surrendering means to yield to someone’s authority. If you look at its definition in dictionaries, you’ll find entries like “to stop fighting and admit defeat” and “stop resisting to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority”. In a general context, surrender is a word we usually use with defeat. For example,
The rebels surrendered to the army authorities.
They would rather die than surrender to the enemy.
The King decided to surrender to the enemy army.
The concept of surrender also occurs in Christianity, typically surrender to God’s Will. Moreover, the first main principle of surrender in Christianity is “Dying to Self”, or “The Carrying of Your Cross”, which allows Christ to reign and rule in the order of how one’s life is carried out. The following biblical passages are proof of this.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
— Matthew 16:24
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
— John 15:13
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us and offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
— Eph 5:2
Similarities Between Submission and Surrender
- These are two similar words that describe the action of accepting another’s authority.
- Both have a religious meaning, i.e., submitting or surrendering to God’s will.
- Moreover, it’s important to note that these two words can have different connotations for different people.
Difference Between Submission and Surrender
Definition
Submission refers to the act of giving something for a decision to be made by others, while surrender refers to stop resisting an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.
Acceptance
In submission, one may accept yielding to another due to compulsion, so this may not be a willing acceptance of someone’s authority. But surrendering typically involves willingly yielding to someone’s authority.
Conclusion
The main difference between submission and surrender is that submission may not always involve willing acceptance of someone’s authority, whereas surrender usually involves willingly yielding to someone’s authority.
Reference:
1. “Surrender (Religion).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5 May 2021.
2. “What Is Submission?” PursueGOD.org, 12 Feb. 2021.
Image Courtesy:
1. “praying” (CC0) via Pixabay
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