Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "resign" can be understood as the act of yielding or submitting one's will to the will of God, or stepping down from a position or responsibility. This idea is closely related to themes of humility, obedience, and trust in divine providence.
Biblical Examples and Teachings:1.
Jesus Christ's Submission to the Father's Will: The ultimate example of resignation in the Bible is found in the life of Jesus Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus exemplifies perfect submission to the Father's will. Despite the impending suffering, He prays, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done" (
Luke 22:42). This moment highlights the importance of surrendering personal desires in favor of God's greater plan.
2.
Moses' Reluctance and Acceptance: Moses initially hesitated to accept God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, expressing doubt about his abilities (
Exodus 3:11). However, he eventually resigned himself to God's will, trusting in divine guidance and strength. His journey illustrates the process of overcoming personal reluctance to fulfill God's purposes.
3.
Paul's Contentment in God's Plan: The Apostle Paul demonstrates resignation through his acceptance of God's will in various circumstances. In
Philippians 4:11-13, he writes, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . Paul's contentment reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and provision.
4.
Job's Acceptance of God's Sovereignty: Job's account is a profound example of resignation to God's will amidst suffering. After losing his possessions, children, and health, Job declares, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (
Job 1:21). Job's response underscores a recognition of God's ultimate authority and a willingness to accept His decisions.
5.
Mary's Acceptance of God's Plan: When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God, she responded with humility and acceptance: "I am the Lord’s servant... May it happen to me according to your word" (
Luke 1:38). Mary's response exemplifies a heart willing to embrace God's will, even when it involves personal sacrifice and uncertainty.
Theological Implications:Resignation in the biblical sense is not passive fatalism but an active trust in God's wisdom and goodness. It involves a conscious decision to align one's desires and actions with God's purposes, often requiring courage and faith. This attitude is rooted in the belief that God's plans are ultimately for the good of those who love Him (
Romans 8:28).
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to practice resignation by seeking God's guidance in prayer, studying Scripture to understand His will, and cultivating a spirit of humility. This involves letting go of personal ambitions and trusting that God's plans are higher and better than human understanding (
Isaiah 55:8-9). Resignation is a daily exercise of faith, requiring believers to submit their lives to God's sovereign control and to find peace in His perfect will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To sign back; to return by a formal act; to yield to another; to surrender; -- said especially of office or emolument. Hence, to give up; to yield; to submit; -- said of the wishes or will, or of something valued; -- also often used reflexively.
2. (v. t.) To relinquish; to abandon.
3. (v. t.) To commit to the care of; to consign.
Strong's Hebrew
5234. nakar -- to regard, recognize... be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to
disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject,
resign, dissimulate (as if
...Library
As Due by Many Titles, IResign
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First XVIII As due by many titles, Iresign.
Myself to Thee, O GOD. First, I was made By Thee and...
Of Pure and Entire Resignation of Self, for the Obtaining Liberty...
... to take thyself again." 2. O Lord, how often shall Iresign myself, and
in what things shall I lose myself? 3. "Always; every hour...
The Thirty-Seventh Chapter: Pure and Entire Resignation of Self to...
... For once youresign yourself irrevocably, greater grace will be given you.
The Disciple. How often, Lord, shall Iresign myself?...
The Final Conflict and Heaven Resignation.
... My soul is glad. That she may lay her down to rest; Now all on earth I canresign,....
I hope to stand before Thy face: Yes, all on earth I canresign,....
More Special Advices Touching the Exercise of Affections of Divine...
... which involve in themselves images of external things (to wit, the special difficulties
in which the soul intends toresign herself), notwithstanding, to...
The Council of Constance (Ad 1414-1418)
... It was proposed that all the three popes shouldresign, and that a new
pope should be chosen. In answer to this, John said that...
Chapter twenty-six
... If we were toresign our charge for the purpose of going to Bombay or Hong Kong
or any place in Africa, the churches and the people would exclaim at the...
Within a Few Days Galerius C??sar Arrived, not to Congratulate his...
... Within a few days Galerius C??sar arrived, not to congratulate his father-in-law
on the re-establishment of his health, but to force him toresign the empire....
Inward Mortification and Perfect Resignation are Necessary for...
... 53.Resign and deny thy self wholly; for though true self-denial is harsh at the
beginning, tis easie in the middle and becomes most sweet in the end. 54....
To Gregory xi
... Never, in her earlier relations with Gregory, would she have gone such lengths as
here, in her amazing hint that he would betterresign the Papacy if he finds...
Thesaurus
Resign (1 Occurrence)... 2. (vt) To relinquish; to abandon. 3. (vt) To commit to the care of; to
consign. Multi-Version Concordance
Resign (1 Occurrence).
...Yield (78 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To give up, as something that is claimed or demanded; to make over to one
who has a claim or right; toresign; to surrender; to relinquish; as a city...
Forgive (81 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To give wholly; to make over without
reservation; toresign. 2. (vt) To give up resentment or...
Resignation (1 Occurrence)
Remit (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To send back; to give up; to surrender; to
resign. 2. (vt) To restore. 3. (vt) To transmit or send, esp....
Exchange (41 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) To part with for a substitute; to lay aside, quit, orresign (something
being received in place of the thing parted with); as, to exchange a palace for...
Deliver (397 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To give or transfer; to yield possession or control of; to part with (to);
to make over; to commit; to surrender; toresign; -- often with up or over...
Permit (36 Occurrences)
... followed by an infinitive. 3. (vt) To give over; toresign; to leave; to commit.
4. (vi) To grant permission; to allow. 5. (n.) Warrant...
Cure (28 Occurrences)
... the office of a parish priest or of a curate; hence, that which is committed to
the charge of a parish priest or of a curate; a curacy; as, toresign a cure...
Submit (36 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To put or place under. 3. (vt) To yield,resign, or surrender to power,
will, or authority; -- often with the reflexive pronoun....
Resources
What does the Bible say about acceptance? | GotQuestions.orgWho was C. I. Scofield? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I help someone to leave a toxic cult? | GotQuestions.orgResign: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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