1 Corinthians 15:28
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It's easy to read this and think of the Son "giving up" power, but the original Greek points to a willing and joyful subordination – a perfect completion of the Father's plan where the Son's mission is fully realized. This isn't about defeat, but about the ultimate unity and harmony in God's reign, where everything finds its perfect place.
When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building his case for the resurrection, proving its necessity by showing Christ's ultimate reign and eventual return to the Father. Before this, he's addressed the doubters and explained how a resurrected body works, and after this, he'll transition to encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith amidst opposition. This verse powerfully summarizes the cosmic scope of Christ's victory, highlighting the complete triumph of God's plan.
We often think of Jesus as eternal King, but this verse points to a future state of His relationship with the Father. What does this profound submission mean?
This verse reveals a breathtaking moment in salvation history: the Son, Jesus Christ, will perfectly and willingly subject Himself to the Father. This isn't about a loss of authority or divinity, but the ultimate fulfillment of His mission.
The Final Act of Redemption
Jesus came to do the Father's will, to conquer sin and death, and to establish His kingdom. When His redemptive work is complete, and all opposing powers are crushed, He will present this perfected creation back to the Father. His submission is the final, glorious act that brings all of creation into perfect harmony with God.
Unity and Relationship Restored
This ultimate submission highlights the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. It’s a picture of selfless love and perfect obedience, demonstrating that the Son’s glory is intrinsically tied to the Father’s glory. It’s the pinnacle of God’s plan to restore relationship.
The verse concludes with a powerful declaration about God's ultimate state. What does it truly mean for God to 'be all in all'?
The phrase 'that God may be all in all' is the ultimate goal and culmination of everything. It signifies a state of absolute, unhindered divine presence and sovereignty over all creation.
Absolute Divine Sovereignty
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When all things are subjected to Christ, and He, in turn, is subjected to the Father, every trace of rebellion, sin, and imperfection will be eradicated. God's rule will be universally recognized and undisputed. His will, His presence, and His glory will permeate every aspect of reality.
Complete Fellowship and Perfection
'All in all' also speaks to the restoration of perfect fellowship. It means that in every created thing, there will be nothing that distracts from or opposes God. Every being, every place, every moment will be fully oriented towards and filled with God. This is the perfect state God intended from the beginning – His presence dwelling fully with His people, and His will being perfectly done.
Understand the original words
Huios · Greek Noun
The second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ. He is the eternal Word made flesh, who, in His mediatorial role, submits Himself to the Father to consummate the kingdom of God.
This passage echoes the ultimate exaltation of Christ and His dominion, mirroring the subjection described in 1 Corinthians 15:28, highlighting the universal recognition of His sovereignty.
1 Corinthians 3:23This verse, also from 1 Corinthians, speaks to Christ belonging to God, reinforcing the deep and intrinsic connection between the Son and the Father that is central to the idea of God being 'all in all'.
Colossians 1:15-20This passage describes Christ's supremacy over all creation and His role in reconciling all things to God, providing a foundational understanding for the future complete subjection and the ultimate purpose of God being all in all.
Revelation 21:1-4This vision of the new heaven and new earth powerfully illustrates the concept of God being 'all in all' by depicting a renewed creation where suffering and death are no more, and God dwells directly with His people.
It's easy to read this and think of the Son "giving up" power, but the original Greek points to a willing and joyful subordination – a perfect completion of the Father's plan where the Son's mission is fully realized. This isn't about defeat, but about the ultimate unity and harmony in God's reign, where everything finds its perfect place.
Paul is building his case for the resurrection, proving its necessity by showing Christ's ultimate reign and eventual return to the Father. Before this, he's addressed the doubters and explained how a resurrected body works, and after this, he'll transition to encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith amidst opposition. This verse powerfully summarizes the cosmic scope of Christ's victory, highlighting the complete triumph of God's plan.
Paul is building his case for the resurrection, proving its necessity by showing Christ's ultimate reign and eventual return to the Father. Before this, he's addressed the doubters and explained how a resurrected body works, and after this, he'll transition to encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith amidst opposition. This verse powerfully summarizes the cosmic scope of Christ's victory, highlighting the complete triumph of God's plan.
"When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all." — It's easy to read this and think of the Son "giving up" power, but the original Greek points to a willing and joyful subordination – a perfect completion of the Father's plan where the Son's miss…
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Last reviewed October 2026
