The rule of love.

In chapter 3, Jonathan begins to unpack the implications of biblical love. To keep it short and sweet, three key points brought up are: "authority grounded in love creates life," "Christ represents God's authority," and "Christian love is shown in the exercise of Christ's authority" (p. 160). Moreover, submission is defined as "accepting as a requirement of love that the license of the one in authority to govern" (p. 146). Christ has redeemed authority and we as Christians are now to reflect Christ's authority because submission to Christ also means being authorized by Christ to act in his stead.

God's love is not one that merely accepts us as we are, but changes us into who He wants us to be. In the same way, there is an implication for the local church and our discipleship within it. Churches are not just communities that we attend like a social club with voluntary commitment and the ability to join and leave as we wish. Instead, they are instituted by Christ and delegated authority (discussed later in the book). Local churches are not voluntaristic, but required. And this requirement entails being placed under the authority of other believers.