Does 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 teach that Jesus is not God?

The "Iglesia Ni Cristo" teaches that Jesus is not God. One passage they often point to is 1 Corinthians 15:27-28. Does this passage teach that Jesus is not God?

When we examine the passage, we discover that it does not teach that Jesus is not God.

Trinitarians believe that the Father and Son are distinct persons.

1 Corinthians 15:27a (ESV) - 27a For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet."

The first issue with the INC's argument is that it assumes that God is like his creation, unipersonal. Scripture has revealed that God exists in three persons. Therefore, Trinitarians believe that when this verse speaks of "God", it is speaking of the Father and the Father speaks to the Son, a distinct person in the Trinity.

Trinitarians do not believe that the Father is subject to the Son.

1 Corinthians 15:27b (ESV) - 27b But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.

The next problem with the INC's argument is that it assumes Trinitarians believe that the Son is God in a way that would make the Father subservient. Trinitarians believe no such thing. As this verse says, Trinitarians affirm that the Father is not put in subjection under the Son.

Trinitarians believe that the Son is subject to the Father.

1 Corinthians 15:28 (ESV) - 28 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.

A third problem with the INC's argument is that it assumes Trinitarians believe that the Son is God in a way which would not permit him to submit to the Father. As this verse says, Trinitarians affirm that the Son willingly submits to the Father and is in subjection to him.

That fact that the Son is in subjection to the Father does not make him a lesser being. For example, a wife willingly submits to her husband, but that does not mean she is a lesser being than he is. In a similar way, the Son submits to the Father and is not a lesser being. This analogy is not perfect because a husband and wife are equal beings while the Father and Son share the same being, but it serves to show how one can submit to another and not be lesser in being.

Conclusion

1 Corinthias 15:27-28 does not reject the Trinity but affirms the Son's willing submission to the Father. The fact that the INC believes this verse refutes the doctrine of the Trinity demonstrates they do not really understand what the doctrine of the Trinity teaches.