Acceptable Obedience How important is obedience to our salvation? The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the author of salvation for all who obey him, (Hebrews 5:9). Let’s take an in-depth look at what scripture has to say about obedience. Is obedience an important element of faith? We know we are justified by faith, (Romans 5:1), so what if our faith lacked obedience? To introduce the thought of an obedient faith, let’s consider what Paul wrote, in closing, to the Roman Christians in Chapter 16:26, “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:”. We see here that Paul specifically names faith as possessing the qualities of obedience. If we look at Hebrews 11:4-31 we read of a detailed list of historical figures that were moved by their faith in God to obey Him. Their obedient faith is being set forth as an example for all to see. Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." The Hebrews writer here affirms that by faith, Noah, and many others, obeyed God became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Acts 5:29-32 Peter here states that we should be obedient to God over any man. The end of Peter’s statement in verse 32 teaches us that the Holy Ghost is given to “them that obey him [Jesus].” We can therefore conclude from this statement that the Holy Ghost will not be given to those who are not obedient. How much obedience is enough before we receive the promise of eternal life? Hebrews 10:36 teaches: “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” So we learn here that we shall receive the promise after we have been obedient to God. The "promise" mentioned by the Hebrew writer is the same preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost after he instructed everybody present to "believe and be baptized"; Acts 2:39, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." John also mentioned this promise to us in 1 John 2:25, "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life". It is written in 1 John 2:3-6: “3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." An examination of 1 John 2:3-6 teaches us that our faithful obedience is a continual thing. Our obedience is how we are sure we know Christ, (V3). Our obedience is also how we know that we are in Christ, (V5). Failure to be obedient makes us a liar if we profess to know Jesus, (V 4). Those who proclaim to know Christ and refuse to obey him are liars, (1 John 2:4), and all liars will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death, (Rev 21:8). If we truly know Christ, we would know that our obedience is mandatory. God will be glorified through our obedience. "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation," (1 Peter 2:12). This is an easy concept to understand by simply applying the obedience of our own children to us. When an unruly child is witnessed in public, the parents are shamed because of the child's disobedience. But when a child's obedience is obvious in public, the parents of that child are held in respect and admiration. Obedience is how a Child of God brings glory to his Father's name. Disobedience is how a child of God brings open shame to the name of his Lord, (Hebrews 6:6). We are saved by grace, (Ephesians 2:5), and in exchange for our obedience, God will give us the gift of His saving grace, (Romans 1:5). We can't earn it, we can't buy it, we don't deserve it, but God will give it to us anyway if we will only obey Him.
John 6:27 Lifelong obedience to the Will of God. What a beautiful way to live your life glorifying our God and Jesus who came here and died in our place for sins we committed. What a wonderful opportunity we have for eternal life praising and glorifying God. What awesome power we have been given to overcome death. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous, (1 John 5:3). "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls," (1 Peter 1:9). The Christian life, faithfully lived is the beginning of the heavenly adventure. Next Study: Salvation by Grace
Additional scripture for further study
Hebrews 5:8-9
Romans 6:16 |
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