The Nature Of Obedience

Man is under obligation to obey God because of the relationship he sustains to Jehovah, the Creator. Man is a created being. God made man. Mankind should stand in awe and reverence before our eternal Creator, as David, the Psalmist recorded, “Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalms 33:8). When we become fully aware of our relationship to God, and the obligation to obey Him, then we also become interested in the nature of this obedience. What is the nature of obedience?

First, our obedience must be living and active. We must not only avoid what God has prohibited, but also perform faithfully all that He has commanded. “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). This involves both an understanding of God's will and a willingness to obey.

Second, our obedience must be personal, for no man can obey God for us. Although Christ died for us and took our place upon the cross, yet there are gospel commands we must obey. The Hebrew writer tells us that Jesus Christ: “and having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Every person who breathes the first breath of life will give an answer for how he has lived his life upon this earth. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Third, man’s obedience to God must be sincere, as well as active and personal. The mere performance of some ritual does not save anyone! Jesus Christ said, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). The apostle Paul explained to the young evangelist Timothy the purpose of God’s commandments. “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1Timothy 1:5). God wants mankind to serve him from a pure heart and sincere faith.

Fourth, man’s obedience to God must spring from love for God, not just from fear of punishment from the Lord. It is true that it is a terrible thing to face God in judgment unprepared. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Yet, the prime motivation behind man’s service to God must be pure love. Jesus Christ was asked what the greatest commandment was. Jesus said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with your entire mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Man must put his entire being into love and service to our creator. Jesus added, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John