Christian faith is often described as comprising – knowledge, assent, and trust. We must have the knowledge of the Bible and then assent or agree with this knowledge. But also there’s the important step of trust for true faith. In all three steps Jesus is the object of our faith, he is the one of whom we learn as we gain knowledge that he is the Christ. Jesus is also the one whom we must trust as Lord. But is obedience required for true faith?
We can look to Scripture to understand faith and obedience and see Jesus taught in John 14:21, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Faith at this point is to know, accept and trust the doctrine of obedience as Jesus taught. God calls all Christians to obedience to him through Christ as a matter of faith and love for him. This is an obedience of the heart as well as the mind. It is not legalism to an external code or man-made set of rules. It is an expression of true faith and love for the God of creation and our salvation.
Obedience is the key to loving God with both the heart and the mind. And obedience to God’s commands also prevents many of the troubles and sins that beset people in their faith. To be truly faithful and to truly trust in Christ, we are called to obey him in every aspect of his teaching. This includes the command to love God as our first priority, and then to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are called to obedience to all doctrines and it is for all people of faith. It is a paradigm of trust for the Christian faith that all people of faith need.
To develop this in our everyday life I believe we need to have a premeditated obedience to grow in faith and sanctification. We must decide ahead of time that we will seek to obey the teachings of Christ because the tyranny of life will distract us if we don’t. Granted no one can obey the teachings of the Word perfectly, but the Bible is the key to knowing our calling. With a goal of obedience, and with a mind that actively seeks after God, we can achieve far greater obedience than if we don’t.
Our lives will also be more consistent if we are focused and determined ahead of time to keep in step with the Holy Spirit as we know in the Scripture. It’s more than, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ It’s a life of commitment to God through obedience to his teachings, and receiving the Spiritual blessings of walking faithfully to his Word. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will lead us to live in obedience. There's no question we need His help to live in obedience and faithfulness.
Our lives will also be more consistent if we are focused and determined ahead of time to keep in step with the Holy Spirit as we know in the Scripture. It’s more than, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ It’s a life of commitment to God through obedience to his teachings, and receiving the Spiritual blessings of walking faithfully to his Word. Being filled with the Holy Spirit will lead us to live in obedience. There's no question we need His help to live in obedience and faithfulness.
FAITH TODAY: John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
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