Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceObedience to God is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, characterized by a wholehearted and unreserved commitment to following God's commands and teachings as revealed in Scripture. It is an expression of love, trust, and reverence towards God, reflecting a believer's desire to align their life with His will. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of obedience, portraying it as a key component of a faithful relationship with God.
Biblical FoundationsThe concept of obedience is deeply rooted in the Bible, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis, God commands Adam and Eve to obey His instructions regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (
Genesis 2:16-17). Their failure to obey results in the fall of humanity, illustrating the consequences of disobedience.
Throughout the Old Testament, obedience is a central theme in God's covenant relationship with Israel. In
Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the Shema, God commands the Israelites to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength, which implies complete obedience.
Deuteronomy 11:1 states, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments."
The prophets repeatedly call the people back to obedience, warning of the consequences of straying from God's commands. For instance, in
1 Samuel 15:22 , Samuel declares, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect obedience to the Father.
Philippians 2:8 describes Jesus as "being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." His obedience is the model for believers, demonstrating that true discipleship involves surrendering one's will to God.
Jesus teaches that obedience is a mark of genuine faith. In
John 14:15 , He states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This connection between love and obedience underscores the relational aspect of following God. Furthermore, in
Matthew 7:21 , Jesus warns, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
The apostles continue this emphasis on obedience in their writings.
James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." The apostle Paul, in
Romans 6:16 , explains, "Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?"
Characteristics of Unreserved ObedienceUnreserved obedience to God is characterized by several key attributes:
1.
Wholeheartedness: It involves a complete and undivided commitment to God's will, as seen in the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (
Deuteronomy 6:5).
2.
Faithfulness: Unreserved obedience requires steadfastness and perseverance, even in the face of trials and challenges.
Hebrews 10:36 encourages believers, "You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."
3.
Humility: Recognizing God's sovereignty and authority, unreserved obedience is marked by a humble submission to His commands, as exemplified by Jesus' obedience to the Father.
4.
Trust: It involves trusting in God's wisdom and goodness, believing that His commands are for our ultimate benefit and His glory.
Consequences and BlessingsThe Bible outlines both the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. Disobedience leads to separation from God, as seen in the fall of Adam and Eve and the exile of Israel. Conversely, obedience brings blessings, peace, and a deeper relationship with God. In
Deuteronomy 28, God promises blessings for obedience, including prosperity, protection, and His abiding presence.
In summary, unreserved obedience to God is a vital aspect of the Christian life, rooted in love, trust, and reverence for the Creator. It is both a response to God's grace and a pathway to experiencing His blessings and presence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Joshua 22:2,3And said to them, You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Obedience to Parents.
... The individual practice of respect,obedience, confidence; and... to your parents, they
should be, afterGod, the depositories... in a course thatshould be abandoned...
The Morning Watch in the Life ofObedience.
... us that weshould be led by Him,should walk after Him,should have our... day you are
entering on be a very determined resolve thatobedience toGod shall be....
A Heavenly Pattern for Our Earthly Life
... Partialobedience is actual disobedience.... If we had choice of a sphere in which we
could serveGod with widest range, weshould choose not heaven but...
Letter viii. --Our Dependence onGod.
...should bow before Him, that allshould be cast... in following with complete exactness
and perfectobedience the laws... its liberty than in rendering toGod all it...
The Lamb ofGod, the Great Atonement
... furnishes with an abiding constraining motive, for cheerful and universalobedience....
cannot ascribe too much to the grace ofGod ; but weshould be careful...
Separation toGod.
... the foregoing words we find that hisobedience is further...GOD claims the right of
determining the personal... and directs that separated onesshould be manifestly...
Christianity in Individuals.
...should revere, though not worship, the model of female Christian virtue, of purity,
tenderness, simplicity, humility, perfectobedience toGod, andunreserved...
An Appeal and a Response
... But whyshould not every one who names our Lord's name cry out with a ready... but the
purpose is the same, and all who go out inobedience inGod's name will...
Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About...
... This is theobedience of faith he has that confidence inGod, that he... aims at our
happiness, and shall we be more benevolent thanGod?Should we not be likeGod...
A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian...
... you desire to pay anunreserved obedience to all... worship free and affectionate, your
obedience vigorous, your... you can influence, by whichGod should be offended...
Resources
Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.orgObedience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
