The Obedience of Faith

From the scriptures we understand that Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, for if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God (Rom 4:2-3). Also, from the same scriptures we understand that God desires that all of us should be saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves for it is the gift of God (Eph 2:8), being justified by faith, having peace with God through Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1).

However, it is expedient for us to know that our justification by faith in the gospel of Christ does not relieve us of our obedience to Him. Rather it was designed by God the Father to be the foundation, and the fosterer of our obedience. He wants us to walk in obedience as a result of our faith in Him. In Hebrews 11:8, the bible says "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." So we see clearly that by faith Abraham obeyed God. The faith he had in God by which he was justified propelled Him to obedience. This kind of obedience that comes of faith is of a noble sort. It is not like the obedience of a slave which ranks very little higher than the obedience of a well-trained horse or dog, which is tuned to the crack of the whip. The obedience of faith springs from a conviction within, and not from law or compulsion. It is wrought in us by the Spirit of the Lord, through our believing in the truth, and love, and grace of our God in Christ Jesus.

Real faith sparks a deep trust in God, and loyalty to Him which generates and precipitates obedience. This obedience which results from faith is the grand object of the work of grace in the hearts of those who are chosen and called of God. Hence, without faith it is impossible to please Him (Heb 11:6). If you truly believe in the living God unto eternal life, you will be quick to do His bidding. If your heart doesn’t gravitate towards walking in His will in all things, it only shows that you have not actually believed in Him.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord,Lord’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven.”(Matt 7:21) 

  

“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began, but now made manifest, and by the prophetic scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for the obedience of faith” (Rom 16:25-26)

My friends, have faith in God, and then obey, obey, obey, and keep on obeying, until the Lord shall return or call you home.