Exodus 20:20 (ESV) Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin."
I was reading the 10 Commandments to my son, and this stood out to me. I have been contemplating the relationship of obedience to gospel faith. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone. This is not in doubt. Even after coming to faith in Christ, we are still called to Gospel obedience. Or as Moses sees it "that the fear of him may be before us so that we may not sin."
Even in the gospels and epistles we see that call to continue to keep the commandments. Throughout Deuteronomy the "Keep the whole commandment that I command you today." appears.
I think that the relationship between obedience and faith can best be seen in the concept of repentance. We are to Repent and Believe. Following the commandments adds nothing to our salvation, but it does reveal a heart of repentance and faith. Obedience demonstrates allegience. Obedience demonstrates commitments. Obedience demonstrates a changed heart. That is why we are called to put sin to death because our obedience is part of our discipleship.
But what is the essence of our obedience. 1 John 3:23 (ESV) And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
Pastor Sloan
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