Obedience or Legalism

By, Britt Williams


Many today erroneously believe that the "covenant of grace" either de-emphasizes or relinquishes the Christian's obligation to fulfill the moral law. Few truly search the Scriptures and form their theological ideas from holy writ, but rather, glean "here and there" from the latest spiritual best-seller or the most popular TV evangelist/teacher. In the pulpit the situation isn't much better. Tragically, sound Biblical doctrine (that exposes sin and exalts Jesus) is unpopular. On the contrary, positive, up-beat, motivational, feel-good speaking is in unprecedented demand. Sadly, multitudes of professing Christians today violently reject any standard of morality as teachings of "law." With such thinking so prevalent and vehemently defended as orthodox, we are forced to ask ourselves these questions: Are we, as Christians, to obey the commandments of God? And if so, is to teach obedience a doctrine of legalism? An honest examination of our current spiritual state reveals that in an attempt to avoid legalism we have now obviously succumb to antinomianism. Man has so recoiled from a "salvation by works" that he has produced a salvation without obedience. We would be wise to consider the warning of Christ regarding the spiritual atmosphere of the last days... Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. The Greek word here translated "iniquity" means "lawlessness." Jesus, is clearly pointing out that the last day spiritual error will be one marked by a hatred for restraint rather than a bent toward legalism. However, the church has sired a generation who fear legalism more than they hate sin. They ramble on and on about avoiding "the bondage of law" while they participate in unspeakable vice and compromise. They piously talk of "defending the faith" yet live cold, dry, uninspired lives void of passion for Jesus. When talking to such people it appears that nearly every basic Biblical term has been redefined. What is spiritual bondage? Apparently, obedience to the commandments of God is their worst nightmare. What is Biblical liberty? Evidently, according to such thinking, Jesus died to allow them to "do as they please." Not surprisingly, the FALSE and BLASPHEMOUS doctrine of "once saved always saved" is the most popular doctrinal error of our times. Confusion abounds. This spiritual malady in doctrine is referred to as antinomianism. Antinomianism: {Webster's} One of a sect who maintain, that, under the gospel dispensation, the law is of no use or obligation; or who hold doctrines which supersede the necessity of good works and a virtuous life. Interestingly, in many Christian circles the mentioning of the law of God is treated with greater disdain than gossip, cursing, and false doctrine. Is this Biblically sound? Ironically, Jesus, nor any of the Apostles ever spoke of the law of God in a derogatory manner. Many would be shocked to simply come to the revelation of this one Biblical fact: the Holy Ghost will never inspire anyone to speak negatively about the law of God. True, the law cannot save, nor can it make anyone holy, however, it has its place even under the gospel dispensation (1 Tim. 1:8-10). Nevertheless, Christians today forget that it is the ceremonial law, not the moral law, that is "done away with in Christ." Under the covenant of grace, the moral law is expressed and established in the love commandments of Christ (Matthew 22:40) and nowhere in the New Testament are we freed from our obligation to fulfill this moral law. The Bible teaches that "Christ's righteousness" was imputed to us, not His obedience - this we must offer ourselves through the power of the Holy Ghost (John 15:4-5). At justification, we are rendered "righteous" by virtue of the finished work of Christ as we are forgiven for all "sins past" (Romans 3:25). However, as Christians, we are obligated to fulfill the law of God by daily "walking in the Spirit" (Romans 8:4, Gal. 5:14-16). Furthermore, we are given "grace" that we might "walk in newness of life" and "present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God which is our REASONABLE SERVICE" (When confronted with their obligation to "holiness" and "obedience" many professing Christians believe it is an unreasonable demand) (Romans 6:4, 12:1). Let the reader understand, the Bible clearly teaches that Christians MUST OBEY! Listen to the words of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, as he decries the errors of Antinomianism in his day... Question: What is antinomianism? Answer: Antinomianism is the doctrine which makes void the law through faith. Question: What are the main false pillars thereof? Answer:[1] That Christ abolished the moral law. [2] That Christians are no longer obliged to observe it. [3] That one branch of Christian liberty is, liberty from obeying the commandments of God. [4] That it is bondage to do a thing because it is commanded, or forbear it because it is forbidden. [5] That a believer is not obligated to use the ordinance of God, or to do good works. [6] That a preacher ought not to exhort to good works; not unbelievers, because it is hurtful; not believers, because it is needless. Sound familiar? It should, this perfectly describes the popular theology of the evangelical church-world of America today. In fact, these tenets are the rallying cries, the precious creeds, and the prized dogmas of the professing church for the past three decades. And we wonder why sin reigns from the White House to the county seat and from the pulpit to the pew? Friend, we are nothing more than a reflection of the theology we've embraced. Perhaps you may conclude that this article was written by a "legalist" who is promoting "salvation by works." Others will believe these are the rantings of some far-out, on the fringe, cultic leader. However, before you calmly and confidently label such ideas as "of the devil" and "doctrines of bondage" would you please carefully consider the Bible? What did Jesus teach? Jesus commanded the Apostles to go and make disciples and teach all new converts to OBEY everything that He commanded them. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Jesus declared only those who obey God's Word are truly blessed. Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. We show our love for Jesus and God by obedience. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. In the Bible, love and obedience are inseparable. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 2 John 1:5-6 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.Disobedience, according to the Bible, irrefutably proves a lack of love for Jesus. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.Those who actually inherit the kingdom of God love (or obey) God. James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?To remain in Jesus' love, we must meet the condition of obeying His commands. John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. Jesus' servants obey today just like they did back in Jesus' days on Earth. John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. The Apostles knew and taught that obedience to God and His commandments were mandatory. Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith... The Holy Ghost is ONLY given to people who obey God. Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. We are either slaves to sin, or slaves to obedience, depending on whom we obey. Romans 6:16-18 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. The gospel is to be obeyed for salvation's sake. 2 Thes. 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power... Those who possess eternal salvation are those who obey God. Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him... 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. In the Bible, the unsaved are described as those who don't obey the gospel. 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Obedience to God's commands is a proof of salvation. Those who claim salvation, but don't obey are LIARS. 1 John 2:3-4 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. Prayer assurance for a Christian is based on obedience. 1 John 3:22-23 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. Christians are described, in part, as those who obey God's commandments. Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. A Christian's obedience comes from faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name... From all these Scriptures, we have a clear picture that true Christians can and do obey God's commandments and are not living immorally as multitudes of false teachers, such as those that teach unconditional eternal security or OSAS (once saved, always saved). Disobedience can bring forth spiritual death to a person who was once saved (Lk. 15:24; Rom. 6:16; 8:13; James 1:14-15; 5:19-20, etc...). Ponder the following Scriptures that clarify this and do not let yourself be deceived: 1 Cor. 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.1 Thes. 4:7-8 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. Ephes. 5:5-7 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 6:8-9 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Rev. 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And remember, Jesus described his true spiritual family (his disciples) as those who put into practice God's Word and do His will. Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Matthew 12:49-50 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. He also stated that one is a wise builder or a foolish builder based on the single condition of putting into practice the Word of God. Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Friend, the real importance about your obedience to God and the seriousness of disobedience (sin) is partly shown by these Bible verses. Reject all who teach otherwise, even if they are popular