The Holy Obedience
Holy obedience, in Christian theology, encompasses two essential elements. The first aspect revolves around Jesus’ obedience unto death, which serves as a means of atonement and reparation for humanity’s disobedience (sins). The second aspect pertains to the obedience of Christians to God, as they strive to imitate and partake in the obedience demonstrated by Jesus.
“If you love me, keep my commands. “( John 14:15 )
A Biblical Perspective on Faithful Submission
In Christian theology, the concept of holy obedience holds significant importance. It encompasses two fundamental aspects: Jesus’ obedience unto death for the redemption of humanity’s disobedience, and the call for Christians to imitate and share in this obedience. This article delves into the biblical foundation of holy obedience, shedding light on its significance and practical application in the lives of believers.
” As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” ( 1 Peter 1:14 )
” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! “( Acts 5:29 )
The Obedience of Jesus:
At the core of holy obedience lies Jesus’ unparalleled example of submission. The Scriptures affirm that Jesus willingly obeyed the Father’s will, even to the point of death on the cross His obedience served as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, providing atonement and reparation for the sins of humanity.
” And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! “
( Philippians 2:8 )” For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man, the many will be made righteous. “( Romans 5:19 ).
Call to Imitate:
As followers of Christ, believers are called to imitate Jesus’ obedience. The Bible encourages Christians to walk in obedience to God’s commands, recognizing that it is an expression of love and devotion Holy obedience involves aligning one’s will with God’s will, surrendering personal desires and submitting to His authority. Through this obedience, believers demonstrate their faith and grow in their relationship with God.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” ( John 14:15 )
” Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” ( Romans 12:1 )
The Fruit of Holy Obedience :
Holy obedience yields numerous spiritual fruits in the lives of believers. It fosters a deeper intimacy with God, as individuals align their hearts and minds with His purposes Obedience also brings about blessings and favourfrom God as well as spiritual growth and transformation Moreover, holy obedience serves as a powerful testimony to the world, reflecting the character of Christ and drawing others to Him.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ( Matthew 5:16 )
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” ( James 4:8 )
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:” ( Deuteronomy 28 : 1-2 )
” Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? “
( Romans 6:16 )
Challenges and Encouragement:
While holy obedience is a noble pursuit, it is not without its challenges. The fallen nature of humanity often leads to resistance and disobedience. However, the Scriptures provide encouragement and guidance for overcoming these obstacles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can find strength and grace to walk in obedience. Additionally, the support of a community of fellow believers can provide accountability and encouragement in the journey of holy obedience.
“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.” ( Philippians 2:13 ).
Holy obedience, rooted in the obedience of Jesus and exemplified in the lives of believers, holds immense significance in Christian theology. By imitating Jesus’ obedience and aligning their will with God’s, believers experience spiritual growth, and intimacy with God, and become powerful witnesses to the world. May we continually strive for holy obedience, relying on God’s grace and the guidance of His Word, as we seek to live out our faith in a manner that honours and glorifies Him.
” In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,” ( 1 John 5:3 )
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;” ( Isaiah 1:19 )
What are the blessings of obedience?
Blessings of Obedience:
The importance of wholehearted obedience is that if one fully obeys the Lord and carefully follows His commands, they will be exalted above all nations on earth. This divine elevation is a testament to the favour and blessings that obedience brings.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, ( Exodus 19:5 ) ( Deuteronomy 28 )
These blessings will come upon the obedient individual and accompany them throughout their journey. It is a promise of divine provision, protection, and prosperity. Those who walk in obedience will experience blessings in both urban and rural settings.
This encompasses various aspects of life, including personal well-being, relationships, and material abundance. Those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways will be blessed, enjoying the fruit of their labour and experiencing prosperity. Blessings are upon the head of the righteous. And those who trust in the Lord will be blessed.
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labour; blessings and prosperity will be yours. ( Psalm 128:1-2 )
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. ( Proverbs 16:20 )
The Spiritual Significance: Beyond material blessings, obedience also brings spiritual rewards. Jesus Himself emphasised the connection between obedience and love for God He stated that those who love Him will keep His word, and both He and the Father will come to them and make their home with them. This intimate relationship with the divine is a profound blessing that obedience cultivates.
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ( John 14:23 )
Obedience to the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and numerous individuals have demonstrated unwavering obedience, resulting in blessings from God:
Abraham:
Abraham, often referred to as the father of faith, exhibited remarkable obedience to God. God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Despite the immense difficulty of this request, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. As a result, God blessed him abundantly, promising to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.
I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, ( Genesis 22:17 ).
Noah:
Noah’s obedience to God’s command to build an ark is another powerful example. God instructed Noah to construct an ark to save himself, his family, and various animals from the impending flood. Noah faithfully followed God’s instructions, and as a result, he and his family were spared from the destruction. After the flood, God blessed Noah and his sons, establishing a covenant with them.
This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth. ( Genesis 6:9 )
Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.
( Genesis 9:1 ).
Moses:
Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, demonstrated unwavering obedience throughout his life. God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and commanded him to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. Moses obeyed God’s instructions despite his initial reluctance and led the Israelites to freedom. Through Moses’ obedience, God performed numerous miracles and ultimately blessed the Israelites with the Promised Land.
When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” ( Exodus 3:4 )
Mary:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, exhibited profound obedience to God’s plan. the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and informed her that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. Despite the societal challenges and potential consequences, Mary humbly accepted God’s will. Through her obedience, Mary became the vessel through which Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born.
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
( Luke 1 : 26-38 )
These biblical accounts serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the blessings that follow when we align our lives with God’s will, resulting in divine favor and fulfilment of God’s promises
The blessings for obedience, as revealed in the Bible, are abundant and encompass various aspects of life. From material prosperity to spiritual intimacy with God, obedience opens the door to divine favour and blessings. As believers, it is crucial to understand the significance of obedience and strive to align our lives with God’s commands, knowing that blessings await those who choose to walk in obedience. We should obey the commandments of Christ not as fearful slaves, but as loving children of God, trusting in Him who created us to be in communion with Himself.