What New Testament passages reinforce the importance of obedience found in Leviticus 7:18? Leviticus 7:18—A Snapshot of Wholehearted Obedience • “If any of the meat of his fellowship offering is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted; it will not be credited to the one who presented it. It is impure; the one who eats it will bear his iniquity.” • The Lord requires offerings to be handled exactly as He commands; partial or delayed obedience voids the sacrifice and places guilt on the worshiper. Jesus Re‐emphasizes Obedience • Matthew 5:17-19 — “Whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” • Matthew 7:21-23 — Only those who “do the will of My Father” are welcomed; profession without obedience is rejected. • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 15:10 — Remaining in Christ’s love is tied to keeping His commandments, just as He obeys the Father. Early Church Examples • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” The apostles choose costly obedience over human approval. • Romans 6:16 — Obedience leads to righteousness, just as disobedience leads to death. • Philippians 2:12-13 — Believers “work out” salvation in reverent obedience, trusting God who energizes their will and actions. Christ’s Own Obedience as the Pattern • Hebrews 5:8-9 — Jesus “learned obedience” through suffering and became “the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Practical Exhortations to Believers • James 1:22-25 — Blessing comes to “doers of the word,” not mere hearers. • 1 Peter 1:14-16 — As “obedient children,” believers pursue holiness because God is holy. • 1 John 2:3-6 — Assurance of knowing God rests on keeping His commandments; walking as Jesus walked is non-negotiable. Consequences of Disobedience—Echoes of Leviticus 7:18 • Matthew 7:23 — “Depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.” • Hebrews 10:26-27 — Deliberate sin after receiving truth brings a “fearful expectation of judgment.” • Leviticus 7:18 parallels these warnings: disobedience nullifies worship and incurs guilt. Living the Leviticus Principle Today • Scripture never treats obedience as optional; New Testament writers apply the same seriousness found in Leviticus 7:18. • Genuine faith is always expressed in prompt, complete, and loving obedience to God’s revealed will. |
    |