What other scriptures emphasize the importance of obedience to God's laws? Leviticus 26:32—A Sobering Reminder “And I will lay waste the land so that your enemies who dwell in it will be appalled.” Disobedience carries real, tangible consequences. Scripture repeats this theme from Genesis to Revelation. Blessing and Curse in the Torah • Deuteronomy 28:1–2 — “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God… all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey…” • Deuteronomy 28:15 — “If you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God… all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.” • Joshua 1:8 — “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth… for then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.” Historical Lessons • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.” • 2 Kings 17:13–14 — Prophets warned, yet “they would not listen but were stiff-necked.” Wisdom Literature’s Call to Obedience • Psalm 19:7 — “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” • Psalm 119:1–4 — “Blessed are those… who walk in the law of the LORD… You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.” • Proverbs 3:1–2 — “My son, do not forget my teaching… for they will prolong your life and bring you peace and prosperity.” Prophetic Echoes • Isaiah 1:19–20 — “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” • Jeremiah 7:23 — “Obey My voice… that it may go well with you.” • Ezekiel 18:9 — “He follows My statutes and keeps My judgments faithfully… he will surely live.” Jesus Affirms the Standard • Matthew 5:17–19 — He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it; greatness in the kingdom is tied to practicing and teaching God’s commands. • Matthew 7:24 — “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • John 15:10 — “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” The Apostolic Witness • Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than men.” • Romans 6:16 — “You are slaves to the one you obey… obedience leading to righteousness.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • 1 John 2:3–5 — “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments… whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” Final Call in Revelation • Revelation 14:12 — “Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” |
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