Adherence
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Adherence, in a biblical context, refers to the steadfast commitment and faithful devotion to God's commandments, teachings, and principles as revealed in Scripture. It encompasses the idea of clinging to the truth, maintaining loyalty to God's Word, and living in accordance with His will. This concept is central to the life of a believer, as it reflects one's dedication to following Christ and upholding the tenets of the Christian faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of adherence to God's commandments as a demonstration of love and faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 6:17, the Israelites are instructed, "Diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and His testimonies and statutes He has commanded you." This verse underscores the necessity of diligently adhering to God's laws as an expression of devotion and obedience.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates the significance of adherence to His teachings. In John 14:15, He states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This declaration highlights the intrinsic link between love for Christ and adherence to His commands, suggesting that true love for the Savior is manifested through obedience.

Examples of Adherence in Scripture

1. Abraham's Faithfulness: Abraham is a prime example of adherence in the Old Testament. His unwavering faith and obedience to God's call, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, demonstrate his steadfast commitment to God's will (Genesis 22:1-18). Abraham's adherence to God's command is commended in Hebrews 11:8, which states, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance."

2. Daniel's Devotion: Daniel's life exemplifies adherence through his refusal to compromise his faith, even in the face of persecution. Despite the decree against praying to any god or man except King Darius, Daniel continued his practice of praying to God three times a day (Daniel 6:10). His unwavering adherence to God's commandments resulted in divine protection and favor.

3. The Early Church: The early Christians demonstrated adherence by devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Their commitment to these practices reflects their dedication to living out the teachings of Christ and maintaining unity within the body of believers.

Adherence and the Christian Life

Adherence to God's Word is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating how adherence to Scripture provides guidance and direction in the believer's life. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to "stand firm in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13) and to "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), emphasizing the importance of steadfastness in the Christian walk.

Furthermore, adherence to God's commandments is a source of blessing and prosperity. In Joshua 1:8, God promises success to those who meditate on His law and adhere to it: "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do."

Challenges to Adherence

Believers may face challenges to adherence, such as societal pressures, temptations, and trials. The Apostle Paul warns of the dangers of being led astray by false teachings and encourages believers to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The need for discernment and perseverance is crucial in maintaining adherence to the truth.

In conclusion, adherence is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting a believer's commitment to God's commandments and teachings. Through examples in Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, trusting in His promises and walking in His ways.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) The quality or state of steady attachment; faithfulness; as, adherence to a party or to opinions.

2. (n.) The state of being fixed in attachment; fidelity; steady attachment; adhesion

Greek
199. akribos -- with exactness
... This root () refers to gaining with the of accuracy ("exactness") and is acquired
by to provide a (precise) view in adherence to the facts. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/199.htm - 7k
Library

Whether Sins once Forgiven Return through a Subsequent Sin?
... I answer that, As stated above ([4792]Q[86], A[4]), mortal sin contains two
things, aversion from God and adherence to a created good. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sins once forgiven return.htm

Of the Difference Between the Secret Friends and the Hidden Sons ...
... But the friends possess their inwardness as an attribute, for they choose the loving
adherence to God as best and highest of all that they ever can and will ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter viii of the difference.htm

How we Ought to have Fruition of God
... If a man would have fruition of God, three things are needful thereto; these
are, true peace, inward silence, and loving adherence. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xiii how we ought.htm

The Relation of Manich??ism to Christianity.
... tenets. Their adherence to the New Testament, as well as their adherence
to Christ, was, therefore, virtually a mere pretence. In ...
/.../chapter viii name relation of.htm

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... That is to say, the act of confidence must be followed and perfected by tenacious
adherence with all the tendrils of a man's nature to the God in whom he says ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/hezekiah a pattern of devout.htm

1 John iv. 1-3
... Here again there is no other test of true faith, no other law for christian union,
than steadfast adherence to that one fundamental fact of the appearing of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iv 3-jan.htm

Deterioration of Mother Synod.
... Moreover, in a measure, they opened their own doors to Rationalism; the German language
was regarded as being of greater import than faithful adherence to the ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/deterioration of mother synod.htm

In the Lions' Den
... it into effect. The prophet's enemies counted on Daniel's firm adherence
to principle for the success of their plan. And they were ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 44 in the lions.htm

1 John iv. 14-16
... But he would, again and again, impress it upon their hearts, that firm adherence
to this fact must ever be the ground of all true fellowship with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iv 14-16.htm

The Discourse Continued: Incapacity of the Jews to Understand the ...
... itself. Their adherence to the letter made them blind to the Messiah; but
their carnal mind caused their adherence to the letter. ...
/.../section 147 the discourse continued .htm

Thesaurus
Adherence (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of steady attachment;
faithfulness; as, adherence to a party or to opinions. ...Adherence (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/adherence.htm - 7k

Fidelity (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Faithfulness; loyalty; adherence to right; careful and exact observance
of duty; as fidelity to one's spouse, or discharge of obligations. ...
/f/fidelity.htm - 10k

Right (4703 Occurrences)
... 19. (n.) The straight course; adherence to duty; obedience to lawful authority,
divine or human; freedom from guilt, -- the opposite of moral wrong. 20. ...
/r/right.htm - 14k

Observation (4 Occurrences)
... one has observed; a remark. 4. (n.) Performance of what is prescribed; adherence
in practice; observance. 5. (n.) The act of recognizing ...
/o/observation.htm - 8k

Obstinacy (1 Occurrence)
... a fixedness in will, opinion, or resolution that can not be shaken at all, or only
with great difficulty; firm and usually unreasonable adherence to an opinion ...
/o/obstinacy.htm - 7k

Jaazaniah (5 Occurrences)
... (2) In Jeremiah 35:3, son of Jeremiah (not the prophet), and a chief of the Rechabite
clansmen from whose "staunch adherence to the precepts of their ancestor ...
/j/jaazaniah.htm - 11k

Lawful (38 Occurrences)
... The idea of straighthess, rigid adherence to God's law, whether religious, civil
or ceremonial, cannot be excluded from the definition of the word "lawful ...
/l/lawful.htm - 20k

Fast (157 Occurrences)
... impregnable; strong. 8. (v.) Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily
separated or alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend. 9. (v ...
/f/fast.htm - 49k

Faithful (136 Occurrences)
... and promises of God. 2. (a.) Firm in adherence to promises, oaths, contracts,
treaties, or other engagements. 3. (a.) True and constant ...
/f/faithful.htm - 69k

Times (1875 Occurrences)
... The Revised Version (British and American) has, in 1 Peter 1:20, "at the end of
the times," and in 1 John 2:18, "the last hour," in closer adherence to the ...
/t/times.htm - 11k

Resources
What does the Bible say about legalism? How can a Christian avoid falling into the trap of legalism? | GotQuestions.org

What is deontological ethics / deontology? | GotQuestions.org

Didn't the Old Testament punish blasphemy with death? How is that different from radical Islam? | GotQuestions.org

Adherence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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