The character of obedience is a defining trait of the saints, reflecting their commitment to follow God's will and commandments. Obedience is not merely a passive submission but an active, willing alignment with God's purposes, demonstrating faith and trust in His divine plan.

Biblical Foundation of Obedience

Obedience is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, beginning with the call to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and extending through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, obedience is often linked with blessings and favor from God. Deuteronomy 11:1 states, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments." This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of obedience, encompassing love, statutes, and commandments.

The account of Abraham exemplifies obedience as a hallmark of faith. In Genesis 22:18 , God says to Abraham, "And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac at God's command illustrates the depth of his obedience and trust in God's promises.

Obedience in the Life of Jesus

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of obedience for the saints. His life and ministry were marked by complete submission to the Father's will. In John 6:38 , Jesus declares, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me." This statement highlights Jesus' unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's plan, even to the point of death on the cross.

Philippians 2:8 further emphasizes this aspect of Christ's character: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' obedience is the foundation for the salvation of humanity, setting a precedent for all believers to follow.

Obedience in the Early Church

The early church continued to emphasize the importance of obedience among believers. Acts 5:29 records Peter and the apostles' declaration, "We must obey God rather than men." This statement reflects the priority of divine authority over human authority, a principle that guided the early Christians in their mission and witness.

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of obedience in his epistles. In Romans 6:16 , he writes, "Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?" Here, Paul contrasts obedience to sin with obedience to righteousness, urging believers to choose the latter as a path to holiness.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling the saints to live obedient lives. Through the Spirit's guidance and empowerment, believers are equipped to discern and follow God's will. In Ezekiel 36:27 , God promises, "And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This prophetic promise finds fulfillment in the New Testament, where the indwelling Spirit aids believers in their journey of obedience.

Obedience as a Mark of True Discipleship

Obedience is a distinguishing mark of true discipleship. Jesus emphasizes this in John 14:15 , saying, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Love for Christ is intrinsically linked to obedience, demonstrating a genuine relationship with Him. The Apostle John reiterates this connection in 1 John 5:3 : "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

In summary, the character of obedience is integral to the identity of the saints. It reflects a heart aligned with God's will, a life modeled after Christ, and a commitment to living out the principles of the faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 16:19
For your obedience is come abroad to all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise to that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Nave's Topical Index

Forms Versus Character
... be glowing with angel-forms and pictured saints, but it ... wheel of life, to build up
character, to make ... sublimities and noblenesses of an obedient and submissive ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/forms versus character.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... right to cultivate the communion of saints after a ... cross, or some other object of
an emblematical character. ... not to be less respectful and obedient when those ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... THEIR SPURIOUSNESS PROVED, AND THEIR TRUE CHARACTER EXPLAINED ... short, let all the
gestures of saints pass into ... would be thought to be in everything so obedient? ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Noah's Justice
... So these histories of the Old-Testament saints are, in ... earnest wish to be His faithful,
obedient servant, and ... not growing out of their own character, but given ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon x noahs justice.htm

God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... mighty the untamed sea, with the rebellious character of his ... to the Lord, nor will
he be obedient to the ... divide, as God would divide them,"saints and sinners ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/gods barriers against mans sin.htm

Mother's Love
... humility, the graciousness and gracefulness of her own character. ... would ever care
to pray to Saints, or to ... tenderness to the earnest, the humble, the obedient. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon viii mothers love.htm

Christianity a Light.
... In speaking of saints in 1:Cor.12:27 the apostle says, "Now ye are the body of Christ
and members in particular." He was the ... Character Of Christians. ... Obedient. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

A Tribute from Enemies
... depend upon it, they were more saintly saints just because ... our actual circumstances,
reach the ideal of Christian character?'. ... Lastly, note obedient disobedience ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

The Wedding Garment
... reject the white linen which is the righteousness of saints. ... All the essentials of
the Christian character may be ... If he will not be obedient to Christ's holy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

On the Perfection of Patience.
... of men are found among the ranks of the saints. ... all of whom were clearly of such
a character and so ... any entreaties on the part of their obedient and submissive ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvi on the perfection.htm

What is virtue ethics? | GotQuestions.org

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

Is God perfect? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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