Introduction

Communion with God is a profound and intimate relationship that believers are invited to experience. This communion is not merely a privilege but is often depicted in Scripture as a promise to those who walk in obedience to God's commands. The Bible consistently emphasizes that obedience is a key condition for enjoying a close relationship with the Creator.

Biblical Foundation

1. Old Testament Promises

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the concept of communion with God being linked to obedience. In the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, obedience was a central theme. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , it is written: "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 of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God."

The promise of blessings, which includes God's presence and favor, is contingent upon obedience. This principle is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, where the Israelites' faithfulness to God's laws determined their experience of His presence.

2. New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the promise of communion with God through obedience is further developed. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, underscores the importance of obedience as a pathway to a deeper relationship with God. In John 14:23 , Jesus states, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."

Here, Jesus links love and obedience, promising that those who obey His teachings will experience the indwelling presence of both the Father and the Son. This promise of divine communion is a profound assurance for believers who commit to living according to Christ's commands.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in facilitating communion with God for the obedient. In Acts 5:32 , it is declared, "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." The Holy Spirit is given to believers as a guide, comforter, and enabler of obedience, thus fostering a deeper communion with God.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is both a promise and a means by which believers can maintain a close relationship with God, as the Spirit empowers them to live in accordance with His will.

Practical Implications

1. Living in Obedience

For believers seeking communion with God, living in obedience to His Word is essential. This involves a commitment to understanding and applying biblical teachings in daily life. Obedience is not merely about following rules but is an expression of love and devotion to God.

2. Experiencing God's Presence

As believers walk in obedience, they can expect to experience God's presence in tangible ways. This may manifest as a sense of peace, guidance, and assurance of His love. The promise of communion with God is a source of strength and encouragement for those who faithfully follow His commands.

3. Community and Accountability

Engaging with a community of believers can support individuals in their journey of obedience. Fellowship with other Christians provides accountability, encouragement, and shared wisdom, all of which are vital for maintaining a vibrant relationship with God.

Conclusion

The promise of communion with God is a profound assurance for those who choose to walk in obedience. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers are invited to experience the fullness of God's presence as they commit to living according to His will.John 14:23
Jesus answered and said to him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our stayed with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The victory of the King
... heart.' So deep and rapt was the communion, that, for ... the angels of God' whom He
has promised 'meet' us. ... goodness and the exclusive worship and service of God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the victory of the king.htm

I Look Upon all the Four Gospels as Thoroughly Genuine...
... is not a confessional, simply, but the hour of holy communion and high and ... which
are to be secured by prayer: the matchless good promised in God's Word to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter x i look upon.htm

On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... be sealed or testified, both the communion of believers ... godliness, and in expectation
of the blessings promised. ... consummated through a union with God in Christ ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... and is answered by the many-voiced shout of too swiftly promised obedience. ... The one
symbolised entire consecration; the other, communion with God on the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... An individual might ask God for some temporal blessing and because God has promised
to supply "all our ... There is a longing for a deep communion with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

Attendance on Holy Communion.
... way does He offer Himself to them in Holy Communion? ... off every thing which may offend
God; we confess ... and practices short of religious, what promised prize can ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xi attendance on holy.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... word of all His good promise, which He promised by the ... Communion with God explains
much which is else inexplicable. ... the way by which the Lord our God hath led ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

The Spirit of Supplication
... He was promised as a "Spirit of grace and supplication," the grace for ... and cast upon
Christ and His blood, and your communion with God is immediately ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter x the spirit of.htm

How Sin came In
... Sin broke familiar communion with God, turned Him into a 'fear and a ... 'Known unto
God are all his works from the beginning,' and the Christ was promised ere the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/how sin came in.htm

The Temptation
... Absorbed in communion with God, He was lifted above human ... He failed just upon the
borders of the Promised Land. ... with Satan those who are loyal to God will see ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 12 the temptation.htm

How often should the Lord's Supper / Communion be observed? | GotQuestions.org

Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.org

Is intinction the correct way to do communion? | GotQuestions.org

Communion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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