Topical Encyclopedia The concept of decision-making in the context of keeping the commandments of God is a central theme throughout the Bible. It reflects the human responsibility to choose obedience to God's laws as an expression of faith and devotion. This entry explores various biblical instances and teachings that highlight the importance of decision-making in adhering to God's commandments.Old Testament Examples 1. Adam and Eve: The first decision regarding God's commandment is seen in the Garden of Eden. God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Their decision to disobey led to the fall of humanity, illustrating the consequences of choosing against God's commandments. 2. Moses and the Israelites: Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, frequently called the people to decide to follow God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 , Moses presents a choice: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him." 3. Joshua: Joshua, Moses' successor, also emphasized the importance of decision-making in serving God. In Joshua 24:15 , he challenges the Israelites: "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." New Testament Teachings 1. Jesus Christ: Jesus emphasized the necessity of decision-making in keeping God's commandments. In John 14:15 , He states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This underscores the connection between love for Christ and the decision to obey His teachings. 2. The Rich Young Ruler: In Matthew 19:16-22 , the rich young ruler approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, and when the young man asks which ones, Jesus lists several. The young man's decision not to follow Jesus' further instruction to sell his possessions and give to the poor highlights the challenge of fully committing to God's commandments. 3. The Apostles: The early church, led by the apostles, continued to teach the importance of decision-making in obedience to God. In Acts 5:29 , Peter and the other apostles declare, "We must obey God rather than men," illustrating their decision to prioritize God's commandments over human authority. Theological Implications The decision to keep God's commandments is not merely a matter of external compliance but is deeply rooted in the heart and will of the believer. It involves a conscious choice to align one's life with God's will, as revealed in Scripture. This decision is often portrayed as a daily commitment, requiring continual reliance on God's grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Practical Application Believers are called to make decisions that reflect their commitment to God's commandments in every aspect of life. This includes moral and ethical choices, relationships, and personal conduct. The decision to obey God is both an individual and communal responsibility, as the body of Christ seeks to live out the commandments in unity and love. In summary, decision-making in keeping the commandments of God is a vital aspect of the biblical narrative, calling believers to a life of obedience, faith, and devotion. The examples and teachings throughout Scripture serve as a guide for making choices that honor God and reflect His character. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 10:29They joined to their brothers, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library John iv. 13, 14 The Canon from Semler to the Present Time, with Reflections on Its ... Translated from Latin of Rufinus. Augustin's Part in the Controversy. Formula Concordi??. Exposition of the Moral Law. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... The Pilgrim's Progress Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... Resources What is decisional regeneration / decision theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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