Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine that saints obey from the heart is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing the transformation that occurs within believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation leads to genuine obedience that stems not from mere obligation or fear, but from a heartfelt desire to follow God's commandments.Biblical Foundation The concept of heartfelt obedience is rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, God expresses His desire for His people to obey Him from the heart. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the command is given: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This command underscores the importance of a heart fully devoted to God, which naturally leads to obedience. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul elaborates on this theme. In Romans 6:17, he writes, "But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed." Here, Paul acknowledges the transformation that occurs when believers embrace the gospel, leading to obedience that is sincere and heartfelt. Transformation Through the Holy Spirit The transformation that enables saints to obey from the heart is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 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 is fulfilled in the New Covenant, where the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to live in accordance with God's will. The Apostle Paul further explains this transformation in Philippians 2:13, stating, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This verse highlights the divine initiative in the believer's life, where God not only provides the desire to obey but also the ability to carry out His commands. The Role of Love in Obedience Love is a central motivator for obedience from the heart. Jesus Himself links love and obedience in John 14:15, saying, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This statement indicates that true love for Christ naturally results in a desire to obey His teachings. 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." Obedience as a Mark of True Discipleship Heartfelt obedience is a distinguishing mark of true discipleship. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus warns, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven." This warning emphasizes that mere verbal profession is insufficient; genuine discipleship is evidenced by obedience that flows from a transformed heart. The Joy of Obedience Obedience from the heart is not burdensome but is accompanied by joy and fulfillment. Psalm 40:8 captures this sentiment: "I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart." The psalmist expresses the joy that comes from aligning one's heart with God's will, a joy that is accessible to all believers who walk in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit. In summary, the doctrine that saints obey from the heart is a profound truth that underscores the transformative power of the gospel. It highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will, motivated by love and resulting in joy. This heartfelt obedience is a defining characteristic of true discipleship and a testament to the work of God in the believer's life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Gospel Cordial The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin Evidences of Regeneration. Inward Witness to the Truth of the Gospel. Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ... Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ... The Fight for the Gospel; Or, Moravians and Rationalists, 1775 ... The Broad Wall The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law. Resources What is conditional security? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Christian doctrine so divisive? | GotQuestions.org What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Doctrines: General Scriptures Concerning Doctrines: Guidelines Set Forth from the Leaders in Jerusalem False Doctrines: Curse on Those Who Teach False Doctrines: Destructive to Faith False Doctrines: Hateful to God False Doctrines: Punishment on Those Who Teach False Doctrines: should be Avoided by all Men False Doctrines: should be Avoided by Ministers False Doctrines: should be Avoided by Saints False Doctrines: Teachers of Attract Many False Doctrines: Teachers of Bring Reproach on Religion False Doctrines: Teachers of Deceive Many False Doctrines: Teachers of not to be Countenanced False Doctrines: Teachers of Pervert the Gospel of Christ False Doctrines: Teachers of Shall Abound in the Latter Days False Doctrines: Teachers of Shall be Exposed False Doctrines: Teachers of should be Avoided False Doctrines: Teachers of Speak Perverse Things False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Corrupt and Reprobate False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Covetous False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Cruel False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Deceitful False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Proud and Ignorant False Doctrines: Teachers of, are Described as Ungodly False Doctrines: The Wicked Given up to Believe False Doctrines: The Wicked Love False Doctrines: Try, by Scripture False Doctrines: Unprofitable and Vain The Doctrines of the Gospel are from God The Doctrines of the Gospel are Godly The Doctrines of the Gospel are Taught by Scripture The Doctrines of the Gospel: A Faithful Walk Adorns The Doctrines of the Gospel: Bring No Reproach On The Doctrines of the Gospel: Immorality Condemned By The Doctrines of the Gospel: Lead to Fellowship With the Father and With the Son The Doctrines of the Gospel: Lead to Holiness The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Attend To The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should be Nourished up In The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Continue In The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Hold Steadfastly The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Hold, in Sincerity The Doctrines of the Gospel: Ministers should Speak Things Which Become The Doctrines of the Gospel: Not Endured by the Wicked The Doctrines of the Gospel: Saints Abide In The Doctrines of the Gospel: Saints Obey, from the Heart The Doctrines of the Gospel: The Obedience of Saints Leads to Surer Knowledge of The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Doting About Questions The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Ignorant The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Not to be Received The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: Proud The Doctrines of the Gospel: Those Who Oppose Are: To be Avoided Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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