© 24 Colin Melbourne
We show what we believe by what we do
Q: I’m curious, what’s your opinion of the tension between obedience and faith, because I notice you say that we only really believe as far as we obey, which sounds like legalism?
A: Thank you for the point you raise, which gives me opportunity to clarify.
My opinion is the same as Father’s written word and Spirit.
The Obedience that Saves Sinners
Obedience is essential when your aim is to please The LORD of Glory, as the Prophet Samuel, by the Holy Ghost, reminded King Saul, 1 Sam. 15:22 KJV;
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
And under our far better covenant (Heb. 8:6 KJV), the first essential act of obedience is to Repent of Unbelief in the LORD Jesus Christ.
Why?
Because that is the only obedience that saves a sinner from condemnation to eternal Hell.
Unbelief in The LORD Jesus Christ is the Greatest Sin of All, because every other sin stems from that root cause. Jn. 3:14-18 KJV;
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
After sinners become believers in The LORD, they always, and without exception, begin to obey His written words. 1 Jn. 2:3-6 KJV;
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Always Voluntary
It’s immediate, but not automatic: We have constant lifelong choice, and we grow in wisdom by choosing obedience and life.
There’s only “tension between obedience and faith” when the saint sins: Obedience instills faith, and faith walks in obedience: They grow in perfect harmony.
That’s why I say you only believe as far as you obey.
You can tell a person’s faith, and know their heart, by what they say and do from their heart.
Subsequent obedience by the new believer adds nothing to their salvation: How can it? Salvation is God’s work, not ours, but obeying builds tremendous; faith, love, boldness, courage and godly character to our witness of Christ’s resurrection. And evangelism is the only reason saints remain on Earth.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Jn. 6:28-29 KJV
The Letter Killeth
However, like you, I’m aware of the need to avoid legalism, and bondage to the letter, that sometimes arises even in Spirit-filled assemblies. (See Galatians Ch. 5 and 2 Cor. 3:6 KJV)
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
For example, a noted evangelist, with a miracle-working ministry, recently called his fellowship to attend additional Friday prayer meetings, and challenged that if they didn’t turn up, it was because they were not serious about following Christ.
Fortunately, his Spirit-filled members respectfully chided him for his legalism by boycotting the meeting, and he quickly repented and apologized.
Leaders don’t have to press believers to meet and pray; when the Holy Ghost is in charge of meetings, saints flock to them of their own volition. That’s how underground fellowships flourish in China.
Salaried Pastors and Part-time Apostles
Incidentally, nowhere in the New Testament will you find a local fellowship led by a solitary pastor, and certainly not a salaried solo leader. That’s a recipe for pride, corruption, and error.
The Apostle Paul laboured stitching tents to supply funds for his co-workers throughout his ministry: Not the other way around.
I wonder if that would suit your fellowship today, or is the pastor too busy “counselling” half-baked believers to earn a living?
God Rebukes Legalism
Obedience to God’s written word and Spirit must arise from the believer’s own heart-faith, or it is mere legalism, which Father detests. Gal. 5:1-12 KJV;
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
The Galatian believers wanted to crawl back under the Mosaic law to appease Messianic Judaizers, but the divine rebuke also applies to word and letter legalizers under our Covenant of Grace.
We choose to obey the word because we really believe what God says, not for effect, appearance, or to gain brownie-points and rewards with man and God.
Our salvation is entirely by God’s Grace and power, from first to last. Halleluia!
New and Improved Salvation?
Salvation includes Everything Christ died to Provide; Redemption, Mercy, Peace, Love, eternal Life, healing, deliverance, provision, wisdom etc. It is finished, certain, and complete.
Salvation Cannot be Improved
Our obedience to Christ adds nothing to our salvation, if it did salvation would not be by grace, nor would it be a gift, it’d be wages due for services rendered. Eph. 2:8-9 KJV;
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Every genuine believer knows this gospel fact of Life in their heart, it was put there by the Holy Ghost the instant we Repented of Unbelief and Received Christ as LORD.
If you’ve forgotten it, simply get back where you belong.
Are You Ready? © Chick Publications Used by permission
Because Jesus is LORD, we know everything is under His control no matter how fraught our present situation.
We could be caught up in the air any day now, because the Rapture of Believers is imminent.
But when I hear that Trumpet blast and Father’s Angel call, “Col, come up ‘ere!” It will not be because of my obedience and labour of love. The LORD knows how far short of the Heavenly Standard I’ve fallen in my walk, just as He knows all about your failings too.
We’ll be raptured because of The Faith and Perfect Obedience of The LORD Jesus Christ in whom we’re trusting alway.
Trust in my obedience?
No chance, it falls far short of what’s required: Divine Perfection.
The Carpenter from Nazareth did enough for me and you: In Him I trust.
My obedience thrills Father God, He delights to see my efforts to walk with Christ, just as an earthly mother is tickled when her toddler waddles into the kitchen to “help mummy wash dishes”.
Wedgwood Florentine dinner set. Image courtesy Potteries Auctions
Does Mum trust “Lucy” with her most precious porcelain (ie. Salvation), not on your life!
She hands her a plastic dish, and enjoys watching her sponge it clean.
Then gives her daughter a big hug and thank you kiss.
The only reward we want from Father, isn’t it?
© 24 Colin Melbourne
You may also wish to read;
Why Catholics Are Not Christian
If Vaccinated: You’ve Been Had
Pathology Report of mRNA Injection Deaths
Why Big Pharma and Gene Therapy Are Evil
