Obedience to what commands? Do not try to make God a liar by omission and then claim you do not blaspheme.
Galatians 6:2 (New International Version)
2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Now, that’s Paul, calling for works to fulfill the law of Christ. Jesus called for baptism and thus closes the Book of Matthew.
Jesus goes on to demand that we model him:
Matthew 22:35-40 (21st Century King James Version)
35Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him and saying,
36”Master, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37Jesus said unto him, “`Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.’
38This is the first and great commandment.
39And the second is like unto it: `Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’
40On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
But wait, this is an old law: Leviticus 19:18
Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So we can see there is a law, it is fulfilled (or summarized) through actions (works). If a law exists, or better, if a law of God exists it must be followed or we break the law and sin.
So we have a law and its existence implies that it must and can be followed. If we break it we sin. Ah, but now we have the Atonement and can get back on track.
Now, neither Paul, Peter or Jesus deny faith, yet they call for works. Faith and works are necessary.
Food for thought.
It just gets better and better...
I am avoiding the NUMBER today!