One of the biggest pitfalls of obedience living is self judgment and self condemnation.
While the article does not directly address salvation, it does properly refer to loss of relationship as the consequence of disobedience. Unfortunately, people generally have a hard time separating the two. The thinking and presumption in most minds is that if we lack relationship, we must also lack salvation.
It is true that we cannot grow closer to God if we are living in sin... if we continue to disobey... and if we continue to reject God’s discipline, consequences are sure to follow... up to and including physical death. But DO NOT let the enemy convince you that you do not belong to God if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, simply because we continue to sin.
Does a child ever fear abandonment or disowning as consequence for disobedience? Should they?
Will a good parent ever consider abandonment or disowning their children for bad behavior?
The goal of perfection is unattainable... and if pursued can only lead to discouragement and self condemnation.
Who is obedient? Who is worthy? who is really righteous of their own accord?
Many things stated in the article are true.
However, I think it falls short of defining what “relationship” means, and the difference between our love for God, and His Love for us.
Before we can grow our relationship with Christ, we must have one with Him.... and we cannot attain that through our actions or obedience. Once we DO have that relationship with Christ, it is imperative that we understand how unbreakable it truly is so that we will be encouraged to strive for a CLOSER walk with Him through our obedience.
Good post.
Thanks.