Obedience to God's Word

“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3).

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven after His resurrection, He gave the following Great Commission to His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). Notice that a true disciple was to observe, or obey, all of Christ’s commands.

The apostle John understood well the Lord’s instruction. He knew that obedience to the commands of God produces assurance—the confidence of knowing for sure “that we have come to know Him” (1 John 2:3). The Greek word for “keep” in that verse refers to watchful, careful, thoughtful obedience. It is not an obedience that is only the result of external pressure; it is the eager obedience of one who “keeps” the divine commandments as if they were something precious to guard. Such obedience is motivated by love, as John indicates in verse 5: “Whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.” That’s supported by the word translated “commandments,” which refers specifically to the precepts of Christ rather than laws in general. Legal obedience demands perfection or penalty, while 1 John 2:3 is a call to gracious obedience because of the penalty Christ has already paid.

However, those who claim to know God and yet despise His commandments John calls liars: “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (v. 4). “They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed” (Titus 1:16).

How can you determine if you are a true Christian? Not by sentiment, but by obedience. If you desire to obey God out of gratitude for all Christ has done for you, and if you see that desire producing an overall pattern of obedience, you have passed an important test indicating the presence of saving faith.

If you have found your obedience is predicated more on the act of obedience than on gratitude for God, confess that now and seek to change your attitude.

“How can you determine if you are a true Christian? Not by sentiment, but by obedience. If you desire to obey God out of gratitude for all Christ has done for you, and if you see that desire producing an overall pattern of obedience, you have passed an important test indicating the presence of saving faith.”

Like so many before me, when I first became a Christian, I thought I was going to turn into some perfect human being who loved God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I was on my way to living a perfect life where everything I touched, said, heard and saw, and every thought and emotion were going to be perfectly holy.

I know: “Ha, ha.” (But you probably did it, too!)

I loved Him so very much, but during the years the love has been examined (by me) several times and I see how very short I fall of perfect love for Him. Kind of embarrassing to admit, but I’ve asked Him to help me love Him correctly and more. And, you know what? He’s answered my prayer and keeps on answering!

What a gracious Lord and God we love and serve! And I thank and praise Him because I am in Him, and so being, I am made perfect in Christ Jesus. Bless His Holy name.

May God bless you.

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