Understanding the Role of Obedience in God's Plan
The Biblical Foundation of Obedience
Obedience to God is a central theme in the Bible, emphasized throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The concept is rooted in the understanding that obedience is a demonstration of faith and love for God. In Deuteronomy, obedience is linked to wisdom and intelligence, with the keeping of God's commandments being the essence of wisdom [6]. The biblical narrative underscores that without faith, obedience is impossible, as stated in Hebrews 11:6 [1].
Obedience in Relation to God's Plan
The biblical understanding of obedience is closely tied to God's sovereignty and providence. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, God's providence extends to all things, including the natural world, the brute creation, and the affairs of men, governing all events by means of second causes [2]. This comprehensive governance implies that obedience is not merely a human decision but is also part of God's sovereign plan. The decrees of God, as described in Easton's Bible Dictionary, are eternal, unchangeable, and sovereign, comprehending all things that ever were or will be [4].
The Nature of Obedience
Obedience is characterized by submission to God's will and law. In the New Testament, obedience is exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled all righteousness and was an example of obedience to God's will [1, 3]. Believers are called to follow Christ's example, obeying God's commandments and living a life of righteousness. The apostle Paul emphasizes that obedience to the gospel is a hallmark of faith, received through the obedience of faith among all nations [1].
Obedience and Faith
The relationship between obedience and faith is integral. Obedience is seen as a manifestation of faith; without obedience, faith is considered dead. The Protestant academic interpretation of 1 John 2:3 highlights that obedience is a clear indication of knowing Christ and belonging to him [5]. Conversely, disobedience indicates a lack of true faith.
Tradition and Interpretation
Different Christian traditions interpret the role of obedience in God's plan with varying emphases. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry's commentary on Habakkuk, emphasizes the importance of attentive waiting on God and obedience to His word [7]. The Presbyterian tradition, as seen in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Ecclesiastes, underscores the unchangeableness of God's purposes and the importance of reverence towards God in one's actions [8].
Conclusion
The role of obedience in God's plan is multifaceted, rooted in biblical teachings and developed through various Christian traditions. Obedience is not merely a human response to divine command but is deeply intertwined with the understanding of God's sovereignty, providence, and the nature of faith. As such, it remains a central aspect of Christian doctrine and practice, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects faith in and love for God.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Obedience to God — Commanded -- De 13:4. Without faith, is impossible -- Heb 11:6. Includes Obeying his voice. -- Ex 19:5; Jer 7:23. Obeying his law. -- De 11:27; Isa 42:24. Obeying Christ. -- Ex 23:21; 2Co 10:5. Obeying the gospel. -- Ro 1:5; 6:17; 10:16,17. Keeping his commandments. -- Ec 12:13. Submission to higher powers. -- Ro 13:1. Better than sacrifice -- 1Sa 15:22. Justification obtained by that of Christ -- Ro 5:19. Christ, an example of -- Mt 3:15; Joh 15:20; Php 2:5-8; Heb 5:8. Angles engaged in -- Ps 103:20. A characteristic of saints -- 1Pe 1:14. Saints ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Providence — Literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God's preserving and governing all things by means of second causes (Ps. 18:35; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). God's providence extends to the natural world (Ps. 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the brute creation (Ps. 104:21-29; Matt. 6:26; 10:29), and the affairs of men (1 Chr. 16:31; Ps. 47:7; Prov. 21:1; Job 12:23; Dan. 2:21; 4:25), and of individuals (1 Sam. 2:6; Ps. 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15). It extends also to the free actions of men (Ex. 12:36; 1 Sam. 24:9-15; Ps. 33:14, 15; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Righteousness — Is obedience to God's law -- De 6:25; Ro 10:5; Lu 1:6; Ps 1:2. God loves -- Ps 11:7. God looks for -- Isa 5:7. Christ Is the Son of. -- Mal 4:2. Loves. -- Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9. Was girt with. -- Isa 11:5. Put on, as breast-plate. -- Isa 59:17. Was sustained by. -- Isa 59:16. Preached. -- Ps 40:9. Fulfilled all. -- Mt 3:15. Is made to his people. -- 1Co 1:30. Is the end of the law for. -- Ro 10:4. Has brought in everlasting. -- Da 9:24. Shall judge with. -- Ps 72:2; Isa 11:4; Ac 17:31; Re 19:11. Shall reign in. -- Ps 45:6; Isa 32:1; Heb 1:8. Shall execute.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Decrees of God — "The decrees of God are his eternal, unchangeable, holy, wise, and sovereign purpose, comprehending at once all things that ever were or will be in their causes, conditions, successions, and relations, and determining their certain futurition. The several contents of this one eternal purpose are, because of the limitation of our faculties, necessarily conceived of by us in partial aspects, and in logical relations, and are therefore styled Decrees." The decree being the act of an infinite, absolute, eternal, unchangeable, and sovereign Person, compre”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 2:3: 2:3-6 Obedience is one clear indication that we know Christ and belong to him. If we do not obey Christ, it is obvious that we do not belong to him or love him. • As we obey Christ and his commandments, our love for God and our knowledge of him will grow toward completeness and maturity. We will live . . . as Jesus did, in union with God and showing love for others.”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 4:6: 4:6 Obey . . . wisdom and intelligence: Wisdom is linked to obedience—obeying the Lord is the essence of wisdom (see 10:12-13; Prov 1:7; 9:10; 15:33). If God’s people were wise and prudent enough to keep the Lord’s perfect covenant, all the world would marvel.”
- Habakkuk (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Habakkuk 2:1: Here, I. The prophet humbly gives his attendance upon God (Hab 2:1): "I will stand upon my watch, as a sentinel on the walls of a besieged city, or on the borders of an invaded country, that is very solicitous to gain intelligence. I will look up, will look round, will look within, and watch to see what he will say unto me, will listen attentively to the words of his mouth and carefully observe the steps of his providence, that I may not lose the least hint of instruction or direction. I will watch to see what he will say in me" (so it may be read), "what the Spi”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 3:14: (Sa1 3:12; Sa2 23:5; Psa 89:34; Mat 24:35; Jam 1:17). for ever--as opposed to man's perishing labors (Ecc 2:15-18). any thing taken from it--opposed to man's "crooked and wanting" works (Ecc 1:15; Ecc 7:13). The event of man's labors depends wholly on God's immutable purpose. Man's part, therefore, is to do and enjoy every earthly thing in its proper season (Ecc 3:12-13), not setting aside God's order, but observing deep reverence towards God; for the mysteriousness and unchangeableness of God's purposes are designed to lead "man to fear befo”