Foundation of Christian Obedience
Obedience, in its true sense, is a response to authority. Therefore, for us believers it is important to understand, the authority we are to be obedient. Who is that authority, nature and origin of authority.
As a Christian am not under the authority of an abstract concept, neither am under authority of any human construct. I am under the supreme authority of the living God, the one Creator and sustainer of all things. In this post we will talk about the essential attributes of God that form the basis for His rightful claim to our obedience.
God’s Sovereignty & Obedience
Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. The opening verse of Genesis and the Bible is the foundational statement. It establishes God as the ultimate source of all existence.
Understanding God as the sovereign Creator of all, naturally leads us to the question of obedience. If God is the source and sustainer of everything, the One who brought us into being and sustains our very breath. Because God is self-existent (the uncreated Creator), He possesses ultimate authority. He is not subject to anything outside Himself, but rather is the source of all existence, power, and force.
Then our proper response is to acknowledge His rightful authority and live in alignment with His will.
God’s Holiness & Obedience
Isaiah 6:3 describes the seraphim proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” This iconic passage from Isaiah’s vision vividly portrays the seraphim in heaven endlessly proclaiming God’s holiness. The threefold repetition (holy, holy, holy) is a Hebrew way of emphasizing the ultimate degree of holiness – God is not just holy, but supremely holy.
Because He is perfectly holy, His commands are always good, just, and for our ultimate good. His holiness sets Him apart and establishes the moral imperative for obedience. In our obedience we recognize His perfect moral character.
God’s Covenant Relationship & Obedience
God’s establishment of covenants throughout the Bible isn’t just about setting rules; it’s a beautiful demonstration of His deep desire for an intimate and close relationship with humanity. These covenants, as exemplified by Exodus 19:5-6, promises blessings and a special place. These covenants are an invitation to a special relationship, a treasured belonging. It isn’t about God imposing arbitrary rules.
Obedience is then a reflection of a deep commitment to the covenant relationship with God. So, when we joyfully become a covenant partner, obedience is not just an external act of compliance; it springs from the heart, gratitude that a sovereign God wants to have an intimate relationship with me, because I belong to you, I want to live the way you’ve designed for me. It’s a privilege to express love, trust, and submission to Him.
Thus, God’s nature and sovereignty is the foundation of biblical obedience. Understanding God’s absolute authority is crucial.
· God is the Creator, the Owner, and the Holy One.
· God’s absolute authority inherently demands reverence.
· God’s supremely holy nature underpins our call to obedience.
· God’s covenant promises are essential to grasp the depth of our obedient response.
Our obedience is a heartfelt response to Him as our magnificent Creator, rightful Owner, and perfect Holy God. In this post we have briefly touched the foundation of our obedience. There are three important reasons, God’s Sovereignty, God’s Holiness and God’s Covenants with us that demands our obedience to God.
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