THE LAW OF FAITH

"Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law" (Romans 3:21-28, NASB)."

Devotion 7 of 30

TRUE OBEDIENCE

The primary obedience we yield to God is that of believing Him. In the Divine economy, nothing really counts until we believe God, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" (HEB 11:6). The person coming to God, whether initially or as a one of His children, "MUST believe that He is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Wherever unbelief dominates, true obedience is not possible. Unbelief pervades everything the unbeliever does. As it is written, "to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled" (Tit 1:15).

On one occasion, our Lord was asked by a seeking multitude, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered them forthrightly and concisely. "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:28-29). If the primary sin is unbelief (John 16:9), then it should be clear that the primary obedience is believing. The Holy Spirit moved John to write these poignant words. "And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment" (1 John 3:23).

True obedience comes from faith. "Through Him and for His name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to THE OBEDIENCE THAT COMES FROM FAITH " (Rom 1:5, NIV). When Noah built an ark "to the saving of his house," he did so "by faith" (Heb 11:7). When Abraham was called out of his homeland and from his kindred to an unidentified place, "by faith" he "obeyed, and he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8). When his faith was tested by God commanding him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering in the land of Moriah, his faith compelled him to set out to do precisely that (Heb 11:17; Gen 22:1-12).

True obedience is the offspring of faith! Without exception, when men do not obey God, it is because they do not believe Him. Disobedience is always the evidence of unbelief, or the lack of faith. Conversely, obedience from the heart is always the evidence of faith, which sanctifies the obedience like the altar sanctified the gift place upon it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, without shame I confess my desire to be strong in faith, thereby giving glory to You. In Jesus' name, grant the fulfillment of this desire.

-- Tomorrow: THE CENTRALITY OF FAITH --