The Truth On Belief And Obedience
The truth on belief and obedience is very important for all of us to correctly understand and is the topic of our Bible study today. Why are so many seek to disconnect belief from obedience? On Bible the apostle James said: “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:20). Then, using the example of Abraham offering up his son Isaac, he says: “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? (James 2:22). The book of Hebrews also makes an airtight case that belief is connected to obedience and how we respond to various trials. Where faith is lacking, obedience is also lacking–and the results are disastrous! As always, we will let the Bible interpret itself and ask the Holy Spirit of Yahweh for help and guidance in teaching you this sacred message. May the readers of this holy words have the eyes to see and the ears to hear for this true and faithful words of the heavenly Kingdom.
The Bible is adamant that belief and obedience are both necessary, and in fact are two sides of the same coin. Yes, true belief in Almighty Yahweh and of His Begotten Son Yahshua the Messiah manifests itself in obedience. The apostle Paul makes a powerful statement on this subject in his letter to the Hebrews. Paul describes unbelief as that coming from an evil heart. He said: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living Elohim” (Hebrews 3:12). He then explains that we are to, “exhort one another daily, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Yes, sin is deceitful! Remember that when we believe something, we do so because faith says it is true; and we have faith because we believe something to be true. Hebrews 11 is known as the “faith chapter” because it records example after example of men and women on Bible who exercised faith in the face of trials and stress. Indeed, it reminds us of Noah, of Abraham and Sarah, of Moses and of Rahab–all of whom overcame personal trials because their faith was rooted in the belief that Elohim would bring to pass what He promised. As it says of Sarah, “she judged Him (Elohim) faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). And we are told of Moses, that “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27).
Furthermore, not everyone is spared in this life, and this can pose so much challenges to our believing faith. “Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented–of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:36-38). These men and women of Bible stared fear in the face and stood firm! Is it any wonder that faith is very essential? The Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him (Yahweh), for he who comes to Elohim must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Yes, the correct response to Elohim the Father offering up Messiah as a sacrifice on our behalf is to believe in Yahshua of Nazareth as the genuine Savior! But what does that belief entail? Do we want to be like the demons who believe but are lost through disobedience? Notice what the apostle James said: “You believe that there is one Elohim. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! (James 2:19). Do we have the faith to move mountains? (Matthew 17:20). Such faith is remarkable, but moving a mere mountain is nothing compared to the real reward of active believing faith–eternal life in the coming Kingdom of Elohim, as a member of the Family of Yahweh. Let us all strive to deepen our faith, and act on our belief and obey!
In closing, how often must we choose between obeying Elohim or trusting in ourselves and the sight of our eyes? (2 Corinthians 5:7). When Elohim tells us, to “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” do we immediately obey Him, or do we rationalize around His command? Do we pull back for fear of losing a job, of offending family and friends? Or, do we believe Elohim and trust, in faith, that whatever He tells us to do will work out best in the end? Do we really believe Yahshua’s words, “But if you want to enter into life, keep the Commandments” (Matthew 19:17). And do we believe Him when He said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (love to a lesser degree) his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26)? Belief must be followed by obedience! There is no shortcut and there is no way around this! Yahshua the Messiah tells us: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34). Yes, those who do not believe and follow the Ten Commandments are slaves of sin! Do not be deceived by those telling you the Ten Commandments are done away with and that they no longer apply today! The Ten Commandments are eternal and universal, meaning they’ll always apply to everybody and for all generations forever! Yes, knowing the truth on belief and obedience is heavenly as it’s priceless. You’ll do well as a true Christian to know the truth about the Spiritual Law of Elohim in heaven in connection with grace and faith by reading this. Now we hope that this message of love will open our readers’ hearts and minds to the truth. Love and peace to all the brethren. We pray all these to Yahweh through Yahshua our Savior, Master and King, Amen. Halleluyah, Shalom!
