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My friends, life is short, yet we have time to prepare for eternity. This involves studying the Bible and learning the truth. The truth regarding what to do to be saved is so simple one needs help to miss it. Sadly, there are many false teachers out there. They are teaching lies and are deceiving many (Matt. 24:11; 1 John 4:1). And, yes, someone did make the above comment.
Obedience to God is a fundamental Bible teaching. In the King James Version, the word "obey" is found 69 times, "obeyed" 41 times and "obedience" is found 12 times. Have you been listening to what God has said about obedience, or have you been listening to men? Let us take a look at few Bible passages that teach on the importance of obedience:
The Hebrew writer, speaking of Jesus, said, "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Heb. 5:9). There is no promise here, or anywhere else, to those who DO NOT obey God.
"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Pet. 4:17). This passage sets forth the idea that things will not "end" well for those who do not obey the gospel.
When Jesus returns from heaven, He will come with "mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord." (2 Thess. 1:7-9). This passage gives the answer to the question posed in the above passage. Again, we see the importance of obedience.
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Rom. 6:16-18). People are either going to obey God or Satan. One will result in death, while the other will result in righteousness. This passage is evidently referring back to verse 3, 4 of the same chapter where Paul speaks concerning the exact point when one begins the new life. Is this not what your preacher has been saying? If not, what are you going to do about it? If he preaches "faith only," he is teaching opposite of what the Bible teaches on obedience.
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil" (Rom. 2:6). In this passage Paul contrasts those who "do not obey the truth" with those who "seek for glory and honour and immortality" through their "deeds."
"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him" (Acts 5:32). Does it not seem strange to you when people who claim to have received the Holy Spirit assert that obedience to God is not required?
"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him" (Deut. 13:4). This was written to God's people of the Old Testament. From the beginning is seems clear that God has required obedience.
"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way..." (Deut. 11:26-28). While this is Old Testament teaching, it remains true that obedience will result in blessing, while refusing to obey will result in a curse.
If your preacher avoids passages like these, or discounts them and changes the subject when they are brought up, then should this not cause you to consider the possibility that God does indeed require and want obedience?
Suggested reading for further study:
"The Bible Tells us How to Be Saved"
http://www.totalhealth.bz/how-to-be-saved.htm
"The Faith that Saves"
http://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-faith-that-saves.htm
"Is Salvation by Faith or by Grace? Is Obedience Involved?"
http://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-salvation.htm
"Ask Your Preacher"
http://www.totalhealth.bz/preacher.htm
"Baptism Saves, but not Water"
http://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-baptism-saves.htm
Debate on Eternal Security - Obedience is discussed
http://www.totalhealth.bz/EternalSecurity.pdf
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