Obedience is a major theme in both the Old and New Testaments. Though it is rather self-defining, Thayer's Greek- English Lexicon gives this definition: "to hearken to a command, i.e. to obey; to be obedient unto and submit to." I would like to suggest some simple implications of being obedient to God.

A Standard To Follow: -- Obedience suggests that a proper standard must be determined and then we must submit to it. The error characteristic of modern religion exists because many either do not know their duty toward this end, or knowing it, they simply have no interest in investigating and recognizing what the true standard is. While many have traveled down the broad way of error, choosing the false standards of feelings, human traditions, the religious creeds of man, the majority view of the Old Testament, true obedience can come only when one accepts God's true standard for man today -- the New Testament.

    God's Word is truth (Jn. 17:17), and that truth sets man free from the bondage of sin (Jn. 8:32). God speaks to us in His Son, Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:2; Matt. 17:5), who by His death, nailed the Old Testament law to the cross, thus nullifying it (Col. 2:14,16,17; Rom. 8:2,3). He has all authority (Matt. 28:18), and, consequently, we are to do all things by His authority, or in His name (Col. 3:17). Therefore, any so-called religious standard that is of human origin is erroneous, making "void" the Word of God (Matt. 15:6-9). What standard will you accept?

A Need To Be Met: -- Man's greatest need is to be forgiven. No accountable person is exempt (Rom. 3:23). Sin separates man from God (Isa. 59:1,2), hence the need for repentance (Lk. 13:3). True repentance, however, occurs only when man seeks God's forgiveness on God's terms. When the Jews on Pentecost heard the gospel of Christ for the first time, many were convicted of their sins -- "pricked in their hearts" -- and inquired as to what they must do (Acts 2:37). This conviction of sin is essential; "godly sorrow" for sin is what works genuine repentance, a necessary element in true obedience to God. When instructed to obey, they repented of their sins and were baptized into Christ "for the remission of sins" (vs. 38). What is your attitude toward your sin?

A Heart To Surrender: -- Obedience to God begins in the heart. Paul rejoiced with thanksgiving because those in Rome had "obeyed from the heart that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered" (Rom. 6:17). In His beatitudes, Jesus identified citizens of His kingdom as they who are "poor in spirit" and "mourn" as a result of their sinfulness (Matt. 5:3,4). In Jesus' parable of the prodigal, He pinpointed the beginning of his restoration to his father as being when "he came to himself" (Lk. 15:17,18). From his acknowledgment of sin and remembrance of his father's love, came a humble heart. Humility is essential to genuine obedience, producing self-denial that leads to trust and reliance on God (Lk. 9:23; Gal. 2:20; 1 Pet. 5:5,6). Such allegiance will guard against misplaced loyalties tht would put worldly things as first priority (Lk. 9:57-62; Matt. 6:33). What kind of heart do you have?

A Test To Pass: -- As God tested Abraham to know of his genuine faith (Gen. 22:1,2), and Naaman to see if he was worthy to receive the blessing of God's cleansing power (2 Kgs. 5:10-14), so are we tested by our response to God in the varied circumstances of life that we might show the genuiness of our faith (1 Pet. 1:6,7; 4:12-16). Unfortunately, many fail the test, as did Pharaoh and King Saul (Ex. 5:1,2; 1 Sam. 15:22). Many today, when confronted by God's commands concerning salvation (Mk. 16:16), and faithfulness (1 Cor. 15:58), fail the test. Obedience to God is not determined by what is convenient, nor by our personal likes or dislikes. God teaches the way to heaven isn't easy -- it is the "strait (difficult) and narrow way" (Matt. 7:13,14). The "righteous are scarcely (with difficulty) saved" (1 Pet. 4:17). Will you pass the test?

    In the final judgment, those fit for heaven will not be so judged because they were merely sincere, religious and active. The criterion for God's approval will be true obedience -- "he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21-23). How will you measure up?