A Faith that Obeys

by Pastor Chad

If your faith doesn’t manifest itself in an obedient life, then you do not have a biblical faith. Such a claim may shock you–maybe even offend you–but it is true. For too long we in the evangelical world have watered down the call of Christ to simply a magical incantation: simply walk an aisle and say a prayer, then you are saved. Such a false description of biblical salvation has damned thousands of souls–if not more. Where is such a picture given in Scripture? Look as hard as you might, you will not find it. The instrumental means for salvation given to us in Scripture is always repent and believe in the gospel. We have become so obsessed with numbers and church growth that we have diluted the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. When any means is justified to “grow a church”, Scripture, doctrine, and the true call of Christ just get in the way. Cheap grace has perverted the evangelical ranks for long enough. 

In Hebrews 11, the preacher specifically highlights the faith of Abraham. His faith was a faith that demonstrated itself in obedience. “By faith,” the author of Hebrews writes, “Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (v. 8). Abraham was chosen by God to bring about the redemption of mankind. In Genesis 12, he was commanded by God to go to the land of Canaan. As you may recall, God promised Abraham, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (v. 2). 

Abraham could have said: “That’s great, Lord! Thank you! I’ll just wait right here until you do just that.” But the trust Abraham placed in God was displayed through the obedience he demonstrated. Thus, we read that Abraham “went out” even though he did not know where he was going. The faith discussed within Scripture–the faith exemplified throughout the Old and New Testaments–is always expressed through obedience. A true faith is a faith that obeys.

This does not mean that we are saved by works. As I have stated many times, this merely describes what biblical faith truly is. We are saved by faith and faith alone, but a saving faith is a faith that always submits to the will of God. Nor am I claiming that biblical faith leads to perfection. Just look at Abraham, his faith led to obedience, but he certainly was not a perfect man. Biblical faith produces in the adherent a longing to know and follow God. Such a desire spiritually compels the follower to assent to the will of God. That’s the faith we see in Hebrews 11. That’s the faith we see in Scripture. That’s the faith that saves.