Under God’s Command

Somehow religious people seem to have forgotten the fundamental importance of obedience to the law of God. It seems to many that as long as they are sincere and serve God in their own way, then surely God will be pleased and their personal salvation will be assured. However, the Bible promises salvation only to those who are obedient. Jesus himself was obedient and we must be also. The Bible says of Jesus: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Hebrews 5:8-9)

The original Greek word translated “obey” in this passage is hupakuo. It is a compound word; the first part of it meaning “under” and the second part meaning “to hear.” Therefore, its literal meaning is “to hear under.” Or as we might say: To be under someone’s command. We certainly understand this usage in the military. It means to obey orders. And that is exactly what it means when the Bible speaks of obeying God. It means to follow orders.

In the famous Sermon on the Mount Jesus made it clear that just calling upon Him as Lord was not enough, rather we must go about doing God’s will. Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

What about your moral life? Are you conducting yourself according to God’s standards? What about your religious life? Are you worshiping as God directs? What did you do in order to be saved from your sins? Did you follow God’s plan or one of today’s popular fads? Are you living your life under God’s command?

Claude