I belong to a multicultural, non-denominational church for a very good reason. As a young believer I saw how denominational doctrine (human opinion) and racial tension segregates believers instead of uniting us. I do my best to avoid thinking (and writing) about church doctrine of any type. I prefer to stick directly to God’s word and His Spirit within me as my source of truth.
Lately I have heard about a movement where people are being taught by their church leaders that once they are saved through faith in Jesus Christ they are then set free from the law and can live their life without scriptural limitations or God’s continual guidance. They sincerely believe they can live in sin without consequences. I feel strongly prompted by the Holy Spirit to respond to that teaching.
It is both true and scriptural that it is by faith that we are saved from sin. Romans 10:10 is only one of a multitude of verses that make that perfectly clear, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Eternal life is a gift of God’s mercy and grace that we accept by faith in Jesus Christ. Faith, however, does not travel alone. It is also true and scriptural that our faith leads us to love and obey God. In John 3:35-36 we read, “The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” Some people would love to leave out that last sentence but when we put our faith in Jesus we will obey Him; faith and obedience are inseparable. Jesus also connects love with obedience, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15) It isn’t that hard to understand. If I believe with all my heart that God loved me so much that He sent His Son to die to cleanse me of my sins and give me eternal life (John 3:16), my gratitude compels me to love and obey Him.
Jesus said, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” In Luke 6:46-49 Jesus admonishes those who call Him Lord but refuse to obey Him; then he gives a perfect illustration of what faith and obedience look like. Thanks to Jesus, being obedient to God is no longer a matter of carefully prescribed rites or ceremonies. Jesus connects obedience directly to our thoughts and the desires of our heart. (Matthew 5:20-22) We don’t have to guess what God expects of us because He provides the Holy Spirit to show us what true obedience will look like in our personal life. Jesus did not pay the penalty for our sins so that we can be free to live however we want. As he told the adulterous woman he had just saved from being stoned to death, “Go and sin no more.”