idence that baptism is a step that is necessary to salvation, see our article on the purpose and importance of baptism.
V. Obedience and Receiving Eternal Life At The Judgment
Anyone who is concerned about Bible teaching will be very concerned about the Judgment day and eternal life. Yet, note the connection between these and obedience.
A. We Will Be Judged on the Basis of Our Deeds, Works, and Obedience.
Romans 2:6-10 - God renders to each man according to his works (v6). Those who continue patiently in doing good will receive eternal life (v7). Those who do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness andwork evil, will receive tribulation and anguish, etc. (vv 8,9). But glory and honor await all who work good (v10). The things we do determine our eternal reward.
2 Corinthians 5:10 - Before the judgment-seat of Christ, "each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad." Does it make sense for men to teach that there is nothing to do to receive salvation, when the Bible says the things we do will be the very basis on which our eternal destiny is determined?
Revelation 20:12,13; 22:12 - Every man will be judged according to his works.
Challenge: Can you think of any passage that discusses the judgment and says that we will be judged on the basis of our faith or love, or that says we will give an account for these? For every one you find (if any) there will be 2 or 3 others that say it will be on the basis of works, deeds, actions, or things done.
Why is this? It is not because faith and love do not matter, but because "works" include faith and love, and because "obedience" is the test and the measure of our faith and love [John 14:15; Jas. 2:18].
[Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 17:30f; John 5:28f; 1 Pet. 4:17f; Matt. 16:27; 24:46-51; Jas. 2:12; Matt. 25:21ff; 1 Pet. 1:17; Rev. 2:23,26; 3:15].
B. Eternal Life Is for Those Who Obey God.
John 5:28,29 - All people are raised to life or condemnation depending on whether they did good or did evil.
1 John 2:17 - "He that does the will of God abides forever."
2 Thessalonians 1:8,9 - Those who obey not the gospel will receive vengeance in flaming fire. They are punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.
Romans 2:7 - Eternal life is for those who are patient in doing good.
So, our eternal destiny depends on whether or not we obey God's instructions. We must love and believe, we must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, but all these things require obedience; they do not exclude it.
[Luke 10:25,28,37; John 6:27; Rom. 8:12f; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Gal. 6:8-10; Matt. 12:50; Jas. 4:17 with Rom. 6:23; Gal. 5:19-21; John 12:50; 2 Pet. 1:10f; Heb. 10:36; Eph. 2:2; 5:6; Col. 3:6; 2 Cor. 10:5f; Heb. 2:2ff; Phil. 2:12f; Rev. 14:13].
Conclusion
Consider the consequences if a person believes the denominational doctrine that obedience is not necessary to salvation:
* Since accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior requires a commitment to obey him, it follows that such a person has not truly accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
* Since loving God requires and includes obeying Him, it follows that such a person does not truly love God.
* Since saving faith requires and includes obeying Him, it follows that such a person does not have a saving faith.
* Since repentance, confession, and baptism require obeying Him, it follows that such a person has not truly repented. Furthermore, he has not been properly baptized, since true baptism requires the person to believe that the purpose of baptism is to receive forgiveness of sin.
* Since obedience is necessary for one to stand justified before the Lord in the Judgment Day, it follows that such a person is not ready to face God in judgment.
So, obedience is essential to salvation. We must be "doers of the word."
1 John 2:3-6 - To know Him and abide in Him, we must keep his commands, keep his word. If we are not doing so, but still claim to know Him, we are liars, and we don't abide in Him. [Note what happens to liars - Rev. 21:8; John 15:5,6.]
1 John 3:6-8,10 - If we want to be righteous, we must practice righteousness. If we practice sin, we are of the Devil. If we don't practice righteousness, we are not of God. [Cf. 3:24]
We have learned that the obedience that God requires includes love, faith, repentance, confession, baptism, and a faithful life (1 Cor. 15:58). Have you obeyed the Lord? Are you willing to do so?