Obedience of the Faithn
(Romans 1:5)
“Isn’t it true that if I believe in Jesus, I’m already saved? I think putting too much emphasis on obedience sounds a bit legalistic. Sure, living an obedient life would be nice, but obedience isn’t really connected to salvation, right? I’m satisfied just knowing that I’m saved. I don’t want to live my faith life feeling the burden of having to do more.”
Conversion and Vocation
Many believers think this way. However, what God has given us through the gospel is not merely the grace of redemption. The gospel brings us two provisions: conversion and vocation. Conversion always comes with vocation. We have been rescued from sin, now belonging to Jesus, and have become new creations by receiving His life. God has called each of us and sent us to do His work. God never saves anyone without giving them a vocation.Obedience of Faith
Having received both conversion and vocation through the gospel, what we must have is a faith that obeys. The Book of Romans begins with “for obedience to the faith,” and in the original text, ends with “to lead to obedience to the faith.” Obedience is the natural result that must follow those who are saved. Those who claim to believe in Jesus but reject obedience have never truly been redeemed. Salvation is not faith plus obedience; rather, faith without obedience is not faith at all. The faith that obeys is the faith that saved.Entrusted Authority
Some may say, “I only obey the Lord. Don’t tell me to obey the shepherd.” But this is a contradiction in itself. The Lord said, “Teach them to observe all things I have commanded you,” and “Feed My sheep,” and the Holy Spirit has made overseers to shepherd the flock. You say you are guided by the Lord, yet you ignore the order of the church and reject the guidance of the overseer? Such a person simply follows their own thoughts and feelings. If the gospel we have received is truly complete, let us prove it through the obedience of faith.
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
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