Am I being obedient enough to Christ?

[dreadnought]

But what if were not following them all? What if we find all of the commandments of Christ to be overwhelming? I mean Jesus said the two greatest commandments hang all of the law and the prophets but he doesn't mention whether or not his commandments are covered by the two greatest or not.

The Lord gave us a few commandments to clarify the two great commandments. I’m not saying they are easy commandments to follow, but with some effort, I think we can conform:

You know the commandments: `Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' Luke 18:20 RSV

 

[Kaon]

I think I see what your saying. Like I said perfect obedience obviously isn't a requirement because while we are in the flesh we are not perfect. But the fact that there is obedience in my life is not only proof that I have the Holy Spirit (because if I didn't have the Holy Spirit I wouldn't have the desire to obey the word) but that I am saved and sealed.

Excellent.

I think you do understand, but this is an ongoing stumbling block one faces when going through sanctification: do I really have to follow the Word of God and His Laws?

When that question comes up, ask yourself, "what, then, separates me from the world, or demons." The demons believe and know God and the Christ; there needs to be more than knowing God. Accepting His sacrifice the major part of salvation (technically, the only part.) But, accepting the sacrifice means you need to show faith in action. That is another overlooked, but important part of maintaining that salvation.

You are right; when you are sealed you are sealed. But, the Book of Life is an ongoing work. Remember the parable of the sower, and when he sowed seed on rock.

I think I understand that none of us are good enough for Christ and that we've obtained Gods grace. But what I don't understand is just how much obedience is required for Jesus to say "well done".

Technically none, but it is truly the thought that counts. When a kid gives you a "ridiculous looking" macaroni picture of the family, do you see beyond the artistic shortcomings and look at the intent (i.e. the beautiful soul of the child that used all of the resources it could find/use to make the most beautiful gift it could think of - just because they were thinking of YOU)?

Now, what if Bob Ross gave you a macaroni picture of your family, sure it is a good thing because Bob Ross is a great artist. But, you know just by watching PBS that he can do more. So, although the gift wasn't required (it is a gift,) it is almost an afterthought considering what you know Ross can do.

The sacrifices of God are a contrite heart. That means the more you refine yourself under God, the more you want to refine your "wretched" self, and the more critical you are of self, and the world. (I said critical, not a judgmental.) That usually means a "low" spirit. This is where the conflict comes in: mixing the anxiety between the joyful want to follow the commandments of God, realizing you will never be perfect, and the further reconciliation of God's grace to give you the strength to continue in refinement/sanctification.

If you have to ask your "brothers and sisters" in Christ for advice, do it as you have. Some of us may even go to Our Father on your behalf, and (this time) He may listen to us. Even if He doesn't, continue to strive toward sanctification even if you are painfully aware of your shortcomings.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Excellent.

I think you do understand, but this is an ongoing stumbling block one faces when going through sanctification: do I really have to follow the Word of God and His Laws?

When that question comes up, ask yourself, "what, then, separates me from the world, or demons." The demons believe and know God and the Christ; there needs to be more than knowing God. Accepting His sacrifice the major part of salvation (technically, the only part.) But, accepting the sacrifice means you need to show faith in action. That is another overlooked, but important part of maintaining that salvation.

You are right; when you are sealed you are sealed. But, the Book of Life is an ongoing work. Remember the parable of the sower, and when he sowed seed on rock.




Technically none, but it is truly the thought that counts. When a kid gives you a "ridiculous looking" macaroni picture of the family, do you see beyond the artistic shortcomings and look at the intent (i.e. the beautiful soul of the child that used all of the resources it could find/use to make the most beautiful gift it could think of - just because they were thinking of YOU)?

Now, what if Bob Ross gave you a macaroni picture of your family, sure it is a good thing because Bob Ross is a great artist. But, you know just by watching PBS that he can do more. So, although the gift wasn't required (it is a gift,) it is almost an afterthought considering what you know Ross can do.

The sacrifices of God are a contrite heart. That means the more you refine yourself under God, the more you want to refine your "wretched" self, and the more critical you are of self, and the world. (I said critical, not a judgmental.) That usually means a "low" spirit. This is where the conflict comes in: mixing the anxiety between the joyful want to follow the commandments of God, realizing you will never be perfect, and the further reconciliation of God's grace to give you the strength to continue in refinement/sanctification.

If you have to ask your "brothers and sisters" in Christ for advice, do it as you have. Some of us may even go to Our Father on your behalf, and (this time) He may listen to us. Even if He doesn't, continue to strive toward sanctification even if you are painfully aware of your shortcomings.

So Jesus will say "well done" to every believer? Is that what you're saying by "technically none"?

 

[Kaon]

So Jesus will say "well done" to every believer? Is that what you're saying by "technically none"?

Belief, and the acknowledgement of

His Sacrifice for the remission of sins

His Oneness with the Most High God

His Perfection, and identity as a Son of Man who was resurrected by consequence of His Perfection as a Son of Man

That He is still Living, and is the One prophesied...
​

This is all the beginning of being a believer. Even the OT heroes and prophets hit all of those and they were as obedient as they could be. They still "went to sleep" when they died - and they knew they would only until the Christ fulfilled everything. So, while they knew they weren't ever going to be "good enough" to make it to Life on their own, they still believed in the the sacrifice of the Lamb to come, and that He would bring them to Life. Therefore, they delighted in the Law of God because 1) they knew it was what was best for them, 2) God saw their effort, and appropriately rewarded them as any Father would, and 3) they believed in the Word of God when He told us He would give us a Christ - first in Genesis 3:15.

So, getting a "well done" from Christ means using all of your effort to love God. Christ said loving God means doing as He did and following the commandments of God. David, Solomon, and many of the Heroes of the canon all came to realize the delight in His commandments. Our faith without works is dead, and Christ asked whether or not He would find faith. Find the delight in being obedient to your Father, and worry about loving Him as an obedient child, rather than trying to be perfect necessarily. This is just like a regular child-parent relationship: a parent would rather a somewhat problem child that is really trying and willing to work on it rather than someone who is perfect but doesn't actually love him/her.

Read Isaiah 1, and pay attention to Isaiah 1:18.

 

[Kaon]

So Jesus will say "well done" to every believer? Is that what you're saying by "technically none"?

Belief, and the acknowledgement of

His Sacrifice for the remission of sins

His Oneness with the Most High God

His Perfection, and identity as a Son of Man who was resurrected by consequence of His Perfection as a Son of Man

That He is still Living, and is the One prophesied...
​

This is all the beginning of being a believer. Even the OT heroes and prophets hit all of those and they were as obedient as they could be. They still "went to sleep" when they died - and they knew they would only until the Christ fulfilled everything. So, while they knew they weren't ever going to be "good enough" to make it to Life on their own, they still believed in the the sacrifice of the Lamb to come, and that He would bring them to Life. Therefore, they delighted in the Law of God because 1) they knew it was what was best for them, 2) God saw their effort, and appropriately rewarded them as any Father would, and 3) they believed in the Word of God when He told us He would give us a Christ - first in Genesis 3:15.

So, getting a "well done" from Christ means using all of your effort to love God. Christ said loving God means doing as He did and following the commandments of God. David, Solomon, and many of the Heroes of the canon all came to realize the delight in His commandments. Our faith without works is dead, and Christ asked whether or not He would find faith. Find the delight in being obedient to your Father, and worry about loving Him

 

[~Anastasia~]

But what if were not following them all? What if we find all of the commandments of Christ to be overwhelming? I mean Jesus said the two greatest commandments hang all of the law and the prophets but he doesn't mention whether or not his commandments are covered by the two greatest or not.

Christ's commandments are about the kind of person we are - the kind of heart we have.

If we practice loving others - which means doing whatever it is in our ability to do for their best good, or when we have a decision to make, we consider what is best for others who might be involved - we will develop that kind of heart.

If we have that kind of heart, we will naturally act in love.

It's a never-ending circle, ever becoming more and more like Christ, our actions changing our heart to be like Him, our heart directing our actions, which then further reinforces love in our hearts. We go round and round, and as long as we cooperate with God's grace, we get ever closer to being like Christ, who is at the center.

That kind of life will be "well done, good and faithful servant". That's the reason the two "love" commands sum everything else up.

It isn't a matter of "I painted 2 fences, I delivered 15 packages, I cleaned four houses, I cooked 30 meals - did I earn my week's pay?" It's not a checklist or punchcard. It's all about the heart. Do everything you can to be loving, and you will be fine.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Dupl

 

[Neostarwcc]

Christ's commandments are about the kind of person we are - the kind of heart we have.

If we practice loving others - which means doing whatever it is in our ability to do for their best good, or when we have a decision to make, we consider what is best for others who might be involved - we will develop that kind of heart.

If we have that kind of heart, we will naturally act in love.

It's a never-ending circle, ever becoming more and more like Christ, our actions changing our heart to be like Him, our heart directing our actions, which then further reinforces love in our hearts. We go round and round, and as long as we cooperate with God's grace, we get ever closer to being like Christ, who is at the center.

That kind of life will be "well done, good and faithful servant". That's the reason the two "love" commands sum everything else up.

It isn't a matter of "I painted 2 fences, I delivered 15 packages, I cleaned four houses, I cooked 30 meals - did I earn my week's pay?" It's not a checklist or punchcard. It's all about the heart. Do everything you can to be loving, and you will be fine.

I see. So we don't have too obey them all? Love fulfills Jesus's commands too? Or is obeying them all just something that comes with time?

 

[Mountainmanbob]

If born again, as we grow in Christ, we sin less but, our sin bothers us more.

Sanctification process.
It's one heck of a thing!

M-Bob

 

[~Anastasia~]

I see. So we don't have too obey them all? Love fulfills Jesus's commands too? Or is obeying them all just something that comes with time?

Again, it depends on what you're asking.

If you're saying "so if I act in love, it's ok if I keep and cherish this pet sin?" The answer is no. That isn't loving God or yourself, and depending on what the sin is, might be unloving to others.

But if you're asking what happens when we fall, even though we try? We repent, we get back up, we ask forgiveness, and we go forward with the intent to try not to sin again. But if we fall again, same thing. We just have to get back up one more time than we fall. (Meaning don't stay down wallowing in sin.) God is merciful, and is faithful to forgive us our sins if we confess.


I suspect your answer might lie in Bob's excellent response -

If born again, as we grow in Christ, we sin less but, our sin bothers us more.

Sanctification process.
It's one heck of a thing!

M-Bob

That one sums it up nicely.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

If born again, as we grow in Christ, we sin less but, our sin bothers us more.

Sanctification process.
It's one heck of a thing!

M-Bob

 

[joshua 1 9]

I honestly don't know what this fear is.

God does not give us a spirit of fear (power, love & sound mind) so you need to pray it through until God shows you what you need to know. We are to show fruit worthy of repentance: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self Control.

 

[joshua 1 9]

But what if were not following them all?

If we break the law we suffer the consequence, they are given for our benefit and well being. The word: MANY causes me to take notice. Paul does not say SOME among you, he says: MANY:
1cor11:30 "That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." If we want to be in good health, prosper and live a long life then we need to follow the commandments designed for that.

 

[Halbhh]

But what if were not following them all? What if we find all of the commandments of Christ to be overwhelming? I mean Jesus said the two greatest commandments hang all of the law and the prophets but he doesn't mention whether or not his commandments are covered by the two greatest or not.

All commandments he said further, such as forgiving and the golden rule, are particular details of doing the two. The how-to.

 

[Halbhh]

The Lord gave us a few commandments to clarify the two great commandments. I’m not saying they are easy commandments to follow, but with some effort, I think we can conform:

You know the commandments: `Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' Luke 18:20 RSV

With His help, it becomes possible to do the more He said. While most could love those who love them back easily enough, He said to love more than only these in Matthew chapter 5, and that's why we need what's in John ch 15 so essential, and the aid also from praying the Lord's prayer in my experience. That's the only way we are able to love even our enemies and the rest in Matthew 5.

 

[Oldmantook]

I'm afraid that I'm currently not being obedient enough to Christ. I don't obey everything that Jesus commanded in the gospels. I think that when I do my Good works that I do them for God and not to be seen by other men and that I "Let my light shine" like Christ says in Matthew 5:16. I believe that I am following Jesus and the things that he's been telling me to do. I try not to lust after women other than my wife. It's a hard commandment to keep because there are so many different ways one could be lusting. I've been loyal to my wife and have not divorced her or even thought of divorcing her. I love her so much. I generally, don't make oaths unless I'm going to keep them. I generally, love and pray for the people who come into my life. I generally, treat people the way that I would want to be treated in Kindness and in love. I believe I am entering heaven through the narrow gate as I interpret that verse to mean "Accept Christ and come to the Lord for salvation". I mean, I could list all of the ones that I obey and that I don't but it would be a really long post and you generally get the idea.

I mean, Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40 that all of the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. And I think that I've kept those. I am generally a kind and loving person and I do love God. When Jesus said all of the law did he mean his commandments too?

I mean, I know that salvation is not dependent on our obedience and I see the fruit of the spirit in my life. Since coming to Christ I have learned to love and forgive others, I have Joy in my life as I rejoice in being saved, I have good works in my life, and I am generally kind to others. I know I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me for more reasons than one. I know I am saved. When I was washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit I was sealed and Jesus said that he will lose none of those that come to him for salvation and do the will of the Father which, is to accept Christ and believe in him. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is what I've been doing obedient enough to Christ? And is being a Christian and obeying the commandments of Christ a lifelong process?

Am I doing God's will instead of Satan's will? Am I on the right path? I know that we don't need perfect obedience to be saved because, without the regenerated bodies that God has promised us, we aren't perfect. Not yet. But, obedience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. And, I'm afraid that I currently am not obeying God enough and that I am listening to the devil sometimes instead of God. After all Jesus says in Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" and James says in James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..."

After all, I (Like all Christians) want to be told "Well done good and faithful servant" instead of having Christ chastising me. Or being disappointed in me because I didn't obey all that the Holy Spirit told me to do. I guess I'm afraid of being Judged by Christ least in the kingdom of heaven. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven. I want every single reward and praise that God wants to give me. I want to learn to accept the rewards that I end up getting. I honestly don't know what this fear is.

Obedience is necessary for salvation as the scriptures teach both belief (Jn 3:16) and obedience (Heb 5:9). You ask how much obedience is necessary and how can one know whether one is obeying enough? You rightly state that perfect obedience is not possible since we all still sin. Given that what does obedience look like? The book of 1 John is helpful in this regard.
1 Jn 2:29 ...everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
1 Jn 2:5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in Him. By this we know we are in Him.
1 Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
1 Jn 3:21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.
We show our love for God by our obedience to him and how we treat one another. Our lifestyle exemplifies that overall, we practice righteousness and refrain from practicing unrighteousness/lawlessness.
1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Note that a condition is placed in this verse as indicated by the word "if." If a believer walks in the light, then Jesus' blood purifies from sin. Walking in the light signifies a lifestyle of righteousness and when one does sin on occasion, Jesus's blood cleanses when we repent. No assurance is given to a believer who chooses to walk in darkness. Based on your own self-description, you seem to be walking in the light at the present time. Keep up the good fight and finish the race set before you!

 

[discipler7]

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is what I've been doing obedient enough to Christ? And is being a Christian and obeying the commandments of Christ a lifelong process?

The Word of God at 1CORINTHIANS.3:1-3 states that most new Gentile Christians are born-again of the Spirit as spiritual babies who need to be fed spiritual milk, in order to gradually grow into spiritual adults who are able to feed on solid spiritual food = "eat My flesh and drink My blood". (JOHN.6:54, MATTHEW.26:26)
....... In comparison, most new Jewish Christians or Messianic Jews are born-again of the Spirit as spiritual adolescents. This is because most Jews keep Moses Law or God's Law, as many laws as possible, whereas most Gentiles are Law-less from childhood.

At ACTS.15:24-29, God requires new Gentile Christians to only keep non-burdensome laws of Moses, esp morality laws, eg the Ten Commandments(EXODUS.20), DEUT.18:9-14, LEV.18:22, etc. They are exempt from burdensome laws, eg circumcision, kosher foods, etc.

MATTHEW.5:27-30 says that if our eyes cause us to look at a (pretty) woman to lust for her in our hearts, we are already bound for hell when we die and we should pluck out our eyes in order to be saved from hell.(can't see = can't look and lust) This applied esp to the Pharisees, ie they needed to pluck out their eyes and chop off their limbs, in order to be saved from hell because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah/Christ.(MATTHEW.16:16, JOHN.4:25)
....... This is why we need the Lord Jesus Christ to save us from hell when we die.(ROMANS.5:12, LEV.17:11, HEB.9:22) Since we believe that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, we do not need to pluck out our eyes and chop off our limbs, in order to be saved from hell when we die.

Why did the Pharisees and Jews reject Jesus as their Messiah/Christ and cause Him to be crucified.?

 

[ToBeLoved]

If we break the law we suffer the consequence, they are given for our benefit and well being. The word: MANY causes me to take notice. Paul does not say SOME among you, he says: MANY:
1cor11:30 "That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." If we want to be in good health, prosper and live a long life then we need to follow the commandments designed for that.

I believe that 1 Corinthians 11:30 is about taking advantage of the Lord’s Supper.

 

[AlexDTX]

I'm afraid that I'm currently not being obedient enough to Christ.

Mat_11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat_11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

[JustRachel]

I'm not as wordy as most of the posters here. I can say that I also often beat myself over the head with the feeling that I'm not doing enough or that I'm not good enough. I have to remind myself that God loves me just as I am, buckle up my armor against spiritual attacks, and carry on.

 

[ToBeLoved]

I see. So we don't have too obey them all? Love fulfills Jesus's commands too? Or is obeying them all just something that comes with time?

Why don’t you read Jesus words that the two commands given by Christ fulfill all of the Law.

Right there in the Bible.

Does anyone have the verses for reference? I’m on mobile.