Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about obedience to truth?
The Bible emphasizes that knowing the truth requires obedience; mere knowledge without action is unprofitable (John 13:17).
It is crucial to understand that theoretical knowledge, while it may be extensive, is devoid of true spiritual value if not acted upon. James 4:17 states that knowing the good one ought to do and failing to do it is sin, indicating the seriousness of neglecting the call to obey divine truths. Therefore, knowledge in the Christian life is not an end in itself; it must result in transformation and a life that bears fruit in obedience to God's commandments.
How do we know that true faith leads to good works?
True faith naturally produces good works as a demonstration of obedience to God's commands (James 2:17).
Additionally, historic Reformed thought affirms that while good works do not contribute to one’s salvation, they are the fruit of a true and living faith. The Spirit of God works within believers, compelling them toward acts of love and service, thus validating their faith. This interplay of faith and works is integral to understanding sanctification in the believer's life, where one grows in grace and is increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.
Why is knowledge without obedience harmful?
Knowledge without obedience is harmful as it leads to spiritual pride and deeper judgment (Matthew 7:21-23).
Moreover, the author reflects on the peril of having 'the clearest light' during one's earthly life but facing the 'greatest darkness' in eternal judgment. Such individuals may present an impressive facade of faith through knowledge yet live contradictorily, thus endangering their souls. Thus, true knowledge of God should lead to a transformed heart and a life characterized by obedience, as the Bible calls for believers to not only be hearers of the word but doers as well (James 1:22). The absence of such obedience reveals the potential hollowness of one’s claimed faith.
"If you know these things—you are blessed if you do them." - John 13:17
To obey the truth, and not to know it—is impossible.
To know the truth, and not obey it—is unprofitable.
For, "Not everyone who says unto me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven—but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." Saving knowledge is not as the light of the moon—to sleep by; but as the light of the sun—to work by. It is not a loiterer in the market-place—but a laborer in the vineyard.
A man may be a great scholar—and yet be a great sinner. Judas the traitor—was Judas the preacher! The snake which has a pearl in its head—has poison in its body! The tree of knowledge has often been planted, and flourished—where the tree of life never grew! All abilities and gifts—without grace and holiness—are but like Uriah's letters, which were the death warrants of those who carried them!
Mere head knowledge will be as unhelpful to the soul, in the judgment day—as a painted fire is unhelpful to the frozen body, in a cold day. Theoretical knowledge may make the head giddy—but it will never make the heart holy. How many professors are there, who have light enough to know what should be done—but have not love enough to do what they know! Give me the Christian who perfectly sees the way he should go—and readily goes the way he sees!
That is barren ground—which brings forth no fruit. "To him who knows to do good, and does it not—to him it is sin." The sins of ignorance are most numerous—but the sins of knowledge are most dangerous! That sinner's darkness will be the greatest in hell—whose light was the clearest on earth!
There are many who set a crown of glory upon the head of Christ by a good profession, and yet put a crown of thorns upon his head by an evil conversation. By the words of our mouth—we may affect to adore religion; but it is by the works of our lives—that we adorn religion.
As trees without fruits are unprofitable—so knowledge without good works is abominable! Leah and Rachel are fit emblems of knowledge and obedience. Knowledge, like Rachel—is beautiful. But obedience, like Leah—is fruitful.
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!