What if someone said to you, “We must obey the gospel”?

Likely, it would strike you as a bit strange. The juxtaposition of obedience and the gospel seems odd. It smells strongly of legalism. And it reminds us of what we absolutely do not believe; namely, that we are saved by our obedience rather than by faith in our Lord’s perfect obedience.

But, what if the person who made such a statement about obedience and the gospel was an Apostle?

Two times in his inspired New Testament letters, Paul does just this very thing!

Romans 10:15-16

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

And then the Apostle Peter makes this same connection:

1 Peter 4:17

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

What are we to make of such statements? Do we need to adjust our view of salvation? Have we misunderstood the Bible and its message of redemption?

Well, this is where Romans 12:1 helps us enormously with these questions! It is here, in such simple words, that the relationship between the gospel and our obedience is made clear.

Paul tells us that there is, indeed, a vital link between our life of obedience and our reception of God’s mercy in Christ. But the order in which they function is critical. The “ mercies” of God come first. Then, the presentation of our “ bodies” to Him and our life of obedience!

This coming Lord’s Day, we will look very carefully at this connection. And we will discover that the more-than-abundant “ mercies” that we have in our Savior provide all the incentive that we need for a life of obedience to Him!