By Recently, we have seen this spiritual truth illustrated in both Testaments:
In the holy, sovereign eyes of Jehovah God, to “BELIEVE” = to “OBEY.”
We will now look at a final example further demonstrating this truth, found in Hebrews 3.
In Heb. 3:7ff, the inspired writer is recounting some OT history—particularly how Jehovah had said He was “provoked” by Israel’s rebellious ways, and declared that they would not be allowed to enter “[His] rest” (i.e., the Promised Land).
Regarding that historical account, the writer (incidentally) builds an extremely significant case:
“For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And
with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the
wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were
DISOBEDIENT? So we see that they were unable to enter because of UNBELIEF.
…those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of
DISOBEDIENCE…” (Heb. 3:17-19; 4:6).
…God has said that the thing which determines whether or not a person “believes” in Him is whether or not that person obeys His word. Will you believe Him?
Thus, here again we see yet another illustration of the very same spiritual truth we have seen before:
1. Israel could not enter because they “were DISOBEDIENT” (HEB. 3:18).
2. Israel could not enter “because of UNBELIEF” (HEB. 3:19).
3. Israel could not enter “because of DISOBEDIENCE” (HEB. 4:6).
4. Thus—just as in the case of Moses (cf. Num. 20:10-12)—as far as GOD is concerned, “UNBELIEF” and “DISOBEDIENCE” are exactly the SAME THING.
5. And thus, “BELIEF” (“faith”) and “OBEDIENCE” are exactly the SAME THING.
Friend, it is not my job to try and convince you of what I believe. My responsibility before Jehovah God is to tell you what God has said. And God has said what He has said, no matter what you or I believe. In this case, God has said that the thing which determines whether or not a person “believes” in Him is whether or not that person obeys His word. Will you believe Him?
Questions? seth@hwycoc.com.
