Let us settle something gently; and then shake the table a little.
Faith is how you enter the Christian life.
Obedience is how you remain effective in it.
The Bible is clear:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith…” — Ephesians 2:8
But the same Bible also insists:
“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46
In other words, faith introduces you to Jesus, but obedience proves you actually listen to Him.
Faith is the wedding. Obedience is the marriage.
Anybody can shout “I do” on the altar.
It’s what you do after the choir and officiating ministers have gone home that shows if the marriage is real.
Many believers are spiritually married but practically single.
Ring on the finger, but no loyalty in the heart.
Jesus said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
He did not say: “If you love Me, post My picture, quote My verses, and argue online in My name.”
Faith opens the door. Obedience keeps you in the house.
The Israelites believed God enough to leave Egypt.
But disobedience kept them wandering for 40 years in a journey that should have taken weeks (Numbers 14).
Same faith.
Different obedience.
Different outcome.
Faith got them out of bondage.
Obedience would have gotten them into promise.
Faith says “Jesus is Savior.”
Obedience says “Jesus is Lord.” And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
A Savior you don’t obey is just a religious concept.
James didn’t mince words:
“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:17
Dead faith still believes.
Dead faith still sings.
Dead faith still attends church.
But it produces nothing God can use.
Grace is not a license; it is empowerment.
Grace does not mean “do anything you like.”
Grace means “you now have the power to do what God likes.”
Paul anticipated our excuses and cancelled them in advance:
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” — Romans 6:1–2
Grace trains us to say no to ungodliness, not to negotiate with it (Titus 2:11–12).
A gentle but needed warning
Many people want faith that saves but reject obedience that sanctifies.
They want heaven in the future but no discipline in the present.
But Christianity is not just about believing the truth.
It is about living the truth.
Jesus said:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who DOES the will of My Father.” — Matthew 7:21
Final thought:
Faith is the key.
Obedience is the steering wheel.
A car with a key but no steering will still crash.
So yes; believe fiercely.
But also obey consistently.
Because faith may make you a Christian…
but obedience is what keeps Christ formed in you.
shalom!
#pstnath
Jesus is Lord
