Bible Question:
There are multiple passages that tell both women and men how to dress, how to act, who they should love, and that women can’t be preachers. This really upsets me. Why does it matter how you dress? Why does it matter if you act feminine or masculine? Why are homosexual relationships forbidden? Many Christians are divorced and they don’t ever talk about that. It is just as bad as homosexuality according to the Bible because they are different forms of sexual immorality. I just don’t get it and it annoys me.
Bible Answer:
A question many Christians ask at some point in their life is, “Why should a Christian obey the commands in the Bible?” The answer is found in the Bible and how you respond to the answer reveals what your relationship with God is like. First we will examine a few of Christ’s statements and then statements in the epistle of 1 John.
The most significant reason for a Christian to obey the commands found in the Bible is because that is Jesus’ desire. He tells us that if we love Him we will obey Him.
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15 (NASB)
Jesus says if we love Him we will do what He asks. Then nine verses later Jesus repeats the principle but says it negatively.
He who does not love Me does not keep My words . . . John 14:24 (NASB)
Those two statements from Christ clearly teach us that if a person does not want to obey what He says then that person does not love Christ. If some person does not want to obey Christ then they are really in trouble. Notice the message of 1 Corinthians 16:22,
If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. 1 Corinthians 16:22 (NASB)
The scary word is “accursed.” The Greek word has the meaning of “being cursed.” That is, someone who does not love Jesus Christ will not want to obey Him and they are also cursed.
The epistle of 1 John was written so that a person can determine if they are a Christian.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (NASB)
In 1 John we are given a series of standards that a person can evaluate himself or herself against in order to determine if they are a Christian. Here is the first standard.
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:3 (NASB)
The phrase “come to know Him” refers to someone who is a Christian. Therefore, God is telling us that someone can know that they are a Christian if they are keeping His commandments.
Another standard is given in the next two verses,
The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him . . . 1 John 2:4-5 (NASB)
Notice that verse 4 says that the person who says, “I am a Christian” but does not obey Christ is a liar. That is, they are not Christians. In fact, Romans 8:12-14 teaches us that a Christian is one who is increasingly not sinning and obeying God.
We are also told in this verse that someone who is obeying God’s commands loves Him and is a Christian. 1 John 2:6 gives us the principle that any Christian should want to obey God.
. . . the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:6 (NASB)
Conclusion:
Love for Christ is a sign that a person is a Christian and the proof that a person loves Christ is that they will want to obey Him. Do you love Jesus Christ? Are you a Christian? If so, then you will want to obey Him. A Christian is a person who will want to obey Christ. That is why a Christian obey the commands in the Bible.
Suggested Links:
Marks of a ChristianAre You A Christian? — Looking For Evidence
Self Inventory Test – Determine if you a Christian