Many Christians believe that because the Bible says we are saved by faith and not by works, obedience and good works are not required for salvation. They are convinced that these only determine our rewards in heaven, not our salvation. But that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that true believers obey God, and that those who are disobedient will not be saved. Obedience is a requirement for salvation, not an optional extra.

Greek vocabulary

New Testament verses

Here is what the New Testament says about obedience and disobedience.

We must obey Christ, not only believe in Him.

[John 3:36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey (G544) the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

[Acts 5:32] We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey (G3980) him.

[Hebrews 5:9] Being made perfect, Christ became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey (G5219) him.

We must obey the truth, not only believe it.

[Romans 2:6-8] God will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey (G544) the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

[Galatians 5:7] You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying (G3982) the truth?

[1 Peter 1:22] Having purified your souls by your obedience (G5218) to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

We must obey the gospel, not only believe it.

[Romans 10:16] But they have not all obeyed (G5219) the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”

[2 Thessalonians 1:7-8] The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey (G5219) the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

[1 Peter 4:17] 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 (G544) the gospel of God?

We must be obedient to the faith.

[Acts 6:7] The word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient (G5219) to the faith.

[Romans 1:5] Through Jesus we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience (G5218) of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.

[Romans 16:26] … according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience (G5218) of faith.

Faith means obedience. Disobedience means unbelief.

[John 3:36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey (G544) the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

[Hebrews 3:18-19] And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient (G544)? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

[Hebrews 11:8] By faith Abraham obeyed (G5219) when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.

True Christians are no longer disobedient.

[Romans 6:16-18] Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient (G5218) slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience (G5218), which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient (G5219) from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

[Romans 11:30-31] Just as you were at one time disobedient (G544) to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience (G543), so they too have now been disobedient (G544) in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.

[Ephesians 2:1-2] You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience (G543).

[Philippians 2:12] As you have always obeyed (G5219), so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

[Titus 1:16] They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient (G545), unfit for any good work.

[Titus 3:3] We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient (G545), led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

God is displeased with those who are disobedient.

[Romans 2:8] For those who are self-seeking and do not obey (G544) the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

[Ephesians 5:5-6] Everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (G543).

[Hebrews 4:5-11] And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience (G543), again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” … Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience (G543).

Here are a few more verses about obedience.

[Acts 5:29] Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey (G3980) God rather than men.”

[2 Corinthians 2:9] For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient (G5255) in everything.

[Philippians 2:8] Being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient (G5255) to the point of death, even death on a cross.

[Titus 3:1] Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient (G3980), to be ready for every good work…

[1 Peter 1:14-16] As obedient (G5218) children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Conclusions

The Bible is clear that God wants us to obey Him from the heart and out of love. He expects us to sanctify ourselves, walking circumspectly and climbing steps of holiness, being serious about our walk with Him. Faith and obedience are strongly interrelated. True faith obeys, and disobedience means unbelief.

Contrary to what wolves in sheep’s clothing teach, obedience is not optional. True sheep obey their shepherd. Goats don’t.