Obedience

Definition and Meaning

Obedience means following God's will and word. The Hebrew word shama in the Old Testament means both "to hear" and "to obey." The Greek word hypakoē in the New Testament likewise derives from an expression meaning "to hear under." Obedience as Scripture describes it therefore includes both hearing the word and doing what it says. The New Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong) uses the term for "submission" (bokjong) alongside the term for "obedience" (sunjong). This article treats obedience as a general term of the Christian life. It is distinct from "active obedience," the doctrinal term for the significance of Christ's obedience in salvation.

Biblical and Historical Background

In the Old Testament, 1 Samuel 15:22 declares, "to obey is better than sacrifice." When Abraham was called, he went out "not knowing whither he went," and this act is often cited as an example of faith and obedience (Hebrews 11:8).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as one who "became obedient unto death" (Philippians 2:8). Hebrews states that he "learned... obedience by the things which he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). Paul described his mission as bringing about "obedience to the faith among all nations," binding faith and obedience together (Romans 1:5). The apostles' words before the council, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), are cited to show that obedience to human authority has limits.

Since the Reformation, Protestants have generally held that a person is justified by faith, and they understand obedience not as a condition of salvation but as the fruit of salvation in those who have been saved. The emphasis, however, differs among traditions.

• The Reformed tradition, including Presbyterians, describes obedience as a grateful response to grace and as the fruit of sanctification (the process of growing in holiness).
• The Wesleyan tradition, including Methodists and Holiness churches, emphasizes obedience in connection with the active pursuit of a holy life, that is, holiness.
• Baptists often describe believer's baptism as the first step of obedience to the Lord.

Practice in the Korean Church

In the Korean church, obedience is a word frequently used in sermons, hymns, and prayers. "A life of obedience to the Word" is presented as a goal of faith, and passages in Deuteronomy on obedience and blessing are often cited. When such preaching treats obedience as a condition for obtaining material blessing, it is sometimes criticized as prosperity theology.

Obedience is also invoked in relation to church leaders, with Hebrews 13:17, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves," cited as its basis. In Presbyterian and other churches, the vows taken at an ordination service often include a pledge to submit to the church's government and discipline. Some regard this as a virtue that serves the order of the community. Others, both within and outside the church, have criticized a culture that demands unconditional obedience to pastors as a source of authoritarianism and church conflict.