If God truly loves me, then do I still have to obey?

Written by Bill Bryant.

Most people are familiar with John 3:16 -- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son..." One of the most comforting Bible truths is the depth of the Creator's love for all of us. Without that love all of us would have no reason to hope for any kind of existence beyond the grave. Understanding that love will produce a love for God in return for as the apostle John wrote, "We love him, because he first loved us" (I John 4:19). But the Bible also teaches the necessity of our obedience to God. Naturally the verses that stress man's obedience aren't nearly as popular as the Bible verses on God's love, but, nevertheless, they are still in the Bible.

A problem occasionally develops when people begin to think that God's love for man is so great that He will do anything to save a soul. Will He? Matthew 19 records the account of the conversation between Jesus and a rich young ruler. This young man would have been considered a great prospect by everyone. He had influence, money, and power. He even asked the right question, "...Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

After a few exchanges, Jesus then commands the young ruler to give up that which Jesus knew stood in the way of true discipleship. He told him to sell what he had, give the money to the poor, and then follow Him. Jesus knew the stronghold that this man's love of riches had on his heart, but Jesus would tolerate no rivals. Even though Jesus truly loved him (Mark 10:21), Jesus let him walk away because this man was not willing to obey Jesus. This man would not receive eternal life unless he obeyed.

The moral of the story is this. Jesus loved this man, as He does all of us, but He allowed this man to walk away because he refused to obey. The capacity of God's love for us is beyond complete understanding. Why the Creator of this world would waste a moment's notice with such a sinful creation still amazes most of us, but He still wants us to be His children. The offer is available to all of us. Each must decide on his own to accept His gracious offer. But our obedience is required to access that offer. God truly loves us, but that love does not override the necessity of our obedience.

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