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OBEDIENCE

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 18, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 29.

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OBEDIENCE.

IT is obedience which God demands of His children. Men usually regard worship as the form, the ceremony, of singing, reading, praying, and listening to sermons. But all these are nothing unless followed by obedience. It matters not the formal words of adoration or worship; it matters not the emotion aroused; all are worthless and mere form, without obedience.
The truest definition of worship is given in Christ's answer to Satan. Satan said, "All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me." He was not particular about the spirit; he wanted the form. Jesus replied, "It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." There is no acceptable worship apart from true service.
Again, Jesus said: "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 7:21. And He continues to tell us that men in their deception may claim to cast out devils, and do miracles in Christ's name, but they will hear from the Master, "I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." Doing God's will is set opposite the working of iniquity. Iniquity is lawlessness, breaking of law. Doing God's will is obeying His law. Christ said: "I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:8. "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15. "Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:14. "He [Christ] became the Author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him." Be not deceived. Obedience is the only test of loyalty.