In his letter to the Romans, Paul twice uses the phrase “obedience of faith.” In 1:5 he states Jesus Christ gave grace and apostleship in order to bring the nations to this obedience of faith. In 16:26 it is the revelation of the mystery of Jesus Christ which is now known through the preaching of the gospel, and also through the scriptures of the prophets as they are now understood in the light of Christ, that is leading the nations to this obedience of faith.
The fact that Paul speaks of an “obedience of faith” contrasts with any idea of obedience as mere compliance. Dutiful action which conforms to and aligns with instruction or command, can occur out of fear, compulsion, a desire to please, to be rewarded, or obligation, but that would not be the obedience of faith. While it would be obedience in a literal sense, it would simply be a form of outward conformity that does not arise from trust.
Paul’s desire is for an obedience which is given willingly, lovingly, and joyfully. He states boldly that the only thing that matters is “faith expressing itself in love” (Galatians 5:6), and so when he talks about obedience he imagines a love-expression of faith.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15
Jesus’ own wish is that his followers respond out of love. We will receive little benefit for ourselves if we obey from something other than faith expressing itself in love. We will not be acting like Jesus if we compel obedience from others on any other basis.
Jesus called people to this “obedience of faith” when he said “follow me”. The obedience of Christian faith is not to a set of rules, to the letter which kills, but according to the Spirit who gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6). Such obedience is a way of living which imitates the Lord as empowered and taught by his Spirit.
You are to Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
Not only are Jesus’ desires not fulfilled by grudging compliance, fear-driven adherence, or legalistically minded duty, imitation only flourishes from hearts that hunger and thirst for righteousness. To follow Jesus unwillingly would not be to follow him at all, for he went to the cross of his own accord and not because he was compelled (John 10:18). How else could we bear the cross like him except by an obedience/imitation which we choose freely out of love?
The language of imitation is the language of obedience, not to a list of rules, but as shaped according to a manner of life in faith and love. To obey Christ is to imitate him. Obedience within the community of believers is likewise not a matter of commands issued, edicts given, and instructions mandated, but rather a wholistic life of faith modeled so that in all things we are imitating Christ.
Admittedly, obedience can sound like such a legalistic term precisely because it is employed extensively by those who seem to know only how to live according to the letter and not the Spirit. However, we ought not to let the definition be improperly made to be legalistic. When separated from faith, hope, and love, demanded with the constant “or else” of subtle or explicit censure or punishment, our walk ceases to be the “obedience of faith” and becomes the “obedience of fear”. Such submission is unknown and undesired by either Jesus or his apostles.
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