Years ago, I pastored a church that included a literature evangelist as a member. I remember accompanying him a couple of times, and during one of those times, we ended up in a large hot tub at the local YMCA. While we were soaking, another fellow joined us, and within minutes the literature evangelist started speaking to him. When the fellow discovered we were Seventh-day Adventists, he said that his Sunday pastor had been an SDA, like us—and as a matter of fact had attended the Seminary in Berrien Springs. That immediately intrigued me. There was a story I wanted to hear. 

That Sabbath the literature evangelist asked if I wanted to go to the fellow’s church the next morning? Of course!  So, dressed in our Sabbath best with Bibles tucked under our arms we showed up at the church. I don’t know whether the pastor of the church thought we were a couple of Mormons or not, but we sat in his Sunday School class that he was teaching that morning. As I remember, the lesson was about God communicating with people, including via the Urim and Thummim. “You know what those are?” he asked the class. They didn’t know. I motioned with my shoulders, and the pastor, who caught my motion, immediately exclaimed, “You’re Seventh-day Adventists: they’re the only ones who know anything about them.”  

An interesting relationship began with the Sunday pastor.  I stopped a couple of times during the following week to visit him, and he told me his story.  What motivated him away from the Seventh-day Adventist church? It was Obedience! He couldn’t figure out why, if we’re saved by faith alone, is it necessary to be obedient?  I had never heard that question before, so I told him I’d put some study into it and let him know what I discovered.  

As it turned out, thanks to a message by the GC President Elder Folkenberg at that time, I found a precise Bible answer to his question. I created a sermon and then tried to get the Sunday pastor to come to church on the Sabbath, where I was going to preach it. Unfortunately, he didn’t come, which disappointed me. Whether he ever learned the answer, I do not know, but a few weeks after our conversation, he moved to the Chicago area. I have often wondered what became of him.  

SO, what is the Bible's answer to obedience? 

It is true that “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” (Ephesians 1:7 NKJV) We can’t add anything to what Jesus has already done for us, and we are just kidding ourselves if we think that we can earn salvation rather than relying totally upon Him. And, I’m grateful for the answer found in 1 John 2:3-6. (NIV) It states: “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “We know him, but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”  

True, our obedience doesn’t save us. But, it serves as an outward sign of inward faith, confirming that one has truly come to know Him!