Old Testament Obedience versus New Testament Grace

That God required obedience in Old Testament times is not debated. But since we (in New Testament times) are under grace may we safely conclude obedience is not required? One prophet said to a rebellious people "Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam. 15:22). Has God changed his mind about obedience? Because we are not under the Law of Moses may we conclude we may sin with impunity? Hear the apostle Paul: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid" (Rom. 6:14, 15).

Those who preach "grace," but put no emphasize on "obedience" that one might receive that grace and keep it, need to back up and take another look at what the scriptures say in both the Old and the New Testaments. Please carefully consider the following New Testament passages: Matt. 7:21-27; Gal. 3:1, 5:7; Acts 5:32; Rom. 2:8,9; 6:16-18; 1 Pet. 4:17; Heb. 5:9; 6:1-12; 2 Thes. 1:8,9.

Paul teaching: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4) is to benefit you and I that we might learn lessons on obedience. Failure to obey and bear fruit will result in God rejecting us (Luke 3:8, 9; John 15:2; Heb. 6:8).

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