OBEDIENCE

Carrying out the word and will of another person, especially the will of God. In both the Old and New Testaments the word obey is related to the idea of hearing. Obedience is a positive, active response to what a person hears. God summons people to active obedience to His revelation. Man's failure to obey God results in judgment. In the Old Testament covenant between God and man, obedience was the basis for knowing God's blessing and favor (Ex 19:5; 24:1-8). Samuel emphasized that God's pleasure was not in sacrifice but in obedience (1 Sam 15:22). Even the promise of a new covenant emphasized obedience as God's gift (Jer 31:33).

In the New Testament, the obedience of Christ stands in contrast to the disobedience of Adam. The disobedience of Adam brought death, but the perfect obedience of Christ brought grace, righteousness, and life (Rom 5:12-21).

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)