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The question of obedience to God or to men lies at the heart of Christian faith and practice, particularly when human authority conflicts with divine commands. This question is not merely theoretical; it resonates deeply with the experience of countless believers who face choices demanding a clear allegiance. Scripture provides extensive guidance on this subject, emphasizing the sovereignty of Jehovah God and the necessity of faithful obedience to His Word above all else.

Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the principle of obedience to God over human authority is underscored in the lives of the faithful. This article examines this principle in detail, exploring scriptural examples, theological implications, and practical applications.

Scriptural Foundations for Obedience to God

The Bible begins with an emphasis on obedience to God, as seen in the account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:16-17. Jehovah explicitly commanded Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, stating, “For in the day that you eat of it you will surely die.” This command established Jehovah’s sovereign authority and Adam’s obligation to obey. Adam and Eve’s subsequent disobedience (Genesis 3:6) brought sin and death into the world, demonstrating the consequences of prioritizing human desires over divine commands.

This principle is reiterated in the life of Abraham, who is often called the father of faith. When commanded by Jehovah to leave his homeland and journey to a land Jehovah would show him (Genesis 12:1-4, approximately 1921 B.C.E.), Abraham obeyed without hesitation. His willingness to offer Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 22:1-19, further exemplifies absolute obedience to Jehovah’s will, even when it conflicts with personal understanding or emotions. Abraham’s faith and obedience were counted as righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3).

The Exodus account provides another powerful illustration. The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, faced a moral dilemma when Pharaoh commanded them to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:15-17). Despite the king’s authority, they “feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them.” Jehovah blessed their obedience, rewarding them with families of their own (Exodus 1:20-21). This narrative demonstrates that when human authority contradicts God’s commands, obedience to Jehovah takes precedence.

The book of Daniel offers a particularly striking example of obedience to God over men. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, stating, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace… But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:16-18). Their unwavering commitment resulted in divine deliverance and a testimony to Jehovah’s power (Daniel 3:24-27).

Obedience in the New Testament

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing obedience to Jehovah through the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus himself submitted entirely to Jehovah’s will, even when it meant enduring suffering and death. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). His obedience fulfilled God’s redemptive plan, as described in Philippians 2:8: “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

The apostles likewise exemplified obedience to God over men. When Peter and John were commanded by the Sanhedrin to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). This statement, made in approximately 33 C.E., encapsulates the Christian duty to prioritize divine authority over human commands. The apostles’ boldness and unwavering commitment to proclaim the gospel, even under threat of imprisonment and death, underscore the supremacy of obedience to God.

The apostle Paul reinforces this principle in his epistles. In Galatians 1:10, he writes, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Paul’s declaration highlights the incompatibility of serving human interests when they conflict with serving Jehovah.

Theological Implications of Obedience

Obedience to God is rooted in His sovereignty and authority as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Jehovah’s commands are not arbitrary but reflect His perfect wisdom, justice, and love. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Moses declares, “Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one. You shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” This call to wholehearted love and obedience is echoed by Jesus in Matthew 22:37-38 as the greatest commandment.

Obedience also reflects faith and trust in Jehovah. As Hebrews 11:6 states, “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Faith and obedience are inseparable; genuine faith manifests in action, as seen in James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Abraham’s willingness to obey Jehovah’s command to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19) exemplifies this connection between faith and obedience.

Moreover, obedience to God demonstrates allegiance to His kingdom. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Christians are called to prioritize Jehovah’s will and purposes over worldly concerns. This allegiance often brings conflict with earthly authorities or societal norms, as Jesus warned in John 15:18-19: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you… because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

Practical Applications for Christians

Obedience to God requires discernment and courage, particularly in contexts where human authority opposes divine commands. Christians are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, as taught in Romans 13:1-7. However, this submission is not absolute; it is contingent upon the alignment of human laws with Jehovah’s will. When laws or commands conflict with God’s Word, believers must prioritize obedience to Jehovah, as the apostles did in Acts 5:29.

Living a life of obedience also entails daily submission to Jehovah’s Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Christians must study and apply scripture, allowing it to shape their thoughts, actions, and priorities.

Obedience involves sacrifices, as Jesus emphasized in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This self-denial often includes rejecting worldly values, enduring opposition, and making decisions that honor Jehovah rather than appeasing others. Yet the rewards of obedience are eternal, as Jesus promises in Matthew 19:29: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”

Conclusion

The question of obedience to God or to men is ultimately a question of allegiance. Jehovah’s sovereignty and authority demand complete submission to His will, as revealed in Scripture. While Christians are called to respect human authorities, their ultimate loyalty must remain with Jehovah, who alone is worthy of worship and obedience. This commitment requires faith, courage, and a steadfast focus on God’s kingdom, trusting that He will sustain and reward those who seek to honor Him.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).