Some do not like to hear the word “commandment” associated with the requirements God has established for souls to become godly and righteous in this present world. Apparently, the word is “too harsh” for their minds. Yet, in the realm of obedience to the gospel, we find it stated in the following passages:
Revelation 22:14 -- Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Matthew 28: 19 – 20 -- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke 17:10 -- So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Acts 10:48 -- And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
2 Peter 2:21 -- For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
1 John 3:23 -- And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
These are but a sampling of passages using the word “commandment” meaning “an ordered directive from one of authority.” We know better than to ignore “authority.” We’ve been taught from an early age to respect those in authority and obey them without question unless the order compromises an order of a higher authority. Since there is no higher authority than God (Matthew 28:18; 1 Corinthians 15:27), then whatever God has spoken through His Son Jesus Christ, and subsequently via the Spirit speaking through His apostles (Hebrews 2:1-4), we must accept the authority of God to command us in all we say and do! (Colossians 3:17)
Within the New Testament are multiple commandments (though not always prefaced with the word “commandment”) which are just as binding upon the spiritual mind as the commandments regarding salvation: (i.e., hearing, believing, repenting, confessing Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, being immersed for the remission of sins, and remaining faithful unto death.) While listing such items tends to minimize the importance of these commandments, rest assured our Lord commanded hearing (Revelation 2:7), believing (John 8:34), repenting (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30), confessing (Matthew 10:32 – 33), and be immersed (Matthew 28: 19-20; Mark 16:16). He also commanded us to remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10). Though He may not have specifically used the word “command” in these verses, His word is from the Father (Hebrews 1:1-2) and therefore is spoken with all authority! Dare we ignore its validity and direction?
Romans 12: 9 – 21, for example, commands our conduct without using the word “command.” Colossians 3, Ephesians 5 – 6, and a host of other like passages do the same. Yet, many will say, “I don’t see ‘commandment’ in those verses.” You don’t hear a police officer saying, “I command you to pull over” either, but you’ll respect his authority, and because of that respect, you will comply with his order. Why cannot souls realize God and His word is with greater authority?
We must note that John assures us, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3) God has never commanded us to do something that will eternally harm our soul! While obeying Him in this life may result in harm or even death, as it did the apostles and many of the earliest Christians, we must further remember, that dying in the Lord is far better than living in the flesh (Philippians 1:21-30). Further, the word “must” is just as forceful as the word “command” when we realize who spoke it, and for what righteous reason it was spoken!
Last, the careful Bible student will note the word “invitation” is never found in the New Testament regarding our necessity to obey the gospel and live a faithful life unto our death. It simply isn’t found in scripture! So, why not humble yourself to obey His commandments while you still have time, place, and opportunity?