DOES THE OBEDIENCE WHICH THE LORD REQUIRES MEAN BELIEF ONLY?
No; for true belief, or faith, cannot be separated from works. Jesus says,
"He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." (John 14: 12).
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7: 21).
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6: 46).
"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15: 14).
The Apostle James also tells us,
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2: 17).
Knowing that a man cannot show that he has faith except by his works, this Apostle adds:
"Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." (James 2: 18).
To make it plain that a belief without works is not a living faith and will not save, he says,
"The devils also believe and tremble." (James 2: 19).