Why is the call to obedience especially important in the last days?
The call to obedience is especially important in the last days because it becomes the dividing line between those who truly follow God and those who don’t. Here's why it's so critical:
Jesus said:
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." – John 14:15
In the last days, many profess religion, but few obey. Obedience proves who truly loves and follows Christ.
The great controversy between Christ and Satan will center on worship and obedience to God's law (especially the Sabbath, the seal of God).
Revelation 14:12 says:
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
In the investigative judgment now going on, our faith is judged through our lives (Eccl. 12:13-14, Rev. 22:12).
Obedience is not a means of earning salvation—but the fruit of it.
God will purify His church before Christ returns.
Those who sigh and cry for the abominations and remain faithful to His law will receive the seal of God (Ezek. 9:4). Others will be cut off.
Only the obedient will be sealed (Rev. 7) and protected during the time of trouble.
The 144,000 are described as “without fault before the throne” (Rev. 14:5).
“The sealing is a separating work. It separates the obedient from the disobedient. It is the last act of mercy before the close of probation.” – Shepherd’s Rod Vol. 1