There are various Greek words for these words. One of the most common is hupakoe, the noun, which comes from hupo, meaning "under" and akouo, meaning "to hear." It is the act of obedience--fulfillment of God's commands, such as "obedience of faith," (Romans 1:5 and Romans16:26). Faith is one of the main subjects of the book of Romans, and it is the initial act of obedience in the new life, and an essential characteristic of that new life. The "obedience of faith" is, therefore, essential to fulfill God's commands. Obedience MUST follow as an action of faith, and then becomes "to obey."
Another Greek word for "to obey," showing the ACTION of obedience, is hupakouo. It means "to listen, to attend (pay attention to AND give action to), leading to a submission that obeys." In English, "obey" is defined as "(1) to follow the commands or guidance of, (2) to comply with." "Obedience" is defined as "being submissive to the restraint or command of authority." Since Christ has ALL AUTHORITY, we are either listening to and submissive to His commands, obeying Him in our daily lives, or we are in rebellion against Him. There are no other choices. There is no other authority to whom we may offer our obedience. If we are in rebellion against Christ, by default we are obeying Satan, whose power of death and his work have already been destroyed by Christ through His coming and His death, (Hebrews 2:14 and 1 John 3:8). Satan claims authority and power in the dark world--the world of sin and death. But Christ is already the victor over both sin and death to those who OBEY Him.
(See also Baptize / Baptism / Baptizing, Confess / Confession, Faith...Belief..., Gospel / Good News, Repent / Repentance, Serve / Service / Serving, Word....)
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