Around the world Quote by Barbara R. Duguid
““you were to ask Christians around the world what God wants from the people he has saved, most would probably answer “obedience.” There is great truth in that answer, but it is not enough. If the sovereign God’s primary goal in sanctifying believers is simply to make us more holy, it is hard to explain why most of us make only “small beginnings” on the road to personal holiness in this life, as the Heidelberg Catechism puts it (see Catechism Q. 113). In reality, God wants something much more precious in our lives than mere outward conformity to his will. After all, obedience is tricky business and can be confusing to us. We can be obedient outwardly while sinning wildly on the inside, as the example of the Pharisees makes clear. In fact, many of my worst sins have been committed in the context of my best obedience.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Heidelberg Catechism Commentary, 20th century
God seeks deep transformation, not just external obedience; true holiness requires inner change and sincerity.
In simple terms: God wants inner change, not just outward rules.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate sincere heart change.
Themes
faith
holiness
obedience
authenticity
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
serious
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- church fellowship
- confession
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
sanctification
inner transformation
integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you align inner motives with outward actions?
- What practices help reveal hidden sin?
A Different Perspective
Obedience without inner renewal can be hypocritical.
