I have written before about the odd things we read on church signs. Well, I have a new one. A church I pass often has a new sign: "The price of victory is obedience." Oh,well.
The first thought was automatic -- it's the Jemhadar theory of faith! For those who do not know, a former TV show called Star Trek: Deep Space Nine included a race of people called Jemhadar. The Jemhadar were soldiers for the Dominion, bred solely to fight. Their motto was "Obedience brings victory." I never thought I would hear this idea pushed as a version of Christianity.
First, of course, it is false. The price of victory was Christ. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57. Victory does not arise through our works (our "obedience") but as a result of Christ's work. It is a false claim.
Second, it is an entirely false way to view Christianity. In our battle with the world (which would include our sin in the world), victory does not come by obedience, but by faith. "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith." 1 John 5:4. Faith is the key to victory in our own lives, not obedience.
The danger in these kind of signs is that they show how far we have fallen from the truth of God. The preacher at that church, apparently, intends to tell his people that their works are the key to their victory. He will preach behavior modification as the key to a victorious life, but he will be wrong. He will tell them to work harder, but he will be wrong.
Our victory is in Christ and we seize that victory through faith. Obedience is important, but it is not "the key" to our victory. Preach Christ