The Active Obedience of Christ

by Patrick Abendroth

“How gloriously complete is the salvation wrought for us by Christ! Christ paid the penalty, and He merited the reward” J. Gresham MachenThe active obedience of Christ is a vital biblical doctrine that helps sinners see Jesus better.Many know Jesus to be the one who atoned for sin, securing forgiveness for those who trust in Him. This is both wonderful and crucial. But being forgiven is not enough. God requires perfect obedience for eternal life. Even Jesus says so.Thankfully, God not only requires perfect obedience but also graciously provides through His Son. In addition to atonement, Jesus positively fulfilled the divine requirement by His perfect obedience. In other words, Jesus removes guilt for wrongdoing, and Jesus provides perfect righteousness by His obedience to the divine law.In The Active Obedience of Christ, readers are directed to Jesus—the one who is better than many may have ever realized!Patrick Abendroth is Senior Pastor of Omaha Bible Church, author of Covenant Theology, and host of the Pactum. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska (B.A.), the Master’s Theological Seminary (MDiv), and the Ligonier Academy (DMin). Pat and his wife, Molly, have five children and reside in Omaha, Nebraska.

Genres: Theology, Christian

85 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2024

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Save your money and skip this book. Just another regurgitation of the same old arguments for the imputation of the active obedience of Christ. Very poor (erroneous) handling of many of the biblical texts referenced in the book.

[Jack McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through Theocast; very quick and helpful introduction to the doctrine of the active obedience of Christ. It properly interprets the distinction between Law & Gospel, double imputation, and Christ's fulfillment of God's requirements for perfect righteousness.

Learning what it means that Christ did not only die for sinners' law-breaking, but He also lived and fulfilled all righteousness for them as well, caused me to behold the beauty of Christ all the more.

Reading this book will, Lord-willing, make you understand how perfect God's Law is, how incapable of fulfilling its requirements we truly are, and how much Christ truly did on behalf of sinners.

Romans 5:19

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly, highly encourage the read of this book. Basically he argues for the long forgotten and neglected doctrine of the active obedience of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was fully human and obeyed perfectly and throughout his life on behalf of those he represented in our place and would obey even to the point of death on the cross. Justification is not merely being treated “just as if I never sinned” but also “just as if I always perfectly obeyed”… accounted both sinless and righteous by faith alone in Christ alone. Jesus teaches that eternal life requires perfect obedience (Lk 10) and since eternal life is granted by belief in Jesus (John 3:16), he must have done that in our place. And he did. He is Jesus Christ the righteous one.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great pamphlet explaining the active obedience of Christ and why it matters.

[Richard Conklin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pathetic Attempt: Neither Defines Nor Defends

Pat Abendroth’s "The Active Obedience of Christ" attempts to delve into a crucial aspect of Christian theology, but it ultimately falls flat on several fronts. From its lack of robust biblical evidence to a misinterpretation of the covenants, the book presents a troubling analysis that, regrettably, muddies one’s ability to truly understand this false doctrine.

First and foremost, Abendroth's work suffers from a significant lack of evidence to establish a biblical foundation for the doctrine he advocates. Instead of grounding his assertions in Scripture, he leans heavily on contemporary teachers, many of whom echo similarly flawed theological perspectives. This reliance on modern interpretations rather than a careful exposition of biblical texts undermines the credibility of the entire work. Readers are left wondering whether Abendroth truly engages with Scripture or merely wields it as a prop to support preconceived notions.

Moreover, there is a profound failure to grasp the intricacies of both the Old and New Covenants. Abendroth's treatment of these theological constructs is marred by grave assumptions based on a speculative “covenant of works.” This notion not only seems to be an oversimplification of complex biblical themes but also demonstrates a lack of historical and theological rigor. Abendroth misleads his readers and contributes to confusion rather than clarification.

Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this book is Abendroth's inability to answer genuine objections raised against his claims. Chapter 5 is particularly egregious, perhaps the worst chapter I have ever read in a theological text—yes, including works by Rick Warren. Instead of providing thoughtful responses to criticism, Abendroth engages in a dismissive manner that does a disservice to the discourse. It often feels as though he is avoiding the heart of the matter and deflecting genuine inquiry, which leaves readers frustrated and unconvinced.

In conclusion, Pat Abendroth's "The Active Obedience of Christ" is a disappointing exploration of a widely discussed theological concept. Its lack of biblical foundation, misunderstanding of the covenants, and failure to address objections not only undermine its value but also pose a risk of leading readers astray. For those seeking a serious and comprehensive study of Christ's active obedience, this book is best avoided. There are far better resources available that engage with Scripture and theology with the depth and respect they deserve.

[Zach Worden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ran across this book from the Theocast podcast.

A short & sweet treatise on the doctrine of Christ’s active obedience. Still learning a bit, but I can see how vital this doctrine is to a believer’s assurance.

Without proper understanding of God’s requirement of mankind in the law (to perfectly and always love God with every fiber of our being and perfectly & always love our neighbor as ourselves) and Christ’s work in perfectly keeping that law in all that He did, we will constantly be creating “little laws” for ourselves to keep to try and justify ourselves before the Holy God (Rom. 10:3). But, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom. 10:4) because Christ is the perfect law keeper.

Luther’s introduction to his commentary on Galatians is another great explanation of imputed righteousness and I would commend it to all Christians. Luther really gets at the heart of the doctrine, saying we will constantly be buffeted by fears and depression until we understand this righteousness offered to us in Jesus Christ, which we simply receive by faith. We must beat this gospel truth into our heads until our hearts grasp it. I was encouraged in the book by the plain expression of this in the Heidelberg Catechism Q60.

Still learning, but truly this is where peace with God comes from (Rom. 5:1; 8:1). Not in anything I do, but all extra nos, what Christ has done outside of us. May God grant me to find rest in Christ through this wonderful doctrine!

[Jason Vaughn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very thin argument for active imputed righteousness. Patrick is abrasive a bit towards those who disagree with the doctrine too. Our goal is to explain and be patient as the Spirit works. Some of the assumptions and name calling towards those who disagree undermine 2 Times 2:24-26.

This book is an okay introduction to the topic. It lacks specific quotes, in depth analysis, and even at times gives homework (for specific quotes from Luther go read his Galatians commentary).

The objections raised chapter misses most the objections I’ve heard and I’m not sure Pat could adequately fairly represent his opponents either based on his rhetorical style.

The objection I was hoping he’d address, Galatians and Roman’s talk about how the law wasn’t meant to provide righteousness. This is why the covenant of works / grace is the foundation. But if one doesn’t see those, then it’s hard to accept the details.

And having seen much blood spilled and heretic thrown around a lot on this topic, I almost have ptsd from it, I personally am comfortable with people either believing or rejecting it. In my analysis as someone who has read arguments extensively from both sides is both sides end up landing in similar truths but get there differently. Not sure Patrick and many in his circles see that. But that’s okay. I’m thankful we’re declared right by Grace alone through faith alone because of Christ and His atonement, and not detailed doctrinal precision.

[Inwoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Appreciate the author’s Biblical and confessional conviction on this crucial doctrine of the imputation of the active obedience of Christ through faith to the sinner.

This book is readable, clear and a quick read, therefore it would be good to give or recommend to someone who wants a quick (non-academic) introduction to the active obedience of Christ imputed to the sinner.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent short book on the active obedience of Christ (Christ perfectly kept the law and then imputed to me his righteousness).

[Mason Plunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource. It’s short, simple, and covers a much neglected doctrine within evangelism.

[Duffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to the blessed truth of the Active Obedience of Christ! Highly recommend.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this book for small group study in our community group at church.

It was so encouraging to see a group of newer Christians who didn’t know what active obedience was just a few months ago come to see the joy and assurance it brings. Those familiar with the doctrine also enjoyed this study as a great review of what the doctrine is, its meaning, the need, its history, and common objections, and were encouraged as well.

At our last meeting members were able to share what it means for them, in their own words, very clearly. This was a very meaningful time. One of our members very simply put it this way, “no active obedience, no salvation.”

Thank you for a much-needed book on an oft-neglected, but vital doctrine. This book is a great resource for individual or group study, and group discussion questions are available.

[Ben Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a primer welcoming you to learn about “the positive and perfect obeying of the law by Jesus on behalf of everyone who would ever believe” (14).

It’s clarifying and biblical, inviting you to see our need for perfect righteousness before God and Christ’s accomplishment of that righteousness in our stead.

Ultimately, this book helps us understand the uniqueness of Christ - not only in His suffering and resurrection but in His obedient life as well. I recommend this primer and hope you’re encouraged to glean from it.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful primer on the active obedience of Christ. It is a short read, read through a chapter a day in family worship and finished it in 5 days. Covers the basic concepts of active obedience, justification, and critiques some false views of neonomianism. This is a useful book to recommend to new believers and Christians new to reformed theology to better understand this neglected aspect of Christ's redemptive work.

[Marcolus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s too brief and not deep enough. Also the 84 pages is skewed since boom as small and margins are wide. This really reads like an article not book. Due to desire for brevity the explanations and connections are lacking a bit. Both wrong with content, good content and right positions but it needs to be about 120 legitimate pages and the reader would come away truly learning. This feels like an intro.

[Laura Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful little book especially if you’ve grown up without this doctrine being preached to you. To quote J. Gresham Machen, “I am so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.” What wonderful assurance!

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading, explaining a beautiful tenant of the gospel. “We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)