Active obedience of Christ

In Protestant theology, the active obedience of Jesus Christ (sometimes called his preceptive obedience^[1]) comprises the totality of his actions, which Christians believe was in perfect obedience to the law of God. Christ's active obedience (doing what God's law required) is usually distinguished from his passive obedience, namely suffering, dying, and substituting himself for sins of his people.

In Reformed theology, Christ's active obedience is generally believed to be imputed to Christians as part of their justification.

^ Reymond says this term is to be preferred, as Christ did nothing "passively"—that is, without "full desire and willingness on his part." Robert L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith (2nd ed., Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998), p. 631.

[1] Reymond says this term is to be preferred, as Christ did nothing "passively"—that is, without "full desire and willingness on his part." Robert L. Reymond, A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith (2nd ed., Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998), p. 631.

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