Why Christians Disagree About Obedience and Salvation: The Inner Child and the Trained Scribe. Why do Christians disagree about whether following God's commandments is necessary for salvation? This article explores the theological, historical, and psychological roots of the debate—through the lens of Jesus' words in Matthew 13:52.

The Scribe and the Inner Child: Why Christians Disagree About Following Commandments for Salvation

“Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
— Matthew 13:52 (ESV)

Why do Christians — all reading the same Bible — sometimes reach opposite conclusions about whether obedience to God’s commandments is necessary for salvation?

At the heart of the disagreement isn’t just a theological formula. According to Jesus, the true scribe brings out both the “old and the new” from the heart — not just the mind. That means understanding Scripture involves internal experience, not just external study.

This insight opens the door to a richer explanation: the debate over commandments and salvation is shaped by theology, yes — but also by history, psychology, and our inner formation. What we believe about salvation often reflects our inner child, our wounds, and our hopes, as much as our doctrines.

Let’s explore.

Differing Definitions of Salvation

Before asking who is “right,” we must first ask: What do we mean by salvation?

• Justification – Being declared righteous by God (usually at conversion)

• Sanctification – Being made holy (growth in obedience)

• Glorification – Final redemption when Christ returns

Many disagreements revolve around where obedience fits:

• Reformed Protestants: Obedience is the fruit of salvation.

• Catholics/Orthodox: Obedience is part of remaining in grace.

If people define salvation differently, their views about commandments will naturally diverge.

Key Theological Perspectives

 Faith Alone – Most Protestants

• Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith alone.

• Obedience follows salvation but doesn’t secure it.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith... not of works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, WEB)

Faith Working Through Love – Catholic, Orthodox, Wesleyan

• Salvation is a relationship: faith must express itself in love and obedience.

“...faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6)

• Obedience doesn’t earn salvation but helps preserve it.

Scriptural Tensions

The Bible includes both:

• Warnings against legalism:

  • “We are not justified by the works of the law” (Galatians 2:16).

• Commands to obey:

  • “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

  • “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Is obedience the cause, condition, or consequence of salvation? That’s where the disagreement lies.

Historical Developments

• Acts 15 – Council of Jerusalem: Gentiles weren’t required to follow the Jewish ceremonial law but were still called to live morally.

• The Reformation (1500s): Reformers like Luther emphasized justification by faith alone, rejecting salvation by rituals or works.

• Catholic Counter-Reformation: Reaffirmed that works done in grace help preserve salvation (Council of Trent, Canon 24).

These theological systems still shape churches today.

Grace and Human Responsibility

All Christians agree: salvation begins with God’s grace.

But they differ on obedience:

• Protestant: A response of gratitude

• Catholic/Orthodox: A cooperation with grace

• Arminian: A safeguard against falling away

The misunderstanding? Thinking grace and obedience are enemies. In reality, grace is opposed to earning, not effort.

Misunderstandings and False Choices

• Some pit faith against obedience, as if they cancel each other out.

• Others confuse Jewish ceremonial law with moral commandments.

• Some treat salvation like a one-time decision instead of a lifelong journey.

The result: people talk past each other.

The Inner Child: Why Belief Feels Personal

This is where Hugh Missildine’s insights help. He argued that our inner child — formed by early parenting, shame, and unmet needs — still shapes our adult worldview.

• If your childhood taught you to earn love, you may see God as a taskmaster, making you feel salvation depends on rule-keeping.

• If you were hurt by rigid religion, you may react by embracing grace in a way that avoids obedience altogether.

• If you felt securely loved, you may see obedience as a joyful response, not a fearful duty.

Even theology becomes a way to feel safe or “good enough” — unless that inner child is healed by Christ. That’s why Jesus said the true scribe brings out treasures from the heart: not just learned knowledge, but redeemed emotion.

Common Ground

Despite the divisions, most Christians agree:

• Salvation starts with God’s grace.

• Real faith leads to action.

• Obedience flows from love, not fear.

• Jesus is both Savior and Lord — and Lordship means obedience.

Healing the Heart, Knowing the Truth

So, why do Christians disagree about the necessity of following commandments for salvation?

Because salvation is more than a theory — it’s relational, emotional, and transformative. Jesus taught that a disciple must bring out both the old and the new — past experiences and present revelation. Some of our differences come not just from Bible verses, but from what’s inside us.

We are all like scribes in training. The more we let Jesus heal our hearts and teach our minds, the more clearly we’ll see that faith and obedience are not enemies — they are friends in the same house, treasures from the same Lord.