Why is keeping torah important?

Many people wonder why we stress the importance of living in obedience to the torah (which means God’s instructions).

Other than the fact that God says He doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8) believers are commanded to be “Christ-like”.

If Y’shua/Jesus did it, we do it.

If Y’shua/Jesus didn’t do it, we don’t.

This is in obedience to:

the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (1 John 2:6)

Indeed, this passage also says:

The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4)

So, what’s the big deal? The warning of what will happen TO BELIEVERS who do not obey God’s instructions (torah):

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.

²² "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'

²³ "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice torahlessness.'”

Matthew 7:21-23