Because You Obeyed

Abraham's justification in Genesis 22 is controversial, faith only teachers always make it appear that the real reason righteousness was given was faith. Yet, the writer of Genesis ties it directly to obedience, thus works can't be explained away so easily. The Holy Spirit is really trying to say he was justified by works. The Holy Spirit is also revealing the basis of the justification process.

Faith can prompt God to recognize your righteousness, but faith alone didn't save.

Gen 22:16  And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 

and

Gen 22:18  And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 

The issue wasn't a daily life of moral chastity, but an acute test of faith as it related to the promises God had made. This was indeed a test.

Obedience was the key to the test.

Paul also reveals the necessity of obedience by turning from faith to obedience.

Rom 6:17  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 

Rom 6:18  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 

Their service to righteousness beginning at the initial obedience and then carrying forward into their life as a christian.

Paul was not dismissing obedience in the initial act of baptism. He actually taught it.

2Th 1:8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: