February 04, 2026

Is Active Obedience Biblical? (Pastor Jesse Randolph)

28 minutes

What is the “imputation of the active obedience of Christ,” and does Scripture actually teach it? In this episode of the Sound Words Podcast, Pastor Aaron Nicholson interviews Pastor Jesse Randolph at the start of his five-week study leave to discuss a doctrine that is widely assumed in evangelical theology but rarely examined carefully.

Pastor Jesse explains what active obedience claims, why it has become so popular, and what led him to question its biblical support. Together they walk through the key passages often cited, explore whether the doctrine arises more from theology than from the text of Scripture, and consider what is truly at stake for the gospel, justification, and Christian assurance.

This conversation is both pastoral and theological—seeking clarity from God’s Word while modeling charity toward brothers who disagree.

00:00 Welcome to the Sound Words Podcast
01:24 Pastor Jesse's Study Leave
03:43 What is Active Obedience?
06:20 Red Flags of Active Obedience
11:02 Origins of Active Obedience Doctrine
17:14 Biblical or Theological Origin?
20:48 How Active Obedience Affects How We Live
23:36 Is this a Salvation Issue?
25:52 Is this a Reason to Break Fellowship?

Sound Words is a ministry of Indian Hills Community Church, a Bible teaching church in Lincoln, NE.

Sound Words is also a partner of Foundations Media, a collective of Christian creators passionate about promoting biblical theology and applying it to everyday life. Learn more at https://foundationsmedia.org.