The Fear of the Lord.
“Only those who fear the Lord and keep His commandments have life with God. But as to those who do not keep His commandments, there is no life in them…. All, therefore, who despise Him and do not follow His commands deliver themselves to death, and each will be guilty of his own blood. But I implore you to obey His commands…”
The Shepherd of Hermas, (A Book written in 125 AD)
“We are taught in an especial manner to pray that God would give his Holy Spirit unto us, that through his aid and assistance we may live unto God in that holy obedience which he requires at our hands”
— John Owen
The grace of the Holy Spirit is also given for obedience. This is why obedience is higher than prayer and fasting
“By obedience a man is guarded against pride. Prayer is given for the sake of obedience. The grace of the Holy Spirit is also given for obedience. This is why obedience is higher than prayer and fasting.”
Silouan the Athonite
“Salvation apart from obedience is unknown in the sacred Scriptures… Apart from obedience there can be no salvation, for salvation without obedience is a self-contradictory impossibility”
– A.W. Tozer
“What he needs is not increased spiritual teaching but an obedient heart which is willing to yield his life to the Holy Spirit and go the way of the cross according to the Spirit’s command. Increased spiritual teaching will only strengthen his carnality and serve to deceive him into conceiving himself as spiritual”
– Watchman Nee
Wisdom of the Ages 