Adhere to Christ commandments 

1. In the Old Testament (The Torah/The Law)

The primary language used is "keep" God's commandments. This implies guarding, observing, and obeying them.

· Deuteronomy 5:33: "Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you."
· Deuteronomy 6:17-18: "Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God..."
· Joshua 22:5: "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." (This verse uses several synonyms, including "hold fast," which is very close to "adhere.")

2. In the New Testament

The theme continues but is deepened by Jesus and the apostles. Obedience is now framed as an expression of love and faith, not just legalistic observance.

· Jesus in John 14:15: "If you love me, keep my commands."
· Jesus in John 15:10: "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love."
· 1 John 2:3-4: "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person."
· 1 John 5:3: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome..."

The Greek word translated as "keep" ( tēreō ) also means to guard, observe, or preserve. So, "adhere to" is a very appropriate modern equivalent.

Important Nuance: The Spirit vs. The Letter

A crucial biblical teaching is that "adhering" to God's commandments is about the spirit and heart intention behind the action, not just robotic, legalistic compliance.

· Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus summarizes all commandments into two principles: Love God and love your neighbor. All other commandments are an outworking of these two.
· 2 Corinthians 3:6: Paul says God "has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

Therefore, biblically sound adherence is a loving, faithful, and heart-felt obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit, not a self-powered effort to earn salvation.