The Bible says, "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:31)  I have been told that we don't have to obey God's commandments, but that we can still be saved just as long as we believe. Is this right?

First we have to ask, what do you mean believe? The word believe implies faith, conviction. trust and certainty.  If we believe on or in Jesus Christ and, more important. if we believe what He says, we come to know Him.  Notice what I John 2:4 says about those who claim to know Jesus Christ: "He who says, I know Him", that is he who believes on Christ, "and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Anyone who say he believes but refuses to obey is a liar, according to God.  He doesn't really believe what Jesus Christ said.  What did Jesus say?  What did he command us to Believe?  "Repent you, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15).  The Gospel with

obedience!  Notice: "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17).

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." (I John 2:3).  "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome." (I John 5:3).

Faith (belief) without works is dead (James 2:26).  Why is obedience so necessary?  Because "...the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." (Rom. 7:12).  The law of God is good for you.  Sin is bad for you.  That's why Jesus Christ commands you to obey God's law.

******************