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Coram Deo

Coram Deo​

A common summary you’ll hear is:
“Living one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.”

In Christian theology, it carries a deeper idea:

  • Living every moment of life as fully seen by God
  • Acting with integrity, humility, and reverence, not just in public but in private
  • Understanding that nothing is hidden from God, yet we live by His grace

Where the Idea Comes From​

Scripture (KJV):

  • Genesis 17:1 – “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”
  • Psalm 56:13 – “That I may walk before God in the light of the living.”

Big Idea

  • We do not obey to become sheep.
  • We obey because we have come to the Shepherd

John 10:27 (KJV) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

  • Three movements:

    • Hear His voice
    • Belong to Him
    • Follow Him

  • Coming to the Shepherd establishes relationship; Coram Deo describes how that relationship is lived out daily.

Litmus Test (Coram Deo in Practice)​

  • Obedience without applause

    • “And thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
      — Matthew 6:4 (KJV)

  • Faithfulness without recognition

    • “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
      — 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)

  • Holiness when it is costly

    • “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
      — 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)

  • Work becomes worship

    • “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
      — Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

  • Daily life becomes discipleship

    • “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
      — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)

  • Ordinary obedience becomes sacred

    • “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
      — Romans 12:1 (KJV)

  • Living before God, not to earn salvation

    • “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
      Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
      — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

  • Obedience becomes joyful (a side effect)

    • “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
      — John 14:15 (KJV)

  • Walking humbly (a side effect)

    • “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
      — Micah 6:8 (KJV)