The Law of God by M. E. STEWARD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 1, 1910

The Law of God

By M. E. STEWARD

M. E. STEWARD

An essential element of every kingdom is the law. “The Lord . . . is a great king over all the earth;” hence the law of God is binding on all mankind.

There are three periods in this world's history:—

1. From Adam to Moses, called the patriarchal age.

2. From Moses to Christ, or the Mosaic dispensation.

3. From Christ to the end of the world, or the Christian dispensation.

The law of God was in existence during these three periods:—

1. Paul argues, in Rom. 5:14, that death from Adam to Moses is proof that the law was in force during that time; because death is the wages of sin, and sin is the transgression of the law. Rom. 6:23; 1 John 3:4. “Where no law is, there is no transgression,” in that case there could be no death, which is the penalty of transgression. Rom. 4:15.

2. The law was “written and engraven in stones,” for the people of the second period.

3. Paul's argument in Romans 5, providing that the law was in force from Adam to Moses, is equally applicable to the third period; for “death” still “reigns.” Hence God's law is in full force now.

If the law could have been abolished or changed, Christ need not have died. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” An intelligent “faith” in Christ acknowledges the necessity of the atonement for sin; and the fact that “sin is imputed,” “establishes” the claims of the law to-day. Further, the “faith which worketh by love,” purifying the heart, establishes the law in the Christian life; for Jesus saves his people from transgressing it. “He shall save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

The last benediction and promise in the Bible, given in the Christian dispensation, are made to those who keep God's commandments. Rev. 22:14.

Three points on the nature and perpetuity of the law of God:—

1. This law is perfect; it comprises the principle of right. Psalms 19. Being perfect, it can not be changed without becoming imperfect or wrong.

2. “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Rom. 7: 12. “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5: 2.

3. “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2: 10. He violates the principle of obedience, which underlies every commandment. Moreover, the transgressor of one command is “guilty of all,” because each offense weakens his moral character, so that he has less ability to keep the rest of the law inviolate.

Do we not well, when we see the terrible results of Adam's failure, and comprehend in some measure the infinite importance of perfect obedience to God, to resolve, by his grace, to “make no compromise with evil”?

Sanitarium, Cal.