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The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 5, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 18.

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The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus

By A. E. Hassell

A. E. HASSELL
WHAT a depth of meaning in these two things. Commandments of God! They must be perfect as the Author is perfect; and so they are. Look at them as you will, from every side and standpoint; no flaw can be found in them. Can there be anything more glorious, higher, deeper, or anything broader? Is there anything nobler, purer, or more exalted? Is there anything or any relationship of anything in the whole unfathomable and unsearchable universe of God that these glorious commandments do not comprehend, relate to, or apply to, or anything that they do not touch? They are so broad that, throughout eternal ages, there never will be brought into existence anything outside of their sphere or scope. Says the psalmist, “I have seen an end of all perfection; but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” Ps. 119:96.
Do we have reason to be ashamed to stand upon this exalted platform? Let those who are wise in their own conceit call us narrow-minded; what does that matter? They do not know what they are saying. Let them heap contempt and reproach upon that perfect law of liberty and its Author, by declaring it abolished and by trampling it under their feet and by rebelling against it and putting their own traditions and usages in its place and by perverting it; we will love it the more, yea, above gold and fine gold. It is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb to the true child of God.
Never have I appreciated that blessed law of God more than at present. I do not want it abolished, but do long exceedingly for more and more of its spirit in my life. Blessed it is to be assured that, if faithful a little longer, we shall enjoy it in its fulness and perfection. From the depth of my heart I cry out, “O that my ways were established to observe thy statutes! Then shall I not be put to shame, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 5, 6. But, “cursed are they that do wander from thy commandments.” Verse 21, margin, R. V. I do not wish to be among that class.

The Faith of Jesus

What a depth of meaning to the faith of Jesus! Keeping it! are we? His faith was not kept like a precious and costly jewel—costly though it is—hid away in a case to be taken out and worn occasionally perhaps, and looked at for his own pleasure and again hidden away; but it was a faith that was living and active, daily laying hold upon the Almighty Father's arm, and always bringing down the response from the throne of God according to the need of the hour in such a measure that the blind was made to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, the lame leaped for joy, the leprous were cleansed, those possessed of devils were made free and of sane and sound mind, the elements obeyed his voice, and death itself had to give up its prey, its prisoners. To that living, active faith nothing was impossible.
We are to keep that faith as Jesus himself kept it—if words have any meaning—otherwise it is not his faith. We are not told to have faith about Jesus or in Jesus simply; but to “keep . . . the faith of Jesus.” In other words, we are to have that same faith of which he is the Author and Finisher as he had it, and use it as he used it, and do as he did, with all that it means, according to the will of God. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12. “All things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23.
As we keep the commandments of God, so are we to keep the faith of Jesus; and none will question that to keep the commandments of God is to do them. The same verb “keep” is applied to the faith of Jesus also; therefore it can be expressed thus, Here are they that do the commandments of God and do the faith of Jesus. If the faith our Saviour had in God, his faith, is laid hold upon by us, it will certainly bring all power in heaven and earth to our assistance in serving God in this message. Then we shall soon see the glory of the Almighty manifested to cut his work short in righteousness through the poor and humble instruments who are rich in faith and willing to be used by God as he wills, without reserve on their part. But those whom God calls upon now to help with their means in sending the light to those perishing in darkness, and who selfishly hold back their entrusted means and talents, will be left to perish with their possessions and their money. “But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.” 1 John 3:17, 18. To my mind it begins to get clearer that God will soon take his work more fully into his own hands and show men that he is not dependent upon them or their money, or upon any money in fact, or upon any one who seeks his own plans and conveniences, but he will use the humble and the willing ones to accomplish his mighty work in the earth.
O, may God, the Creator of the heavens and earth, whom we profess to serve, obey, and love, help us to realize what it really means to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus! May he be permitted to open our eyes and quicken our understanding, that we may see the beautiful heights we are to attain and the immeasurable richness of the glorious opportunities and privileges now set before us. This world then with all its deceptive charms, exaltations, and attainments in every respect will loose its grasp on us, and we shall gladly do the will of God at whatever cost, even if we have to give up that which our hearts have most cherished. May none of us fail, but all of us hasten to the help of the Lord against the mighty. The victory will be so unspeakably glorious that none of us can afford to lose the privilege and opportunity now given. May none ask to be excused!
Seattle, Wash.