The Two Laws by M. E. Steward

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 5, 1911

The Two Laws

By M. E. Steward

M. E. STEWARD

One is substance, the other a shadow.

God has had a law for the human family every since their creation.

1. Adam disobeyed God’s law, and brought death, which was the penalty of transgression, upon all his posterity. Rom. 5:13, 14.

2. The Creator provided a Saviour for man, one who should endure the penalty of disobedience in man’s place.

3. This substitute, this Saviour, did not immediately appear and suffer for man. The Lord intervened a system of sacrifices, which should represent Christ and his atonement for man. This system was governed in every detail by a code of laws, which is known as the ceremonial law.

Difference between the original law of God, and this secondary, ceremonial law:—

1. The law of God is the ten moral precepts. The ceremonial law “stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances.” Heb. 9:10.

2. “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Rom. 7:12. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Ps. 19:7); but the ceremonial law could never “make the comers thereunto perfect.” Heb. 10:1.

The scope, or range, of the moral law:—

1. The moral law of ten commandments includes everything that pertains to man’s life. Matt. 5:21-48.

2. This law, being “perfect,” is immutable; nothing can be either added to, or taken away from, one of its ten commandments.

3. “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness [not for transgression, which would be the case if the Saviour abolished the law] to every one that believeth.” Rom. 10:4.

Who are the subjects of the moral law of God?

1. Every human being is required to

obey it; “all the world.” This was said divinely to Gentile believers after the death of Christ. Rom. 3:19.

2. Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

3. The subjects of the law are all accountable creatures, in time and in eternity. Jer. 10:10.

The continuance of the two laws:—

1. The moral law will never pass away. “All his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” Ps. 111:7, 8.

2. “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matt. 5:17, 18. There are prophecies to be fulfilled in the eternal ages.

3. The ceremonial law ceased at the cross by natural limitation, just as a shadow ceases when it reaches its substance. Being instituted to prefigure Christ and his work of redemption, it had no office after Christ appeared. Heb. 9:9-12.

Mountain View, Cal.