DOCTRINES OF CHRIST by Fred A. Barlow

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 8, 1876

DOCTRINES OF CHRIST.

By Fred A. Barlow

“Go ye therefore; and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. 28:19, 20. This is the great commission that Christ gave the eleven just before his ascension, and not to the eleven only, but to all who observe those things which Christ has commanded, even unto the end of the world. Then the promise of Christ’s presence and help is to us of this generation, as much as to the generation with whom he associated while he was upon the earth.

It seems that it is optional with us whether or not we will have Christ for our friend and helper. If we observe those things that he has commanded us, the dear Saviour has promised to be with us. Then in order to claim the promise it becomes necessary for us to first learn what those things are that he has commanded, and, secondly, to observe them and teach them to others. For he plainly says, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Mark 7:7. Then there are to be those whose teachings are not in accordance with the great commission, but who, on the other hand, teach those things that men have commanded. Christ has said that this kind of teaching is vain; then how foolish it is for men to engage in a work that promises no reward. Is not the labor necessary to teach the commandments of men as tiresome and constant as that required to teach the commandments of God? But Christ tells us that those engaged in the former work worship in vain, while he promises to be with those engaged in the latter employment, even unto the end of the world.

Christ says, “Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matt. 12:50. Then it is not important that we observe the commandments of men, but to do the will of our Father which is in Heaven is important. And by refusing to do this we lose our hold on eternal life, and become strangers to Christ and rebels against God’s government, thereby bringing upon ourselves sure destruction. To do the will of our Father brings us into close relationship with the Son of God. Christ promises that such shall be his brethren, if his brethren, then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ our elder brother. The promise is equal to saying, Do the will of my Father which is in Heaven, and you shall have a title to a beautiful home in the paradise of God.

What is it, then, to do the will of God, or what is our duty? “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12:13. This tells us just what the will of our Father is. Our whole duty is to fear God and keep his commandments. Hear what Christ says on this subject, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 5:19. How little we have to encourage us as soon as we refuse to obey God. In the same verse he says, “But whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.” Then everything is in favor of the one that will do and teach the commandments of God.

The promises of Christ are that while we are doing and teaching the commandments of God we are on the road to the kingdom, and when we refuse to do the will of our Father which is in Heaven, then we are not on the road that leads to God’s glorious, immortal kingdom. And if off the road, it matters not how hard we work or how determinedly we go forward, we will never reach home, because there is but one road leading there. That one is straight and narrow, and it is just as straight and just as narrow now as it was in the days of the apostles. It is said there are many roads leading there, but upon examination we find that this statement comes from that class who are teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Christ says, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:14. Then all are not going in. No, only the obedient. But whosoever shall do and teach the commandments, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven. All have the great privilege of engaging in the work. All may do and teach as Christ directs if they choose to do so. Eternal life is for all. Will we comply with the conditions, and receive the reward, or will we refuse because the pure doctrines of Christ interfere with our practice? Fellow-travelers to the bar of God, our practice must harmonize with the teaching of the Son of God or Heaven is lost.

FRED A. BARLOW.

Winterset, Iowa.