The Sayings of Christ by Francis Gould

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1875

The Sayings of Christ.

By Francis Gould

The Bible is a book of truth. Holy men of God, in different ages of the world, spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Although they occupied different standpoints, and were surrounded by different and varied influences, yet a practical demonstration of the principles taught will not cause divisions and subdivisions among the professed people of God. They will not lead one in this direction, and another in that, but will make the church of God a unit. The church will stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the hope of the gospel.

The New Testament Scriptures, or the sayings of Christ, are in harmony with the Old, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17.

When we urge upon men the claims of the fourth commandment as taught in the decalogue, and say that the same day which was sanctified as a Sabbath in Eden is binding upon us at the present time, a class of professed Christians tell us that what Christ has taught us in the gospel is a sufficient rule of faith and practice; thereby thinking, perhaps, to avoid the conclusion that Christ has anywhere taught Sabbath observance. We will call to our aid his sermon on the mount, which is acknowledged by all true Christians as containing the principles by which we should be governed, and as being the model of perfection.

When Christ came the first time, there seemed to be various opinions concerning him. Some thought him an impostor, others thought that one of the old prophets had risen again, while others supposed he had come to destroy the law and the prophets, to change the order of things, and to establish a new government. In this sermon he made the following declaration concerning the character of his mission: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, 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. The word fulfill means to accomplish, establish, carry out. Therefore, instead of the precepts of God’s law being abolished or changed through Christ, they are magnified and made honorable, and obedience to them is made the condition on which eternal life is suspended.

One came to our Saviour and said unto him, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” And he replied, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19: 16, 17. Again, in Matt. 5: 19, he declares, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments [referring to those contained in the decalogue], and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.”

These are important facts and worthy of consideration. It is surprising to see professed Christians with high hopes of Heaven, building on the foundation of Christ, and still laying aside some of the most important principles which he has given us to follow. When they teach us that the first day of the week is the Sabbath, they teach for doctrine the commandments of men, and virtually break the Sabbath of the Lord.

The New Testament Scriptures abound in declarations showing that the law of God as contained in the decalogue, with all its parts, is in force now as a rule of duty. Says Paul, “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” 1 Cor. 7: 19. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Rom. 3: 31. “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well; but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2: 8, 9, 10. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22: 14.

When we look back to the primitive church, we see one that was perfect in all its parts, righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless; but as we follow down the track of time, we see that the church has had to contend with discordant elements, opposing influences, and corrupt agencies, which have worked their way into the church, by which she has been led astray, and through which the truth has been in a measure lost sight of.

But the prophecies are being opened to our understanding, and truth is shining out upon our pathway. God is raising up a class of people that are asking for the old paths, and the good way, that they may walk therein, and find rest to their souls. They shall build up the old waste places, raise up the foundations of many generations, and shall be called, The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. The work of “binding up the testimony, and sealing the law” among the disciples of Christ is going forward. This is the class which shall arise just prior to the second advent, of whom it is said, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14: 12.

He that teaches all the sayings of Christ and does them, will teach and do all the commandments of God, and will build upon a sure foundation. Says Christ, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock.” Matt. 7: 24, 25.

FRANCIS GOULD.