p. 6 (374) | THE PERFECT STANDARD

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 15, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 24.

THE PERFECT STANDARD.

In David's time the standard of perfection was the law of God. Speaking by inspiration of the Spirit, he testifies: “The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.” Ps. 19:7. “Blessed are they that are perfect in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.” Ps. 119:1. In Paul's day the law was “holy, and just, and good.” Rom. 7:12. David said, “Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; for Thy law is my delight.” Ps. 119:77. “I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord; and Thy law is my delight.” Verse 174. Paul said, “I delight in the law of the Lord after the inward man.” Rom. 7:22. These representatives of the two dispensations are in accord with each other, and in accord with the life and character of Christ. Speaking by the Spirit of prophecy through David before His advent, He testified, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Ps. 40:8. Later He passes the counsel on to his disciples: “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.” John 15:10. Again, concerning the law of God, Jesus says, “This do, and thou shalt live.” See Luke 10:25-28. Thus agree the three witnesses—David, of the old dispensation; Paul, of the new; and Christ, who stands for all time. The sinner, the transgressor of the law, is justified by faith, and brought into a condition of peace with God and harmony with the law which he formerly transgressed (Rom. 3:24-26, 31; 5:1, 2), and the perfect law continues to be the perfect standard of righteousness. “Let my tongue sing of Thy Word; for all Thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172. “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.