p. 7 | Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 10, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 50.

Question Corner

By Editor

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

1294.—The Law Fulfilled. Gal. 5:14.

Please explain Gal. 5:14: “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” That does not seem to refer at all to the Fourth Commandment, as we might love others, and still keep Sunday. E. B.

Is it not just as evident that “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” does not refer to the First, Second, and Third Commandments as it is to the Fourth? Compare with our Lord’s words in Matt. 22:37-40. The context of Gal. 5:14 very clearly shows that it is the law governing one’s duty to his neighbor that the apostle has in mind. And yet in a larger and deeper sense God’s law is one, and he who truly keeps a part keeps the whole in spirit, and will in the letter, if he is instructed in what it teaches. For no man truly loves his neighbor as himself (his neighbor is the man in need) who does not first love God. The test of our love to our neighbor is obedience to all God’s commandments (1 John 5:2, 3); for he that loveth God, loves his brother also (1 John 4:21). Again, only he who is born of God knows what love is; but he who knows what love is will not only love all men, but only such can love all men; and “this is the love of God that we keep His commandments.” See 1 John 3:7-18; 4:7, 8; 5:3. The eternal principle of the love of God is all-embracing.