OBEDIENCE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 27, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 35.

RELIGION is obedience. The Bible says concerning Christ, “He is the Author of eternal salvation to them that obey Him.” Our Lord says, “Ye are My friends if ye do whatsoever I have commanded you.” “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love, as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” Prayer is good. Worship is good. Giving alms is good. But obedience is better. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” The king thought he might be justified in disobeying the commandment of God if he should devote the cattle and sheep, which he had spared, to the Lord for sacrifice. This would answer for a pagan. Heathen religions regard sacrifice as better than good morals. Righteousness may be dispensed with if the temples of the gods are filled with fat victims.

The Bible teaches a different religion. Sacrifice which is not accompanied by obedience is an abomination in the sight of the Lord. Obedience is the way of life. There is no exception. No excuse for disobedience will be accepted. There is no justification for transgression. The majesty of the transgressor is no palliation. The offerings made to the poor make no atonement. The pressure of public opinion furnishes no justification. Obedience is the way of life. Transgression leads to death.—Christian Advocate.