RECONCILIATION by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 21, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 21.

RECONCILIATION

By G.

THERE is a false impression abroad that Jesus Christ is endeavoring to persuade people to be good so that God the Father can be reconciled to them, and forgive their sins. In much of present-day theology the idea prevails that the scene on Mount Sinai was one of terrible anger on the part of the Almighty, and the law spoken on that occasion was a species of tyranny. But that wonderful scene was an expression of love. See Deut. 4: 36, 37; 33: 2, 3. We often hear expressions implying a marked contrast between the law of God and the love of Christ.

But “love is of God,” and “God is love.” 1 John 4: 7, 8. This always was true. It was just as true at Sinai as it was in the manifestation of God in the flesh by Jesus Christ. God’s love was manifested in the gift of His Son (John 3: 16; 1 John 4: 9, 10), and that was decided before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1: 20), the Creator knowing that the race would fall. Christ did not give His life to reconcile God to us, but to reconcile us to God. 2 Cor. 5: 18-21.

The law of God shows the character and purpose of a God of love and purity. The second commandment shows Him to be a God of mercy; the fourth manifests His great creative power, and the fifth is a “commandment with promise.” The other commandments are all protective in their requirements, and the whole law is designed for the promotion of the happiness of all creation. Its provisions can not fail to give peace of mind to all who will be reconciled to God. “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Ps. 19: 8. “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Verses 10, 11.

The greatest proposition before the world to-day is, “Be ye reconciled to God.” His Word tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” Ps. 111: 10. “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.” Ps. 112: 1.