p. 5 | BIBLE OBJECT LESSONS by G. W. Reaser

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 10, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 10.

BIBLE OBJECT LESSONS.

By G. W. Reaser

“Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people.”

We frequently meet individuals who, when brought face to face with their duty in obeying the voice of the Lord, not only in their actions, but also by their words, virtually take the position that the Lord does not really mean what He says, but, like many of the children of men, sometimes talks at random.

A Well-Known Judicial Rule—Parallel Cases Decided by Precedent.

It is a well-known rule in the decision of legal questions, that previous decisions in parallel cases generally govern the decision of the case in hand. Altho there are some exceptions to this general rule, because of the fallibility of mankind, yet we would certainly expect from the same judge exactly the same decision in a parallel case. But above all things else would we expect that the “Judge of all the earth” would render uniform decisions, not only from our knowledge of His character, wisdom, and infallibility, but because of His penetration; for “all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do,” and because He says, “I am the Lord, I change not,” and again, “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

To the end that we may determine whether the Lord requires unquestioning obedience of us, let us examine His attitude toward, and dealings with, cases in the past,—cases in which His words have been regarded carelessly, or have not been heeded at all.

It is well worth our while to observe, first, that, no matter what the requirement that the Lord sees fit to lay before His people, it is always for their good, altho it may seem to some that our heavenly Father is arbitrary. It will ultimately be demonstrated to all, but especially to those who render loving obedience to His precepts, that the Lord has only the supreme good and highest happiness of all of His creatures in view, in all of the commandments which He has given them to perform. (See Deut. 6:24, 25; 10:12, 13.)

Citation of Cases.

With these thoughts in mind, let us briefly investigate a few of the cases where God has passed sentence for disobedience, that we may ascertain to our own satisfaction whether the Lord means exactly what He says, and also to learn what a parallel decision will be in our individual cases, if we disobey, remembering, meanwhile, that we each have a case pending, a legal question for decision, before the judgment bar of God.

A Test Case—Adam and Eve.

Going back to the earliest history of the human family, we learn that God, for a wise purpose, brought a test to bear upon our first parents. He placed one restriction upon them.

“By one command alone restrained, to prove, As was most just, His filial love sincere, His loyalty, obedience due, and faith. And thus the prohibition ran, expressed, As God is wont, in terms of plainest truth.”

To partake of their luscious fruits, they were given free access to all of the trees in the Garden of Eden, save one. God distinctly told them that they were not to eat of the fruit of the “tree of knowledge of good and evil,” at the same time stating the consequences of disobedience. But the tempter came, and persuaded them into thinking that God was not so particular, that He did not really mean what He said; man yielded to the deception, and as a consequence, his life was forfeited, and all that he had before possessed in his innocent and happy state, was lost.

Now did the Lord then mean what He said? Did He talk at random on that occasion? There can be but one true answer, “The Lord is not a man that He should lie.” He always means exactly what He says. He never talks at random. Every time that we are in the presence of death, it ought to be a forcible reminder to us of the results of disobedience; for “in Adam, all die.”

Cain and Abel.

Another case. The two sons of Adam were similarly tested, to prove whether they would believe and obey God. “They were acquainted with the provision made for the salvation of man, and understood the system of offerings that God had ordained.” They knew full well that by “conforming to the divine plan for their redemption, they were giving proof of their obedience to the will of God. Without the shedding of blood, there could be no remission of sin. “The two brothers erected their altars alike, and each brought an offering. Abel presented a sacrifice from the flock, according to the Lord’s directions. ‘And the Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering.’ Fire flashed from heaven, and consumed the sacrifice. But Cain, disregarding the Lord’s direct and explicit command, presented only an offering of fruit.” “Cain obeyed in building an altar, obeyed in bringing a sacrifice; but he rendered only partial obedience.”

Abel exercised faith and was obedient; Cain was unbelieving and rebellious. These men represent two classes that will exist in the world to the close of time. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” “True faith, which relies wholly upon Christ, will be manifested by obedience to all the requirements of God. From Adam’s day to the present time the great controversy has been concerning obedience to God’s law. In all ages there have been those who claimed a right to the favor of God, even while they were disregarding some of His commands.” “But the Scriptures declare that by works is ‘faith made perfect;’ and that without the works of obedience, ‘faith is dead.’”

Again let us inquire, Is God particular? Does He require exact obedience? Every candid mind can give only an affirmative answer.

Take It Home.

As we proceed with our investigation, let us apply the underlying principle in each example, to ourselves as individuals, as regards our responsibility in obeying those living words which our heavenly Father spake in an audible voice from Mount Sinai, and wrote with His own finger on two tables of stone, and especially to that one commandment concerning which nearly the whole professed Christian world say, by their words or practise, or both, that God is not particular. In other words, let us make the distinction that Cain failed to make, i. e., to discern between the sacred and the common; exercise faith rather than unbelief; obey rather than rebel. G. W. REASER.

(To be continued.)