What Is Revealed Religion?
By J. H. W.
Religion, primarily, signifies a system of worship. In those lands where Christianity is recognized, the word is generally restricted to the worship of God. The religion of pagans is, of course, the worship of idols. But when we speak of “revealed religion,” we refer solely to the worship of the true God, according to his own requirements, as revealed to his creature, man. The highest form of worship, and the only true worship of God, is obedience. Without this, all professions are vain, all forms but mockery. When Saul presumed to worship God contrary to his requirement, he was informed that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Sam. 15:22. And Solomon said, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Prov. 28:9. The Saviour taught the same thing, saying, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in Heaven.” Matt. 7:21. And again, he declared their worship vain who taught the commandments of men, and made void the commandments of God. Matt. 15:6, 9. And all the Scripture shows that the difference between the righteous and the wicked is the difference between obedience and disobedience. 1 John 3:4–8. The commandments of God were revealed from Mount Sinai, by his own voice, and written by his own finger. That they were so revealed there could exist no doubt; the manifestation of power and glory was so wonderful that not a doubter was left in all that vast assembly. That they were a rule of obedience, is evident from their phraseology: “Thou shalt;” and Moses said of them to the Jews: “which he commanded you to perform.” Deut. 4:12, 13. Alexander Campbell, in his debate with Bishop Purcell, said of the ten commandments, that, not only in the Old Testament, but in all revelation, they were considered the synopsis of all religion and morality. And this is a just remark, for all moral duty is epitomized in them. And all writers on morality, of any eminence, have spoken to the same intent. Webster calls them the moral law. And as God is moral Governor, they must be the law of his government; and this honor he put upon them by revealing them in person. But a curiosity in theological literature has lately fallen under my notice. A man in Central Indiana, a preacher among the Disciples, or Campbellites, has for some years tried to render himself famous as a debater; and this seems to be the highest ambition with most of that class of preachers. He has had many debates, and by many of his denomination is considered a man of great ability and power. Some time since, he sent three propositions to our brethren in Howard Co., one of which is as follows: “The law commonly known as the law of ten commandments never was any part of revealed religion.” “A. WALKER.” Whether Mr. Walker meant that the Lord never revealed the ten commandments, or that he commanded them, but never intended that they should be obeyed, is a query. It is doubtful whether he knew what he meant himself. But comment is needless. J. H. W. N. Liberty, Ind., March 15, 1872.