p. 73 | WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE? by Elder L. A. Hoopes

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 5, 1892

WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE?

By Elder L. A. Hoopes

BY ELDER L. A. HOOPES.

WHO are responsible for the lax observance of the Sabbath? The day of final reckoning will reveal the correct answer to all such questions. In this life we are not permitted to judge the motives of our fellow-men. When Christ was on the earth he judged no man. John 12:47. He did not judge after the seeing of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears (Isa. 11:3); and, if we are followers of him, we shall not judge any man. It is enough for us to take the words of Holy Writ and there learn our duty. We all exert an influence, either by precept or example. If we are walking in the truth of Scriptures, then our influence is what God designs it should be.

We are to be witnesses for Christ. He was a standing rebuke against all manner of sin. In other words, Christ kept the law. He constantly held up before the people that which condemned every sin. If we are followers of Christ, we shall do likewise. But if we teach the abrogation of the law, then that which convinces and convicts of sin is taken away, and the consciences of sinners are at ease. The worst thing that we can do for a sinner is to teach the abrogation of God's law. For said Paul, "I had not known sin, but by the law." Rom. 7:7. "For by the law is the knowledge of sin." Rom. 3:20. All must be brought to the conviction that they have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:2), for when man once realizes his sinfulness and utter helplessness without a Saviour, he will flee to Christ, his only rescue (1 Tim. 1:15). Then let us forever hold up before our eyes that great moral mirror, the law of God. James 1: 23-25.

If we desire that our example shall not lead others to disregard the Sabbath of Jehovah, let us be careful that we do not teach that the fourth commandment, the only Sabbath law given by God, is abrogated or nailed to the cross. For where there is no law, there is no transgression. Rom. 4:15. For when we teach that that commandment—the only Sabbath law—is done away, do we not say to all that it is no harm if we work every day? Who, then, is responsible for the impression that is out "that it makes no difference if no day is kept for the Sabbath"? Let each one answer for himself. In the light of the following scriptures, which is safer to follow, the man who ignores the law of Jehovah or the man that keeps the commandments and teaches men to keep them?

Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2: 10-12. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass than one tittle of the law to fall. Luke 16:17.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven [or "of no esteem in heaven"—McKnight]; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:19, 20.