THE DECALOGUE by J. W. Watt

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 11, 1899

THE DECALOGUE.

By J. W. Watt

The Seventh Commandment.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." Ex. 20:14.

This commandment was given to guard the chastity of all God's intelligent creatures; for He would have a pure universe. There has been much said about social purity, but there is no genuine social purity apart from Christ; for only in Him can we keep the commandments of God.

"With the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward." Ps. 17:26. The patriarch David understood that God was pure, and that He would give justice to the pure-minded man, while those who were impure would receive a just reward for their impurity.

"The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Ps. 12:6. Silver purified seven times would certainly be free from all dross and impurity; and when God speaks, His words are just as pure as silver thus tried. His servants, who are to dwell with Him throughout eternity, must be like Him in character. Paul exhorts Timothy thus: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12. God's servants are to speak pure words, engage in no other than pure conversation, have pure love (charity), be pure in spirit, have a pure faith, and delight in purity. All this is included in the idea of purity, taught by the seventh commandment.

"Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." Titus 1:15. In this text two classes are clearly pointed out, the pure and the impure. One class can see only the good there is in individuals, judging from the way they speak of them. They judge all men and women to be pure until they show by some outward act that they are not so; this is the attitude of a true child of God. The other class can see only impurity in every one, because their own hearts and lives are impure, and they judge every one to be like themselves. The writer has met men who, it seemed, could not think or talk of anything but something of an impure character. It is sad to think that any of God's creatures, made in His own image, could fall so low in sin.

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery; but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matt. 5:27, 28. Our Saviour here gives us the true import of this commandment. The Jews were very strict in the outward observance of the law of God; but they had failed to grasp the spiritual nature of the law. They did not know that evil thoughts and desires were a violation of the commandments. They were surprised at His teaching. But we see by our Saviour's words that our thoughts must be kept pure. Satan may suggest an evil thought, but the true servant of God will not willingly retain such thoughts in his mind. He will send up a petition, and the Lord, who is a present help in every time of need, will bestow the needed grace, and a victory over the devil will be gained.

"Tho we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds); casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:3-5. Blessed words are these. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual. They are mighty, not through self, but through God. Then it is God who controls our thoughts; He has given us the weapons. By His Spirit He dwells within us; His Word and Spirit are to be our constant help and stay. Thus it is God that does the work for us through His own agencies.

How thankful we should be that it is possible for every child of God to have every thought brought into obedience to the will of Christ! This is what it means to keep the seventh commandment, yes, and all the commandments. Christ has given us a perfect example of obedience to His Father's law, and He says, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." May the grace of our Lord rest upon all His dear children. J. W. WATT.