Our Bible Reading by H. W. Cottrell

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 9, 1912

Our Bible Reading

By H. W. Cottrell

The Perpetuity of the Law

1. What was prophesied of the relation of Christ to the law? The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will MAGNIFY the LAW, and make it honorable. Isa. 42: 21.

2. Did He magnify it—thus show that it takes cognizance of HEART MOTIVES? Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill [sixth commandment]; . . . but I say unto you, That whosoever is ANGRY with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. Matt. 5: 21, 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery [seventh commandment]: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh . . . to lust . . . hath committed adultery . . . already in his heart. Verses 27, 28.

3. If He magnified the law, did He also destroy it? Think not that I am come to DESTROY THE LAW, or the prophets: I AM NOT COME TO DESTROY, BUT TO FULFIL. Verse 17.

4. Is the law perpetual? For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Verse 18.

NOTE.—A “jot” is the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. A “tittle” is the smallest mark of distinction between letters in the Hebrew language. Christ herein declares that not a SCINTILLA of the law can pass away while heaven and earth remain; also, that not an IOTA of the law can be erased until “all,” both the “law” and the “prophets,” are fulfilled. There are prophecies which tell of the joys of the eternal world; therefore the law can not expire unless eternity should end.

5. Does fulfilling divine law cause its expiration? Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so FULFIL the LAW OF CHRIST. Gal. 6: 2.

NOTE.—No one will concede that, because the law of Christ is fulfilled by those who bear others’ burdens, it expired by limitation.

6. Does belief in Christ make the law void, or does it establish it? Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Rom. 3: 31.

7. Did Christ by precept and example teach the perpetuity of the law? Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me, I DELIGHT TO DO THY WILL, O My God: yea, THY LAW IS WITHIN MY HEART. Ps. 40: 7, 8. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the ABUNDANCE of the HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKETH. Luke 6: 45. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I HAVE KEPT MY FATHER’S COMMANDMENTS, and abide in His love. John 15: 10.

8. What condition of mind is required to be in harmony with the law? For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. 8: 6, 7.

9. Will the law, like its author, endure forever? The works of His hands are verity and judgment; ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE SURE. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Ps. 111: 7, 8.

10. Are they both holy and spiritual? Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom. 7: 12. For we know that the law is spiritual. Verse 14.

NOTE.—The holy and spiritual must continue eternally. H. W. COTTRELL.