VAIN WORSHIP by M. E. Steward

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 7, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 39.

VAIN WORSHIP.

By M. E. Steward

BY M. E. STEWARD.

THE Jews thought they could release themselves from the observance of the strict letter of some of God’s commandments. “God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and thy mother,” but by formally dedicating their property to the cause of God, they persuaded themselves that they were not obliged to care for parents who were dependent upon them. Matt. 15: 5.

They called this money “Corban” (Mark 7: 11), i. e., an oblation, meaning a bloodless offering or gift, dedicated to sacred uses. “It is true, father, mother, that by giving thee this, which I now present, thou mightest be profited by me; but I have gifted it to pious uses, and therefore at whatever cost to thee, I am not now at liberty to alienate any portion of it. To dedicate property to God is indeed lawful and laudable, but not at the expense of filial duty.”—Rev. David Brown.

Christ set the matter right. See Matt. 15: 3-9. He pronounced such religion of the “mouth” and “lips,” “while their heart is far from Me.” “But in vain,” said he, “they

do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Is there not a parallel in our days? If the Lord has specified a day for us to keep holy, has anyone a right to keep any other day for the Sabbath? What would the Saviour say to those who rest on the first day of the week, thinking they are thereby released from keeping the day which God sanctified and commanded? Gen. 2:2, 3; Ex. 20:8-11. Will not our Lord say to all who persist in so doing, "In vain they do worship me [it is neither acceptable to me, nor will it profit them], teaching for doctrines the commandments of men"?

Please read Isa. 1:10-20. Is there not reason to fear the prophet, if living now, would pronounce the same fearful utterances, divested of course of the peculiarities of Jewish worship?