THE LAW IN THE GOSPEL PLAN.
By F. M. Burg
VII. A Question Answered in Two Ways.
IN Matt. 19:16 is a question asked of Jesus by a young man: "What . . . shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" In Acts 16:30 a like question is asked of Paul by the keeper of the jail, "What must I do to be saved?" In answer to the young man's query the Saviour said, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Paul, answering the jailer, said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Now while there is no discrepancy between these two answers to the same question, there is a vital point to which attention is called, and which accounts for the seeming difference in the answers. If we will take into account the circumstances of each case, all will be clear. The young man professed to be serving the Lord, as appears from reading the account in Matt. 19:16-20. In consideration of this fact there was only one answer to be given to his question, and that was the answer given by the Saviour, "Keep the commandments." When a man has become a Christian, having believed in Jesus for the forgiveness of his past sins, the keeping of God's commandments, or obeying Him, is the one thing as far as his personal conduct is concerned. If he does the will of God as contained in His law, he will gain eternal life—will enter the gates of the city, and have right to the tree of life. Rev. 22:14. But the case of the jailer was quite different from that of the young man who approached the Saviour. The jailer made no profession of being a child of God. He was a sinner, and knew it. From this standpoint, only one answer could be given to his inquiry, and that was, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." He was in the position of people who need justification. Justification, or forgiveness for the sinner, can only be obtained through faith in the blood of Jesus. It is important to remember the two principles illustrated by these two cases: (a) One who is a Christian, who claims to know and serve God, has but to remember his obligation to do the will of God, to obey His law fully, by the faith of Jesus. Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:26; Rev. 14:12. Illustration: Christ's answer to the young man, taking him on his own ground. (b) The man who is still in sin can find freedom from guilt and peace with God only by accepting pardon through the blood of Christ by believing. Illustration: Paul's answer to the jailer. VIII. True Christians Obey.
It has not been the aim in these articles to present anything like an exhaustive study of this great subject, as that would be impossible in the space used. But it is hoped that the brief outline or skeleton, which has been given, will be helpful to some who wish to become fortified against so many erroneous conclusions which follow a wrong understanding of this question. The teaching of these times which berates the law of God, and seeks to release men from their duty to obey, grows out of the natural bent of the human heart. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:7. When one is heard pouring forth vituperation against the law of God, it is evident that his heart is radically wrong; he needs the work done for him which the Master insisted that Nicodemus needed. I do not know of a more incongruous thing than that a man claim to believe and even teach the Gospel, and at the same time ignore wholly any obligation to obey the law which Jesus gave, which He obeyed, and which He died to vindicate; and also taught His disciples to do and teach. When the Spirit of God does its work upon a man's heart, that man loves to walk in the precepts of the Lord. Through the prophet Ezekiel the promise is given that the Holy Spirit will come upon the people, causing them to walk in the precepts of the law. Eze. 36:26, 27. And this is just the work that is done under the new covenant. Heb. 8:6-10. When the law was given to the Israelites of old, the Lord said that these words should be in their hearts, and they should diligently observe them. Deut. 6:4-9, 20-24. The psalmist says, "O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Ps. 119:97. And of him whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates therein day and night, it is said that he shall be "like9a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doth shall prosper." Ps. 1:1-3. "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3. We might cite scriptures at length to this same effect; but what has been set forth in this short series of articles is an example of the whole tenor of Scripture teaching on this subject. May the Lord work at this time, when men have made void His law. The characteristic feature of these last days is lawlessness. The prophet has foretold the utter desolation of the earth by the judgments of God because of this very thing. Isa. 24:1-5. And in view of the near approach of the day of retribution, God is sending to all nations of men a most solemn warning and a call to true worship; out of which will develop a people who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:6-12. This will incite the devil to wrath, as is seen in chapter 12:17. But out of the conflict will come a triumphant company to stand on the sea of glass having the harps of God. Rev. 15:2-5. Shall we not choose the way of the Lord and be numbered with the victorious ones?