THE LAW OF GOD by R. A. Underwood

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 47.

THE LAW OF GOD

By R. A. Underwood

By R. A. Underwood.

THE Primary Law of God, as a whole, may be divided into three grand divisions. First in order is Physical Law. The Lord has a plan for the material universe; hence the laws of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and meteorology.

Secondly: Organic Law. The Almighty created matter upon a plan, hence the laws of physiology, botany, etc. From decaying, offensive soil, with the presence of moisture, heat, and sunlight, God forms the clearest fiber, the most beautiful flowers, and the luscious fruits, pleasing to the eye, fragrant to the smell, delicious to the taste, and wholesome to man. This same plant and fruit, by as wonderful law, is transformed into the being of man and animal life. Ps. 139: 13-16.

Man did not enact these laws. He can not fathom their mysteries; he can not abrogate them; they are higher than man.

Thirdly: God has a plan for the soul of amenable created intelligences; hence the Moral Law.

The Bible reveals the moral law; it does not create it. The moral law existed prior to the creation of man. By it must all created intelligences be judged. James 2:12; Eccl. 12:13, 14. It is higher in order than either the physical or organic law.

The moral law is the Constitution of the government of the Almighty. It embraces all fundamental rules that lie at the foundation of God's moral government, and enters into the solution of all moral questions. This law is spiritual. Rom. 7:14. It is perfect. Ps. 19:7. It was spoken and written by God Himself. Deut. 5:22-24; Ex. 24:12. This law is unalterable, and will stand forever. Ps. 89: 34; 111:7, 8. This law was designed to secure happiness to man and all amenable creatures, so long as it was strictly obeyed. Of this law Blackstone says: "The moral law is summarily contained in the Decalogue, written by the finger of God on two tables of stone, and delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai." Exodus 20. "Chambers' Encyclopedia" says: "The moral law is that perceptive revelation of the divine will, which is of perpetual and universal obligation. It is summed up in the Ten Commandments."

John Wesley, in volume 1, pages 221, 222 of his "Sermons," says: "The moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, and enforced by the prophets, He [Christ] did not take away. This is a law which stands fast as the faithful witness in heaven."

The Scriptures sum up the moral law in two great principles, namely, love to God, and love to man.

The remnant church on earth will keep this law of love. Rev. 12:17. Happy and blessed eternally are they who are found in harmony with its divine principles. Rev. 22:14.