A Twofold Expression of the Law.
By T. H. Starbuck
IN the plan of redemption God has promulgated His law to the world in a twofold sense,—in the living oracles from Sinai, engraven upon stone, and in the life and teachings of Christ. The principles of divine love, solemnly enjoined from Sinai in Ten Commandments, were practically exemplified in the life of "the Son of His love" on earth. The plan of redemption is God's moral government administered in a manner to suit the exigencies of the case. The mediatorial death of Christ was in strict harmony with the principles of the law. If this were not true, the law itself would condemn the sacrifice which God has made to save the lost. But the gift of His Son being in harmony with the claims of the law, He can be just in saving those who believe on Jesus. Rom. 3: 26. The fact should be emphasized, however, that there is a well-defined boundary beyond which neither justice nor mercy can go. That boundary marks the distinction between loyalty and disloyalty to God on the part of the sinner. If he repents and becomes loyal to God, there is a principle of mercy in the law that forgives; and God can be just (in harmony with His law) in justifying the repentant, and the law itself witnesses to the correctness of the transaction. But if the sinner persists in his disloyalty, the principle of justice in the law condemns, for the wages of sin is death, and God can be just in the condemnation of such, and the law witnesses to the justice of the transaction. The law itself inspires the repentant sinner with hope, for it proclaims its Author to be merciful,—"showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments." Second commandment. God is compassionate, and His law could not be perfect without responding to that trait in His character. A law without the element of mercy in it could but imperfectly represent the perfection of its merciful Author. The Decalogue is given in a form adapted to our condition in this life. It appeals to those who are transgressors of it. While it contains the universal principles of morality, it addresses sinful men, not sinless angels, or beings of some far-away world; and, tho it pierces the sinner's heart, it indicates that God will show mercy to such as are inclined to obedience.