Law is a transcript of the Divine nature; the Divine _character_ or
handwriting making Him known to us; the far-reaching _hand_ of the
Eternal. God reveals Himself in its _sanctions, reward,_ and
_punishment._ To obey is to reap reward; to disobey is to be laid
hold of _instantly_ by the outraged majesty of law. There is no human
way of escape. Visible judgment may be deferred, but the Divine law
is cognisant of all transgression. In the matter of the first sin,
the formerly existing _potentiality_ of punishment became an
_actuality._ The character of the Divine law may be seen--1. _In the
physical world._ The designer of a ship or bridge diverges from
mathematical truth only to produce disaster. 2. _In Providence._
3. _In the Word of God._
APPLICATION.--_If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?_ 1. The Divine judgments cannot be
evaded. "God is love;" but what love! God is "a consuming fire;" not
sentimentally weak; not given to winking at transgression. 2. God's
_grace_ magnifies His name and law. He condemned Christ as the
_Sin-Bearer_ to _death._ Thank God! the sinner may be pardoned, but
the impenitent are surely handed over to punishment.--_J. Macrae
Simcock._