The Law of God
I
Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.
II
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of
anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that
is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them,
nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth
generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them
that love Me, and keep My commandments.
III
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord
will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
IV
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and
do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God:
in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
man servant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that
is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the
Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
V
Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI
Thou shalt not kill.
VII
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII
Thou shalt not steal.
IX
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
X
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy
neighbor’s wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor his ox,
nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
The Law Of God
[Illustration.]
Mt. Sinai. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Ps.
19:7.
1. When God brought His people out of Egypt, how did He republish His law?
“And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the
voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And _He
declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even
ten commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone_.” Deut.
4:12, 13. See also Neh. 9:13, 14.
2. Where are the ten commandments recorded?
In Ex. 20:2-17.
3. How comprehensive are these commandments?
“Fear God, and keep His commandments: for _this is the whole duty of
man_.” Eccl. 12:13.
4. What inspired tribute is paid to the law of God?
“_The law of the Lord is perfect_, converting the soul: the testimony of
the Lord is _sure_, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are
_right_, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is _pure_,
enlightening the eyes.” Ps. 19:7, 8.
5. What blessing does the psalmist say attends the keeping of God’s
commandments?
“Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and _in keeping of them there is
great reward_.” Verse 11.
6. What did Christ state as a condition of entering into life?
“If thou wilt enter into life, _keep the commandments_.” Matt. 19:17.
7. Can man of himself, unaided by Christ, keep the law?
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit: for _without Me ye can do nothing_.”
John 15:5. See also Rom. 7:14-19.
8. What provision has been made so that we may keep God’s law?
“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God
sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom.
8:3, 4.
9. What is the nature of God’s law?
“For we know that _the law is spiritual_: but I am carnal, sold under
sin.” Rom. 7:14.
NOTE.—In His comments on the sixth and seventh commandments,
recorded in Matt. 5:21-28, Christ demonstrated the spiritual
nature of the law, showing that it relates not merely to outward
actions, but that it reaches to the thoughts and intents of the
heart. See also Heb. 4:12. The tenth commandment forbids lust, or
all unlawful desire. Rom. 7:7. Obedience to this law, therefore,
requires not merely an outward compliance, but genuine heart
service. This can be rendered only by a regenerated soul.
10. How is the law further described?
“Wherefore the law is _holy_, and the commandment _holy_, and _just_, and
_good_.” Verse 12.
11. What is revealed in God’s law?.
“And knowest _His_ [_God’s_] _will_, and approvest the things that are
more excellent, being instructed out of the law.” Rom. 2:18.
12. When Christ came to this earth, what was His attitude toward God’s
will, or law?
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me,
_I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart_.”
Ps. 40:7, 8. See Heb. 10:5, 7.
13. Who did He say would enter the kingdom of heaven?
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but _he that doeth the will of My Father which is in
heaven_.” Matt. 7:21.
14. What did He say of those who should break one of God’s commandments,
or should teach men to do so?
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall teach men so, _he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven_.” Matt. 5:19, first part.
15. Who did He say would be called great in the kingdom?
“But _whosoever shall do and teach them_, the same shall be called great
in the kingdom.” Same verse, last part.
16. How did Christ estimate the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees?
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, _ye shall in no case enter
into the kingdom of heaven_.” Verse 20.
17. For what did Christ reprove the Pharisees?
“But He answered and said unto them, _Why do ye also transgress the
commandment of God by your tradition?_” Matt. 15:3.
18. How had they done this?
“For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother.... But ye say,
Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, ... and
honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made
the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” Verses 4-6.
19. In consequence of this, what value did Christ place upon their
worship?
“But _in vain they do worship Me_, teaching for doctrines the commandments
of men.” Verse 9.
20. What is sin declared to be?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for _sin is the
transgression of the law_.” 1 John 3:4.
21. By what is the knowledge of sin?
“For _by the law is the knowledge of sin_.” Rom. 3:20. See Rom. 7:7.
22. How many of the commandments is it necessary to break in order to
become a transgressor of the law?
“For _whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all_. For He that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do
not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, and yet if thou kill, thou art
become a transgressor of the law.” James 2:10, 11.
NOTE.—This shows that the ten commandments are a complete whole,
and together constitute but one law. Like a chain of ten links,
all are inseparably connected together. If one link is broken, the
chain is broken.
23. How may we be freed from the guilt of our sins, or our transgressions
of God’s law?
“_If we confess our sins_, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.
24. Why are we admonished to fear God and keep His commandments?
“Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
_For God shall bring every work into judgment_, with every secret thing,
whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Eccl. 12:13, 14.
25. What will be the standard in the judgment?
“So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be _judged by the law of
liberty_.” James 2:12.
26. What is said of those who love God’s law?
“_Great peace have they which love Thy law_: and nothing shall offend
them.” Ps. 119:165.
27. What would obedience to God’s commandments have insured to ancient
Israel?
“O that thou hadst harkened to My commandments! _then had thy peace been
as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea_.” Isa. 48:18.
28. What is another blessing attending the keeping of God’s commandments?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a _good understanding
have all they that do His commandments_.” Ps. 111:10.
29. In what does the man delight whom the psalmist describes as blessed?
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But _his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he
meditate day and night_.” Ps. 1:1, 2. See Rom. 7:22.
30. Why is the carnal mind enmity against God?
“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.
31. How do those with renewed hearts and minds regard the commandments of
God?
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and _His
commandments are not grievous_.” 1 John 5:3.
32. What is the essential principle of the law of God?
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore _love_ is the fulfilling
of the law.” Rom. 13:10.
33. In what two great commandments is the law of God briefly summarized?
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And
the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On
these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matt. 22:37-40.
NOTE.—“Does any man say to me, ‘You see, then, instead of the ten
commandments, we have received the two commandments, and these are
much easier’? I answer that this reading of the law is not in the
least easier. Such a remark implies a want of thought and
experience. Those two precepts comprehend the ten at their fullest
extent, and cannot be regarded as the erasure of a jot or tittle
of them. Whatever difficulties surround the commands are equally
found in the two, which are their sum and substance. If you love
God with all your heart, you must keep the first table; and if you
love your neighbor as yourself, you must keep the second
table.”—_“__The Perpetuity of the Law of God,__”__ by C. H.
Spurgeon, page 6._
34. What is said of one who professes to know the Lord, but does not keep
His commandments?
“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is _a liar_,
and _the truth is not in him_.” 1 John 2:4.
35. What promise is made to the willing and obedient?
“If ye be willing and obedient, _ye shall eat the good of the land_.” Isa.
1:19.
36. How does God regard those who walk in His law?
“_Blessed_ are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.”
Ps. 119:1.
Perpetuity Of The Law
[Illustration.]
Christ Expounding The Law. "Think not that I am come to destroy the law,
or the prophets." Matt. 5:17.
1. How many lawgivers are there?
“There is _one lawgiver_, who is able to save and to destroy.” James 4:12.
2. What is said of the stability of God’s character?
“For I am the Lord, _I change not_.” Mal. 3:6.
3. How enduring are His commandments?
“The works of His hands are verity and judgment; _all His commandments are
sure. They stand fast forever and ever_, and are done in truth and
uprightness.” Ps. 111:7, 8.
4. Did Christ come to abolish or to destroy the law?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: _I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfil_.” Matt. 5:17.
NOTES.—_The law_; broadly, the writings of Moses; specifically,
the ten commandments, or moral law, from which the writings of
Moses primarily derived their name. _The prophets_; that is, the
writings of the prophets. Neither of these Christ came to destroy,
but rather to fulfil, or meet their design.
“The laws of the Jews are commonly divided into moral, ceremonial,
and judicial. The moral laws are such as grow out of the nature of
things, which cannot, therefore, be changed,—such as the duty of
loving God and His creatures. These cannot be abolished, as it can
never be made right to hate God, or to hate our fellow men. Of
this kind are the ten commandments; and these our Saviour neither
abolished nor superseded. The ceremonial laws are such as are
appointed to meet certain states of society, or to regulate the
religious rites and ceremonies of a people. These can be changed
when circumstances are changed, and yet the moral law be
untouched.”—_Dr. Albert Barnes, on Matt. 5:18._
“Jesus did not come to change the law, but He came to explain it,
and that very fact shows that it remains; for there is no need to
explain that which is abrogated.... By thus explaining the law He
confirmed it; He could not have meant to abolish it, or He would
not have needed to expound it.... That the Master did not come to
alter the law is clear, because after having embodied it in His
life, He willingly gave Himself up to bear its penalty, though He
had never broken it, bearing the penalty for us, even as it is
written, ‘Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us.’ ... If the law had demanded more of us than
it ought to have done, would the Lord Jesus have rendered to it
the penalty which resulted from its too severe demands? I am sure
He would not. But because the law asked only what it ought to ask,
namely, perfect obedience, and exacted of the transgressor only
what it ought to exact, namely, death as the penalty for
sin,—death under divine wrath,—therefore the Saviour went to the
tree, and there bore our sins, and purged them once for
all.”—_“__The Perpetuity of the Law of God,__”__ by C. H.
Spurgeon, pages 4-7._
“The moral law contained in the ten commandments, and enforced by
the prophets, He did not take away. It was not the design of His
coming to revoke any part of this.... Every part of this law must
remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages, as not depending
either on time or place, or any other circumstance liable to
change, but on the nature of God, and the nature of man, and their
unchangeable relation to each other.”—_John Wesley, in his
__“__Sermons,__”__ Vol. I, No. 25, pages 221, 222._
5. When used with reference to prophecy, what does the word _fulfil_ mean?
To fill up; to accomplish; to bring to pass; as, “that it might be
_fulfilled_ which was spoken by Esaias the prophet.” Matt. 4:14.
6. What does it mean when used with reference to law?
To perform, to keep, or to act in accordance with; as, “Bear ye one
another’s burdens, and so _fulfil_ the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2. See also
Matt. 3:15; James 2:8, 9.
7. How did Christ treat His Father’s commandments?
“I have _kept_ My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” John
15:10.
8. If one professes to abide in Christ, how ought he to walk?
“He that saith he abideth in Him _ought himself also so to walk, even as
He walked_.” 1 John 2:6.
9. What is sin?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for _sin is the
transgression of the law_.” 1 John 3:4.
NOTE.—This text does not say that sin _was_ the transgression of
the law, but that it _is_ this, thus demonstrating that the law is
still in force in the gospel dispensation. “Whosoever” likewise
shows the universality of its binding claims. Whoever of any
nation, race, or people commits sin, transgresses the law.
[Illustration.]
The Great Sacrifice. "Do we then make void the law through faith? God
forbid: yea, we establish the law." Rom. 3:31.
10. In what condition are all men?
“For _all have sinned_, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.
11. How many are included in the “all” who have sinned?
“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before
proved _both Jews and Gentiles_, that _they are all under sin_.” Verse 9.
12. By what are all men proved guilty?
“Now we know that _what things soever the law saith_, it saith to them who
are under the law: _that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may
become guilty before God_.” Verse 19.
NOTE.—It is what the law says, and not what one may interpret it
to mean, that proves the sinner guilty. Moreover, God is no
respecter of persons, but treats Jew and Gentile alike. Measured
by the law, _all the world_ are guilty before God.
13. Does faith in God make void the law?
“Do we then make void the law through faith? _God forbid: yea, we
establish the law_.” Verse 31.
14. What, more than all else, proves the perpetuity and immutability of
the law of God?
“For _God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son_, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16. “Christ died for our sins.” 1 Cor. 15:3.
NOTE.—Could the law have been abolished, and sin been disposed of
in this way, Christ need not have come and died for our sins. The
gift of Christ, therefore, more than all else, proves the
immutability of the law of God. Christ must come and die, and
satisfy the claims of the law, or the world must perish. The law
could not give way. Says Spurgeon in his sermon on “The Perpetuity
of the Law of God,” “Our Lord Jesus Christ gave a greater
vindication of the law by dying because it had been broken than
all the lost can ever give by their miseries.” The fact that the
law is to be the standard in the judgment is another proof of its
enduring nature. See Eccl. 12:13, 14; James 2:8-12.
15. What relation does a justified person sustain to the law?
“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but _the doers of the
law shall be justified_.” Rom. 2:13.
16. Who has the promise of being blessed in his doing?
“But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so
continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth, but _a doer that worketh_,
this man shall be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25, R. V.
17. By what may we know that we have passed from death unto life?
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, _because we love the
brethren_.” 1 John 3:14.
18. And how may we know that we love the brethren?
“By this we know that we love the children of God, _when we love God, and
keep His commandments_.” 1 John 5:2.
19. What is the love of God?
“For this is the love of God, _that we keep His commandments_.” Verse 3.
20. How are those described who will be prepared for the coming of Christ?
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
O that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep His statutes still!
O that my God would grant me grace
To know and do His will!
O send Thy Spirit down to write
Thy law upon my heart,
Nor let my tongue indulge deceit,
Nor act the liar’s part.
From vanity turn off my eyes,
Let no corrupt design
Nor covetous desire arise
Within this soul of mine.
Order my footsteps by Thy word,
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
Make me to walk in Thy commands,
’Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head, nor heart, nor hands
Offend against my God.
ISAAC WATTS.
Why The Law Was Given At Sinai
[Illustration.]
Moses With The Tables Of The Law. "By the law is the knowledge of sin."
Rom. 3:20.
1. How does Nehemiah describe the giving of the law at Sinai?
“Thou earnest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from
heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments: and madest known unto them Thy holy Sabbath, and commandedst
them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses Thy servant.” Neh.
9:13, 14.
2. What is declared to be the chief advantage possessed by the Jews?
“What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of
circumcision? Much every way: _chiefly, because that unto them were
committed the oracles of God_.” Rom. 3:1, 2.
NOTE.—The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the
benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the
guardians and keepers of His law, but He intended that it should
be held by them as a sacred trust for the whole world. The
precepts of the decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they
were given for the instruction and government of all. “Ten
precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty
of man to God and to his fellow men;” and all are based upon the
great fundamental principle of love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.”
Luke 10:27. In the ten commandments these principles are carried
out in detail, and are made applicable to the condition and
circumstances of man.
3. Before the giving of the law at Sinai, what did Moses say when Jethro
asked him concerning his judging the people?
“When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and
another, and _I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws_.” Ex.
18:16.
4. What explanation did Moses give the rulers of Israel concerning the
withholding of the manna on the seventh day in the wilderness of Sin,
before they reached Sinai?
“And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, _Tomorrow
is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord_.... Six days ye shall
gather it; but on the seventh day, _which is the Sabbath_, in it there
shall be none.” Ex. 16:23-26.
5. When some went out to gather manna on the seventh day, what did the
Lord say to Moses?
“And the Lord said unto Moses, _How long refuse ye to keep My commandments
and My laws_?” Verse 28.
NOTE.—It is evident therefore that the Sabbath and the law of God
existed before the law was given at Sinai.
6. What question does Paul ask concerning the law?
“Wherefore then serveth the law?” Gal. 3:19.
NOTE.—That is, of what use or service was the law announced at
Sinai? What special purpose had God in view in giving it then?
7. What answer is given to this question?
“_It was added, because of transgressions_, till the seed should come to
whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a
mediator.” Same verse.
NOTES.—The Greek word here translated “added” is the same one that
is translated “spoken” in Heb. 12:19.
“The meaning is that _the law was given to show the true nature of
transgressions_, or _to show what sin is_. It was not to reveal a
way of justification, but it was _to disclose the true nature of
sin_; to deter men from committing it; to declare its penalty; _to
convince men of it_, and thus to be ancillary to, and preparatory
to, the work of redemption through the Redeemer. This is the true
account of the law of God as given to apostate man, and this use
of the law still exists.”—_Dr. Albert Barnes, on Gal. 3:19._
8. How is this same truth again expressed?
“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. _But sin, that
it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin
by the commandment might become exceeding sinful._” Rom. 7:12, 13.
9. For what purpose did the law enter?
“Moreover the law entered, _that the offense might abound_.” Rom. 5:20.
NOTE.—By the giving of the law at Sinai, then, God designed, not
to increase or multiply sin, but that men might, through a new
revelation of Him and of His character and will, as expressed in a
_plainly spoken_ and _plainly written_ law, the better see _the
awful sinfulness of sin_, and thus _their utter helplessness_ and
_undone condition_. While in Egypt, surrounded as they were with
idolatry and sin, and as the result of their long bondage and hard
servitude, Israel even, the special people of God, had largely
forgotten God and lost sight of His requirements. Until one
realizes that he is a sinner, he cannot see his need of a Saviour
from sin. Hence the entering, or republication, of the law to the
world through Israel at Sinai.
10. By what is the knowledge of sin?
“_By the law_ is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20. See also Rom. 7:7.
11. Under what condition is the written law good?
“But we know that the law is good, _if a man use it lawfully_.” 1 Tim.
1:8.
12. And what is indicated as the lawful use of the law?
“Knowing this, that _the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the
lawless and disobedient_, for the _ungodly_ and for _sinners_, for
_unholy_ and _profane_, for _murderers_ of fathers and _murderers_ of
mothers, for _manslayers_, for _whoremongers_, for them that _defile
themselves with mankind_, for _menstealers_, for _liars_, for _perjured
persons_, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound
doctrine.” Verses 9, 10.
NOTE.—In other words, the lawful use of the written law is to show
what sin is, and to convince sinners that they are sinners, and
that they need a Saviour. God’s design, then, in giving the law at
Sinai was to shut men up under sin, and thus lead them to Christ.
13. Who does Christ say need a physician?
“They that be whole need not a physician, but _they that are sick_.” Matt.
9:12.
NOTE.—Speaking of how to deal with those “who are not stricken of
their sins,” and “have no deep conviction of guilt,” D. L. Moody,
in his “Sermons, Addresses, and Prayers,” says: “Just bring the
law of God to bear on these, and show them themselves in their
true light.... Don’t try to heal the wound before the hurt is
felt. Don’t attempt to give the consolation of the gospel until
your converts see that they have sinned—see it and feel it.”
14. Whom does Christ say He came to call to repentance?
“For I am not come to call the righteous, but _sinners_ to repentance.”
Verse 13.
15. What is the strength of sin?
“The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is _the law_.” 1 Cor.
15:56.
16. What are the wages of sin?
“For _the wages of sin is death_; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.
17. Could a law which condemns men give them life?
“Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for _if there
had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness
should have been by the law_.” Gal. 3:21.
18. What, therefore, was the purpose, or special design, of the giving of
the law at Sinai?
“Wherefore _the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ_, that we
might be justified by faith.” Verse 24.
NOTES.—“What is the law of God for? for us to keep in order to be
saved by it?—Not at all. It is sent in order to show us that we
cannot be saved by works, and to shut us up to be saved by grace.
But if you make out that the law is altered so that a man can keep
it, you have left him his old legal hope, and he is sure to cling
to it. You need a perfect law that shuts man right up to
hopelessness apart from Jesus, puts him into an iron cage, and
locks him up, and offers him no escape but by faith in Jesus; then
he begins to cry, ‘Lord, save me by grace, for I perceive that I
cannot be saved by my own works.’ This is how Paul describes it to
the Galatians: ‘The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that
the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that
believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut
up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore
the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we
might be justified by faith.’ I say you have deprived the gospel
of its ablest auxiliary when you set aside the law. You have taken
away from it the schoolmaster that is to bring men to Christ. They
will never accept grace till they tremble before a just and holy
law. Therefore the law serves a most necessary and blessed
purpose, and it must not be removed from its place.”—_“__The
Perpetuity of the Law of God,__”__ by C. H. Spurgeon, pages 10,
11._
“And let it be observed that the law did not answer this end
merely among the Jews, in the days of the apostles: it is just as
necessary to the Gentiles, to the present hour. Nor do we find
that true repentance takes place where the moral law is not
preached and enforced. Those who preach only the gospel to
sinners, at best only heal the hurt of the daughter of My people
slightly.”—_Dr. Adam Clarke, on Rom. 7:13 (edition 1860)._
Commenting on Gal. 3:23, Mr. Spurgeon, in his “Sermon Notes,”
CCXII, says: “Here we have a condensed history of the world before
the gospel was fully revealed by the coming of our Lord Jesus....
The history of each saved soul is a miniature likeness of the
story of the ages.” That is, in his experience, each individual
that is saved is first in darkness; he then comes to Sinai and
learns that he is a sinner; this leads him to Calvary for the
pardon of his sins, and so to full and final salvation.
Penalty For Transgression
[Illustration.]
Destruction Of Korah, Dathan, And Abiram. "The wages of sin is death."
Rom. 6:23.
1. What is the wages of sin?
“For the wages of sin is _death_.” Rom. 6:23.
2. What did God tell Adam and Eve would be the result if they
transgressed, and partook of the forbidden fruit?
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of
it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof _thou shalt surely die_.” Gen.
2:17.
3. Who does God say shall die?
“_The soul that sinneth_, it shall die.” Eze. 18:4.
4. How did death enter the world?
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and _death by sin_;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5:12.
5. Why did God destroy the antediluvian world?
“And _God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth_.... And
the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the
earth.” Gen. 6:5-7.
6. While God is merciful, does this clear the guilty?
“The Lord is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and
transgression, and _by no means clearing the guilty_.” Num. 14:18. See
also Ex. 34:5-7.
[Illustration.]
The Tower Of Babel. "The Lord did there confound the language of all the
earth." Gen. 11:9.
7. What is the result of wilful sin?
“For _if we sin wilfully_ after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, _there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins_, but a certain fearful
looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the
adversaries.” Heb. 10:26, 27.
8. Under the theocracy, how were the rebellious or wilful transgressors
treated?
“He that despised Moses’ law _died without mercy_ under two or three
witnesses.” Verse 28.
9. What awaits those who despise the means of grace?
“_Of how much sorer punishment_, suppose ye, _shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God_, and hath counted the blood of
the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace?” Verse 29.
10. Is it the duty of gospel ministers to execute vengeance?
“Now then _we are ambassadors for Christ_, as though God did beseech you
by us.” 2 Cor. 5:20. See 2 Tim. 2:24-26.
11. To whom does vengeance belong?
“_Vengeance is Mine; I will repay_, saith the Lord.” Rom. 12:19.
12. To whom has execution of judgment been committed?
“For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to
have life in Himself; and _hath given Him authority to execute judgment
also_.” John 5:26, 27. See Jude 14, 15.
13. Because evil is not punished immediately, what presumptuous course do
many pursue?
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily,
_therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil_.”
Eccl. 8:11.
14. What message has God commissioned His ministers to bear to men?
“Say ye to the righteous, that _it shall be well with him_: for they shall
eat of the fruit of their doings. _Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill
with him_: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Isa. 3:10, 11.
The Law Of God In The Patriarchal Age
[Illustration.]
Obedience Of Abraham. "Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept ... My
commandments." Gen. 26:5.
1. Can there be sin where there is no law?
“Because the law worketh wrath: _for where no law is, there is no
transgression_.” “_Sin is not imputed when there is no law._” Rom. 4:15;
5:13.
2. Through what is the knowledge of sin obtained?
“For _by the law_ is the knowledge of sin.” “I had not known sin, but _by
the law_.” Rom. 3:20; 7:7.
3. What statement shows that sin was in the world before the law was given
on Mt. Sinai?
“_For until the law sin was in the world_: but sin is not imputed when
there is no law.” Rom. 5:13.
NOTE.—The fact that sin was imputed before the law was given at
Sinai is conclusive proof that the law existed before that event.
4. When did sin and death enter the world?
“Wherefore, as _by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world_, and death
by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Verse
12.
5. With what words did God admonish Cain?
“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not
well, _sin lieth at the door_.” Gen. 4:7.
6. What shows that God imputed sin to Cain?
“And He said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth
unto Me from the ground. And _now art thou cursed from the earth_, which
hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand.”
Verses 10, 11.
7. What was the difference between Cain’s and Abel’s characters?
“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And
wherefore slew he him? _Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s
righteous._” 1 John 3:12.
NOTE.—There must, therefore, have been a standard at that time by
which the characters of men were weighed. That standard must have
defined the difference between right and wrong, and pointed out
man’s duty. But this is the province of the law of God. Hence the
law of God must have existed at that time.
8. In what condition was the world before the flood?
“The earth also was _corrupt before God_, and the earth was _filled with
violence_.” Gen. 6:11.
9. What did God purpose to do with the people of that day?
“And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before Me; for the
earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, _I will destroy
them with the earth_.” Verse 13.
10. What is Noah called?
“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, _a
preacher of righteousness_.” 2 Peter 2:5.
NOTE.—Noah must have warned the antediluvians against sin, and
preached repentance and that obedience of faith which brings the
life into harmony with the law of God.
11. Why did the Lord destroy Sodom?
“The men of Sodom were _wicked_ and _sinners_ before the Lord
_exceedingly_.” Gen. 13:13.
12. What was the character of their deeds?
“And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed
his righteous soul from day to day with their _unlawful deeds_).” 2 Peter
2:7, 8.
NOTE.—Their deeds would not have been _unlawful_ had there been no
law then in existence. _Unlawful_ means “contrary to law.”
13. What did Joseph, in Egypt, say when tempted to sin?
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and _sin against God_?” Gen.
39:9.
14. What did God say to Abraham concerning the Amorites?
“In the fourth generation they [Israel] shall come hither again: for _the
iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full_.” Gen. 15:16.
15. Of what sin were the Amorites specially guilty?
“And he [Ahab] did very abominably in _following idols, according to all
things as did the Amorites_, whom the Lord cast out before the children of
Israel.” 1 Kings 21:26.
16. Why did the Lord abhor the Canaanites?
“Ye shall therefore keep all My statutes, and all My judgments, and do
them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spew you not
out. And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out
before you: _for they committed all these things_, and therefore I
abhorred them.” Lev. 20:22, 23.
NOTE.—The statement that “they committed all these things” refers
to what had been previously forbidden to the Israelites. Among
these things was idolatrous worship (Lev. 20:1-5), showing that
the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, were amenable to the law of
God, and were abhorred of God for violating it.
17. Why did God make His promise to the seed of Abraham?
“Because Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My
statutes, and My laws.” Gen. 26:5.
NOTE.—Then God’s commandments and laws existed in the time of
Abraham.
18. Before giving the law at Sinai, what did God say because some of the
people went out to gather manna on the seventh day?
“And the Lord said unto Moses, _How long refuse ye to keep My commandments
and My laws?_” Ex. 16:28.
19. Had the Lord spoken regarding the Sabbath previous to this time?
“This is that which the Lord _hath said_, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy
Sabbath.” Verse 23.
20. Before coming to Sinai, what had Moses taught Israel?
“When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and
another, and _I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws_.” Ex.
18:16.
NOTE.—All this shows that the law of God existed from the
beginning, and was known and taught in the world before it was
proclaimed at Sinai.
The Law Of God In The New Testament
[Illustration.]
Paul Preaching To The Thessalonians. "This is the love of God, that we
keep His commandments." 1 John 5:3.
1. By what means did the Jews know God’s will?
“Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy
boast of God, and knowest His will, ... _being instructed out of the
law_.” Rom. 2:17, 18.
2. What did they have in the law?
“Which hast _the form of knowledge and of the truth_ in the law.” Verse
20.
NOTE.—The written law presents the _form_ of knowledge and of the
truth. Grace and truth, or grace and the reality or realization of
that which the written law demands, came by Jesus Christ. He was
the law in life and action.
3. What did Jesus say of His attitude toward the law?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: _I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfil_.” Matt. 5:17.
NOTE.—By the expression “the law” here is meant the five books of
Moses; and by “the prophets,” the writings of the prophets. Christ
did not come to set aside or to destroy either of these, but to
fulfil both. The ceremonialism of types and shadows contained in
the books written by Moses He fulfilled by meeting them as their
great Antitype. The moral law, the great basic fabric underlying
all of Moses’ writings, Christ fulfilled by a life of perfect
obedience to all its requirements. The prophets He fulfilled in
His advent as the Messiah, Prophet, Teacher, and Saviour foretold
by them.
4. What did He teach concerning the stability of the law?
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one
tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Verse
18.
5. In what instruction did He emphasize the importance of keeping the law?
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven:
but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in
the kingdom of heaven.” Verse 19.
6. What did Christ tell the rich young man to do in order to enter into
life?
“If thou wilt enter into life, _keep the commandments_.” Matt. 19:17.
7. When asked which commandments, what did Jesus say?
“Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou
shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and
thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Verses 18, 19.
NOTE.—While not quoting all of the ten commandments, Jesus quoted
sufficient of them to show that He referred to the moral law. In
quoting the second great commandment He called attention to the
great principle underlying the second table of the law,—love to
one’s neighbor,—which the rich young man, in his covetousness, was
not keeping.
8. Does faith render the law void?
“Do we then make void the law through faith? _God forbid: yea, we
establish the law._” Rom. 3:31.
9. How is the law fulfilled?
“Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for _he that loveth another
hath fulfilled the law_. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou
shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment [touching our
duty to our fellow men], it is briefly comprehended in this saying,
namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to
his neighbor: therefore _love is the fulfilling of the law_.” Rom.
13:8-10.
10. What is of more importance than any outward ceremony?
“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but _the keeping
of the commandments of God_.” 1 Cor. 7:19.
11. What kind of mind is not subject to the law of God?
“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.
12. What proves that the law is an undivided whole?
“_For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he
is guilty of all._ For He that said [margin, _that law which said_], Do
not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no
adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So
speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”
James 2:10-12.
13. How is sin defined?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for _sin is the
transgression of the law_.” 1 John 3:4.
14. How may we know that we love the children of God?
“By this we know that we love the children of God, _when we love God, and
keep His commandments_.” 1 John 5:2.
15. What is the love of God declared to be?
“For _this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments_: and His
commandments are not grievous.” Verse 3.
16. How is the church of the last days described?
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the
remnant of her seed, _which keep the commandments of God, and have the
testimony of Jesus Christ_.” “Here is the patience of the saints: _here
are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus_.” Rev.
12:17; 14:12.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
How blest the children of the Lord,
Who, walking in His sight,
Make all the precepts of His Word
Their study and delight!
What precious wealth shall be their dower,
Which cannot know decay;
Which moth and rust shall ne’er devour,
Or spoiler take away.
HARRIET AUBER.
Love the Fulfilling of the Law
“If the love of God is shed abroad in your heart,” says Mr. Moody, “you
will be able to fulfil the law.” Paul reduces the commandments to one:
“Thou shalt love,” and says that “love is the fulfilling of the law.” This
truth may be demonstrated thus:—
1. Love to God will admit no other god.
2. Love will not debase the object it adores.
3. Love to God will never dishonor His name.
4. Love to God will reverence His day.
5. Love to parents will honor them.
6. Hate, not love, is a murderer.
7. Lust, not love, commits adultery.
8. Love will give, but never steal.
9. Love will not slander nor lie.
10. Love’s eye is not covetous.
Principles Underlying the Ten Commandments
1. Faith and loyalty. Heb. 11:6; Matt. 4:8-10.
2. Worship. Jer. 10:10-12; Ps. 115:3-8; Rev. 14:6, 7.
3. Reverence. Ps. 111:9; 89:7; Heb. 12:28; 2 Tim. 2:19.
4. Holiness, or sanctification, and consecration. 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Heb.
12:14; Ex. 31:13; Eze. 20:12; 1 Cor. 1:30; Prov. 3:6.
5. Obedience, or respect for authority. Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20; 2 Kings
2:23, 24.
6. Love. Lev. 19:17; 1 John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-26, 43-48.
7. Purity. Matt. 5:8; Eph. 5:3, 4; Col. 3:5, 6; 1 Tim. 5:22; 1 Peter 2:11.
8. Honesty. Rom. 12:17; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thess. 3:10-12.
9. Truthfulness. Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9; Prov. 6:16-19; 12:19; Rev. 21:27;
22:15.
10. Contentment and unselfishness. Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:6-11; Heb.
13:5.
The Moral And Ceremonial Laws
[Illustration.]
The Law Written And Engraven In Stones. The Law Of Commandments Contained
In Ordinances.
1. What title of distinction is given the law of God?
“If ye fulfil _the royal law_ according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect of persons, ye
commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” James 2:8, 9.
2. By what law is the knowledge of sin?
“I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the
law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Rom. 7:7.
NOTE.—The law which says, “Thou shalt not covet,” is the ten
commandments.
3. By what are all men to be finally judged?
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and _keep His
commandments_: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring
every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or
whether it be evil.” Eccl. 12:13, 14. “So speak ye, and so do, as they
that shall be judged by _the law of liberty_.” James 2:12.
NOTE.—The law which is here called “the law of liberty,” is the
law which says, “Do not commit adultery” and “Do not kill,” for
these commandments had just been quoted in the verse immediately
preceding. In verse 8, this same law is styled “the royal law;”
that is, the kingly law. This is the law by which men are to be
judged.
4. What system was established on account of man’s transgression of the
law of God?
The sacrificial system, with its rites and ceremonies pointing to Christ.
5. Why did the patriarch Job offer burnt offerings?
“And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and
sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And
it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent
and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and _offered burnt
offerings_ according to the number of them all: for Job said, _It may be
that my sons have sinned_, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job
continually.” Job 1:4, 5.
6. How early was this sacrificial system known?
“By faith _Abel_ offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by
which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts.” Heb. 11:4. See Gen. 4:3-5; 8:20.
7. By whom was the ten commandment law proclaimed?
“And _the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire_: ye heard the
voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And _He
declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even
ten commandments_; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone.” Deut.
4:12, 13.
8. How was the ceremonial law made known to Israel?
“And the Lord called unto Moses, ... saying, _Speak unto the children of
Israel, and say unto them_, If any man of you bring _an offering_,” etc.
Lev. 1:1, 2. “_This is the law of the burnt offering, of the
meat-offering, and of the sin-offering, and of the trespass-offering, and
of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace-offering_; which
the Lord commanded Moses in mount Sinai, in the day that He commanded the
children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the Lord, in the
wilderness of Sinai.” Lev. 7:37, 38.
9. Were the ten commandments a distinct and complete law by themselves?
“_These words the Lord spake_ unto all your assembly in the mount out of
the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a
great voice: _and He added no more_. And He wrote them in two tables of
stone, and delivered them unto me.” Deut. 5:22. “And the Lord said unto
Moses, Come up to Me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee
_tables of stone_, and _a law_, and _commandments_ which I have written.”
Ex. 24:12.
10. Was the ceremonial law a complete law in itself?
“_The law_ of commandments _contained in ordinances_.” Eph. 2:15.
11. On what did God write the ten commandments?
“And He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform,
even ten commandments; and _He wrote them upon two tables of stone_.”
Deut. 4:13.
12. In what were the laws or commandments respecting sacrifices and burnt
offerings written?
“And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to
the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the Lord, as it
is written in _the book of Moses_.” 2 Chron. 35:12.
13. Where were the ten commandments placed?
“And he took and put the testimony _into the ark_, ... and put the
mercy-seat above upon the ark.” Ex. 40:20.
14. Where did Moses command the Levites to put the book of the law which
he had written?
“Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the
Lord, saying, Take this book of the law, and _put it in the side of the
ark_ of the covenant of the Lord your God.” Deut. 31:25, 26.
15. What is the nature of the moral law?
“The law of the Lord is _perfect_, converting the soul.” Ps. 19:7. “For we
know that the law is _spiritual_.” Rom. 7:14.
16. Could the offerings commanded by the ceremonial law satisfy or make
perfect the conscience of the believer?
“Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both
gifts and sacrifices, _that could not make him that did the service
perfect, as pertaining to the conscience_.” Heb. 9:9.
17. Until what time did the ceremonial law impose the service performed in
the worldly sanctuary?
“Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal
ordinances, _imposed on them until the time of reformation_.” Verse 10.
18. When was this time of reformation?
“But _Christ being come_ an high priest of good things to come, by a
greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say,
not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His
own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal
redemption for us.” Verses 11, 12.
19. How did Christ’s death affect the ceremonial law?
“_Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances_ that was against us, which
was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”
Col. 2:14. “Having _abolished_ in His flesh the enmity, even _the law of
commandments contained in ordinances_.” Eph. 2:15.
20. Why was the ceremonial law taken away?
“For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its
weakness and unprofitableness (for the law made nothing perfect), and a
bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto
God.” Heb. 7:18, 19, R. V.
21. What miraculous event occurred at the death of Christ, signifying that
the sacrificial system was forever at an end?
“Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
And, behold, _the veil of the temple was rent in twain_ from the top to
the bottom.” Matt. 27:50, 51.
22. In what words had the prophet Daniel foretold this?
“And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and _in the
midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to
cease_.” Dan. 9:27.
23. How enduring is the moral law?
“Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that _Thou hast founded
them forever_.” Ps. 119:152.
The Two Laws Contrasted
The Moral Law The Ceremonial Law
Is called the “royal law.” James Is called “the law ... contained
2:8. in ordinances.” Eph. 2:15.
Was spoken by God. Deut. 4:12, 13. Was spoken by Moses. Lev. 1:1-3.
Was written by God on tables of Was “the handwriting of
stone. Ex. 24:12. ordinances.” Col. 2:14.
Was written “with the finger of Was written by Moses in a book. 2
God.” Ex. 31:18. Chron. 35:12.
Was placed in the ark. Ex. 40:20; Was placed in the side of the ark.
1 Kings 8:9; Heb. 9:4. Deut. 31:24-26.
Is “perfect.” Ps. 19:7. “Made nothing perfect.” Heb. 7:19.
Is to “stand fast forever and Was nailed to the cross. Col.
ever.” Ps. 111:7, 8. 2:14.
Was not destroyed by Christ. Matt. Was abolished by Christ. Eph.
5:17. 2:15.
Was to be magnified by Christ. Was taken out of the way by
Isa. 42:21. Christ. Col. 2:14.
Gives knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20; Was instituted in consequence of
7:7. sin. Leviticus 3-7.
The Two Covenants
[Illustration.]
Abraham Sending Away Hagar. "Cast out the bondwoman and her son." Gal.
4:30.
1. What two covenants are contrasted in the Bible?
“In that He saith, A _new_ covenant, He hath made the first _old_. Now
that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Heb. 8:13.
2. By what other terms are these covenants designated?
“For if that _first_ covenant had been faultless, then should no place
have been sought for the _second_.” Verse 7.
3. In connection with what historical event was the old covenant made?
“Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day
_when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt_;
because they continued not in My covenant, and I regarded them not, saith
the Lord.” Verse 9. See Ex. 19:3-8.
4. When God was about to proclaim His law to Israel, of what did He tell
Moses to remind them?
“Tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians,
and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself.” Ex.
19:3, 4.
5. What proposition did He submit to them?
“Now therefore, _if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant,
then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people_: for all
the earth is Mine: and ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an
holy nation.” Verses 5, 6.
6. What response did the people make to this proposition?
“And all the people answered together, and said, _All that the Lord hath
spoken we will do_. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the
Lord.” Verse 8.
7. In this covenant with Israel, what obligation was imposed upon the
people?
“Now therefore, if ye will _obey My voice_ indeed, and _keep My
covenant_.” Verse 5, first part.
8. What was the Lord’s covenant which they were to keep as their part of
this covenant?
“And He declared unto you _His covenant_, which He commanded you to
perform, even _ten commandments_; and He wrote them upon two tables of
stone.” Deut. 4:13.
NOTE.—The ten commandments were the “covenant” to which the Lord
referred, when, in proposing to make a covenant with Israel, He
said, “If ye will obey _My voice_ indeed, and keep _My covenant_,”
etc. Ex. 19:5. The ten commandments were termed God’s covenant
before the covenant was made with Israel: hence they cannot be the
old covenant itself. They were not an agreement made, but
something which God commanded them to perform, and promised
blessings upon condition they were kept. Thus the ten
commandments—God’s covenant—became the _basis_ of the covenant
here made with Israel. The old covenant was made _concerning_ the
ten commandments; or, as stated in Ex. 24:8, “concerning all these
words.” A covenant means a solemn pledge or promise based on
conditions.
9. After the law had been proclaimed from Sinai, what did the people again
say?
“And all the people answered with one voice, and said, _All the words
which the Lord hath said will we do_.” Ex. 24:3.
10. That there might be no misunderstanding, what did Moses do?
“And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, ... and he took the book of
the covenant, and read in the audience of the people.” Verses 4-7.
11. What did the people once again promise to do?
“And they said, _All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be
obedient_.” Verse 7.
12. How was this covenant then confirmed and dedicated?
“And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt
offerings, and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen unto the Lord. And Moses
took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he
sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in
the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said
will we do, and be obedient. And _Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it
on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord
hath made with you concerning all these words_.” Verses 5-8.
13. How does Paul describe this dedication of the covenant?
“For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to
the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet
wool, and hyssop, and _sprinkled both the book, and all the people_,
saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto
you.” Heb. 9:19, 20.
NOTE.—We here have the complete account of the making of the first
or old covenant. God promised to make them His peculiar people on
condition that they would keep His commandments. Three times they
promised to obey. The agreement was then ratified, or sealed, with
blood.
14. Within less than forty days after the making of this covenant, while
Moses tarried in the mount, what did the people say to Aaron?
“_Up, make us gods, which shall go before us_; for as for this Moses, the
man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become
of him.” Ex. 32:1.
15. When Moses came down from Sinai, what did he see?
“And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw
_the calf_, and _the dancing_: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the
tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.” Verse 19.
NOTE.—The great object and secret of the old covenant is revealed
here. The people did not realize the weakness and sinfulness of
their own hearts, or their need of divine grace and help to keep
the law; and so, in their ignorance, they readily pledged
obedience to it. But almost immediately they began to commit
idolatry, and thus to break the law of God, or the very conditions
laid down as their part of the covenant. In themselves the
conditions were good; but in their own strength the people were
unable to fulfil them. The great object of the old covenant
therefore was to teach the people their weakness, and their
inability to keep the law without the help of God. Like the law
itself, over which the old covenant was made, this covenant was
designed to shut them up to the provisions of the new or
everlasting covenant, and lead them to Christ. Gal. 3:23, 24. And
the lesson which Israel as a nation had to learn in this, each
individual now must learn before he can be saved. There is no
salvation for any one while trusting in self. Unaided, no one can
keep the law. Only in Christ is there either remission of sins or
power to keep from sinning. The breaking of the tables of the law
signified that the terms of the covenant had been broken; the
renewing of the tables (Ex. 34:1, 28), God’s patience and
long-suffering with His people.
16. Wherein does the new covenant differ from and excel the old?
“But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He
is the mediator of _a better covenant_, which was established upon _better
promises_.” Heb. 8:6.
17. What are the “better promises” upon which the new covenant was
established?
“This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the Lord, _I will put My law in their inward
parts, and write it in their hearts; ... I will forgive their iniquity,
and I will remember their sin no more_.” Jer. 31:33, 34. See Heb. 8:8-12.
NOTE.—These are simply the blessings of the gospel through Christ.
They are promised upon condition of repentance, confession, faith,
and acceptance of Christ, the Mediator of the new covenant, which
means salvation and obedience. In the old covenant there was no
provision for pardon and power to obey. It is true there was
pardon _during the time of the old covenant_, but not by _virtue_
of it. Pardon then, as now, was through the provisions of the new
covenant, the terms of which are older than the old covenant.
18. In what statement was Christ promised as a Saviour and Deliverer of
the race as soon as sin entered?
“And the Lord God said unto the serpent, ... I will put enmity between
thee and the woman, and between thy seed and _her seed_; it shall bruise
thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” Gen. 3:14, 15.
NOTE.—The covenant of grace, with its provisions of pardon and
peace, dates from the foundation of the world.
19. To whom was this covenant-promise later renewed?
“And God said unto _Abraham_, ... Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son
indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish My
covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with _his seed_ after
him.” “I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, ... and in
_thy seed_ shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Gen. 17:15-19;
26:4.
20. Who was the seed here referred to?
“Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to
seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, _which is Christ_.”
Gal. 3:16.
[Illustration.]
Moses Breaking The Tables Of The Law. "Moses said unto the people, Ye have
sinned a great sin." Ex. 32:30.
21. What shows that the new or second covenant and the Abrahamic covenant
are virtually the same?
“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to
the promise.” Verse 29.
NOTE.—No one should allow himself to be confused by the terms
_first covenant_ and _second covenant_. While the covenant made at
Sinai is called the first covenant, it is by no means the first
covenant that God ever made with man. Long before this He made a
covenant with Abraham; He also made a covenant with Noah, and with
Adam. Neither must it be supposed that the first or old covenant
existed for a time as the _only_ covenant with mankind, and that
this must serve its purpose and pass away before any one could
share in the promised blessings of the second or new covenant. Had
this been the case, then during that time there would have been no
pardon for any one. What is called the new or second covenant
virtually existed before the covenant made at Sinai; for the
covenant with Abraham was confirmed in Christ (Gal. 3:17), and it
is only through Christ that there is any value to the new or
second covenant. There is no blessing that can be gained by virtue
of the new covenant that was not promised to Abraham. And we, with
whom the new covenant is made, can share the inheritance which it
promises only by being children of Abraham, and sharing in his
blessing. Gal. 3:7, 9. And since no one can have anything except
as a child of Abraham, it follows that there is nothing in what is
called the new or second covenant that was not in the covenant
made with Abraham. The second covenant existed in every essential
feature, except its ratification, long before the first, even from
the days of Adam. It is called second because its ratification
occurred after the covenant made and ratified at Sinai.
22. What is necessary where there is a covenant?
“For where a covenant is, there must also of necessity be _the death of
that which establishes it_. For a covenant is made firm over the dead
victims; whereas it is of no force while that which establisheth it
liveth.” Heb. 9:16, 17, Boothroyd’s translation.
23. With whose blood was the new covenant dedicated?
“And [He took] the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is
the new covenant in _My blood_, even that which is poured out for you.”
Luke 22:20, R. V.
24. What power is there in the blood of this covenant?
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, _make you perfect in every good work_ to do His will.” Heb.
13:20, 21.
25. Through which covenant only is there remission of sins?
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered Himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from
dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause He is the mediator
of a _new covenant_, that a death having taken place for the redemption of
the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been
called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Heb. 9:14, 15,
R. V.
NOTE.—The fact that Christ, as mediator of the second covenant,
died for the remission of the transgressions that were under the
first covenant, shows that there was no forgiveness _by virtue_ of
the first covenant.
26. Under the old covenant, what did the people promise?
To keep the law of God in their own strength.
NOTE.—Under this covenant the people promised to keep all the
commandments of God in order to be His peculiar people, and this
without help from any one. This was virtually a promise to make
themselves righteous. But Christ says, “Without Me ye can do
nothing.” John 15:5. And the prophet Isaiah says, “All our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isa. 64:6. The only perfect
righteousness is God’s righteousness, and this can be obtained
only through faith in Christ. Rom. 3:20-26. The only righteousness
that will insure an entrance into the kingdom of God is “the
righteousness which is of God by faith.” Phil. 3:9. Of those who
inherit the kingdom of God, the Lord says, “Their righteousness is
of Me” (Isa. 54:17); and the prophet Jeremiah says of Christ,
“This is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our
Righteousness.” Jer. 23:6.
27. Under the new covenant, what does God promise to do?
“I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.”
Jer. 31:33.
NOTE.—The new covenant is an arrangement for bringing man again
into harmony with the divine will, and placing him where he can
keep God’s law. Its “better promises” bring forgiveness of sins,
grace to renew the heart, and power to obey the law of God. The
dissolution of the old covenant and the making of the new in no
wise abrogated the law of God.
28. Where was the law of God written under the old covenant?
“And I made an ark of shittim-wood, and hewed _two tables of stone.... And
He wrote on the tables ... the ten commandments_, which the Lord spake
unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the
assembly: and the Lord gave them unto me.” Deut. 10:3, 4.
29. Where is the law of God written under the new covenant?
“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;
After those days, saith the Lord, _I will put My law in their inward
parts, and write it in their hearts_.” Jer. 31:33.
30. What reason is given for making the new covenant?
“For if that first covenant had been _faultless_, then should no place
have been sought for the second. For _finding fault with them_, he saith,
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant.”
Heb. 8:7, 8.
NOTE.—The chief fault in connection with the old covenant lay with
_the people_. They were not able, in themselves, to fulfil their
part of it, and it provided them no help for so doing. There was
no Christ in it. It was of _works_ and not of _grace_. It was
valuable only as a means of impressing upon them their sinfulness
and their need of divine aid.
31. What unites all believers under the new covenant?
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who
are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the
flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being
aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants
of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: _but now in
Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of
Christ_.” Eph. 2:11-13.
Similarities Between The Two Covenants
1. Both are called covenants.
2. Both were ratified with blood.
3. Both were made concerning the law of God.
4. Both were made with the people of God.
5. Both were established upon promises.
Dissimilarities Between The Two Covenants
Old Covenant New Covenant
Called the old covenant. Called the new covenant.
Called the first covenant. Called the second covenant.
A temporary compact. An everlasting covenant.
Dedicated with the blood of Ratified with the blood of
animals. Christ.
Was faulty. Is a better covenant.
Was established upon the Is established upon the
promises of the people. promises of God.
Had no mediator. Has a mediator.
Had no provision for the Provides for the forgiveness
forgiveness of sins. of sins.
Under this, the law was Under this, the law is written
written on tables of stone. in the heart.
Was of works. Is of grace.
Conditions: Obey and live; Conditions: Repent and be
disobey and die. forgiven; believe and be
saved.
_If._ If _ye_. If ye _will_. _I._ I _will_. I will _do_.
If ye will _do_.
If ye will do _all_. I will do _all_.
If ye will do all, _then_—ye I will do all, _and_—will be
shall be My people, _and_ I your God, _and_ ye shall be My
will be your God. people.
What Was Abolished By Christ
[Illustration.]
The Veil Rent In Twain. "Having abolished in His flesh ... the law ...
contained in ordinances." Eph. 2:15.
1. How did Christ’s death on the cross affect the whole sacrificial
system?
“After threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off.... And He shall
confirm the covenant with many for one week: and _in the midst of the week
He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease_.” Dan. 9:26, 27.
2. What did Christ nail to His cross?
“Blotting out _the handwriting of ordinances_ that was against us, which
was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, _nailing it to His
cross_.” Col. 2:14.
3. What did He thus abolish?
“Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even _the law of commandments
contained in ordinances_; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so
making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the
cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” Eph. 2:15, 16.
4. To what did the ordinances pertain that were thus abolished?
“Let no man therefore judge you in _meat_, or in _drink_, or in respect of
an _holy day_, or of the _new moon_, or of the _sabbath days: which are a
shadow of things to come_; but the body is of Christ.” Col. 2:16, 17.
5. From what statement do we learn that these ordinances related to the
sacrificial system?
“For the law _having a shadow of good things to come_, and not the very
image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered
year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.” Heb. 10:1.
6. What occurred at the time of the crucifixion which indicated that the
typical system had been taken away by Christ?
“And, behold, _the veil of the temple was rent in twain_ from the top to
the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.” Matt. 27:51.
7. In what language is this clearly stated?
“Then said He, Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. _He taketh away the
first, that He may establish the second._” Heb. 10:9.
8. What is the first which He took away?
“Above when He said, _Sacrifice_ and _offering_ and _burnt offerings_ and
_offering for sin_ thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein;
which are offered by the law.” Verse 8.
NOTES.—“He taketh away the first.” The connection plainly
indicates that what Christ took away was ceremonialism as
expressed in the typical service of sacrifices and offerings, and
that what He established, by giving Himself to do the will of God,
was the experience of doing the will of God on the part of the
believer. Thus He made possible the answer to the petition which
He taught His disciples, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in
heaven.” Instead of abolishing the moral law, Christ made such
provision that every believer in Him may become a doer of that
law.
“The word _first_ here refers to sacrifices and offerings. He
takes _them_ away; that is, He shows that they are of no value in
removing sin. He states their inefficacy, and declares His purpose
to abolish them. ‘_That He may establish the second_’—to wit, the
doing of the will of God.... If they had been efficacious, there
would have been no need of His coming to make an atonement.”—_Dr.
Albert Barnes, on Heb. 10:9._
9. In what statement to the woman at Jacob’s well did Jesus intimate that
the ceremonial system of worship would be abolished?
“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall
neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.” John
4:21.
NOTE.—The worship of the Jews centered in the typical system, or
ritual service, of the temple, “at Jerusalem,” while the
Samaritans had instituted a rival service “in this mountain,” Mt.
Gerizim. In His statement to the woman of Samaria, Jesus therefore
indicated that the time was at hand when the whole typical system
would be done away.
10. What test case arose in the time of the apostles over this question?
“And certain men which came down from Judea taught the brethren, and said,
_Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved_.”
Acts 15:1.
11. What requirement was made by these teachers from Judea concerning the
ceremonial law?
“Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, _Ye must be
circumcised, and keep the law_: to whom we gave no such commandment.”
Verse 24.
12. After conferring over this matter, what decision was reached by the
apostles?
“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no
greater burden than these necessary things; _that ye abstain from meats
offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from
fornication_: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye
well.” Verses 28, 29.
13. What charge was made against Stephen concerning his attitude toward
the ceremonial law?
“And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against _this holy place_, and _the law_: for we have
heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and
shall _change the customs which Moses delivered us_.” Acts 6:13, 14.
14. What similar charge was brought against the apostle Paul?
“This fellow persuadeth men to worship God _contrary to the law_.” Acts
18:13.
15. What statement did Paul make concerning his faith and manner of
worship?
“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call
_heresy_, so worship I the God of my fathers, _believing all things which
are written in the law and in the prophets_.” Acts 24:14.
NOTE.—The charge against Stephen and Paul was not based upon any
violation of the moral law, but upon their teaching concerning the
ceremonial law; and Paul’s admission that he was guilty of what
they called heresy meant simply that he differed from them as to
the obligation to observe any longer the precepts of the law which
was imposed upon them “until the time of reformation.” The simple
fact that such charges were preferred against these able exponents
and teachers of the gospel shows that in their view the ceremonial
law had been abolished by the death of Christ, and that, like the
giving of the moral law at Sinai it was designed to lead men to
Christ.
16. What is one of the offices of the moral law?
“Wherefore the law was _our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we
might be justified by faith_.” Gal. 3:24.
17. How is this same teaching expressed in another place?
“For _Christ is the end of the law for righteousness_ to every one that
believeth.” Rom. 10:4.
NOTE.—Murdock’s translation of the Syriac New Testament renders
this passage: “For Messiah is the _aim_ of the law, for
righteousness, unto every one that believeth in Him.”
18. In what statement is there a similar use of the word end?
“Receiving _the end of your faith_, even the salvation of your souls.” 1
Peter 1:9. See also 1 Tim. 1:5; James 5:11.
NOTE.—In the ceremonial law there was “a shadow of good things to
come,” a type of the mediatorial work of Christ, our great High
Priest. The moral law makes known sin, places the sinner under
condemnation, and forces him to Christ for pardon and cleansing.
The ceremonial law was abolished by the work of Christ, but the
moral law was established by both His life and death.
19. What testimony did Christ bear concerning His relation to the law and
the prophets?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Matt. 5:17.
NOTE.—“Christ kept the law. If He had ever broken it, He would
have had to die for Himself; but because He was a Lamb without
spot or blemish, His atoning death is efficacious for you and me.
He had no sin of His own to atone for, and so God accepted His
sacrifice. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every
one that believeth. We are righteous in God’s sight because the
righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ is unto all
and upon all them that believe.”—_“__Weighed and Wanting,__”__ by
D. L. Moody, pages 123, 124._ See also notes on pages 374, 375,
382, and 389.
The Law And The Gospel
[Illustration.]
Sinai And The Cross. "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto
Christ." Gal. 3:24.
1. What is one of the uses of the law?
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
His sight: for _by the law is the knowledge of sin_.” Rom. 3:20.
2. In thus making known sin, and the consequent need of a Saviour, what
part does the law act?
“Wherefore the _law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ_, that we
might be justified by faith.” Gal. 3:24.
3. What is the gospel declared to be?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is _the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth_; to the Jew first, and also to
the Greek.” Rom. 1:16.
4. What is the significance of the name bestowed by the angel upon the
Saviour before His birth?
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name _Jesus_:
for _He shall save His people from their sins_.” Matt. 1:21.
5. In whom is this power to save from sin revealed?
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-*block, and
unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and
Greeks, _Christ the power of God_, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor. 1:23,
24.
6. What was foretold concerning Christ’s attitude toward the law of God?
“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me,
_I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart_.”
Ps. 40:7, 8.
7. What is the first promise of the new covenant?
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after
those days, saith the Lord; _I will put My laws into their mind, and write
them in their hearts_.” Heb. 8:10.
8. What is Christ’s relation to this new covenant?
“But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He
is the _mediator_ of a better covenant, which was established upon better
promises.” Verse 6.
9. How is this same work for man otherwise described?
“For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:
wherefore _it is of necessity that this Man have somewhat also to offer_.
For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are
priests that offer gifts according to the law.” Verses 3, 4.
10. What is necessary on the part of the individual in order to receive
the benefit of Christ’s work?
“With the heart man _believeth_ unto righteousness; and with the mouth
_confession_ is made unto salvation.” Rom. 10:10.
11. For what did the apostle Paul trust Christ?
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of
all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be
found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but
that which is through the faith of Christ, _the righteousness which is of
God by faith_.” Phil. 3:8, 9.
12. What relation does the law sustain to this righteousness?
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, _being
witnessed by the law_ and the prophets.” Rom. 3:21.
13. Does the faith which brings righteousness abolish the law?
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, _we
establish the law_.” Verse 31.
NOTE.—The law reveals the perfection of character required, and so
gives a knowledge of sin; but it is powerless to confer the
character demanded. In the gospel, the law, first written in the
heart of Christ, becomes “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus,” and is thus transferred to the heart of the believer, in
whose heart Christ dwells by faith. Thus the new covenant promise
is fulfilled that the law shall be written in the heart. This is
the genuine experience of righteousness by faith,—a righteousness
which is witnessed by the law, and revealed in the life in harmony
with the law. The gospel is thus seen to be the provision for
restoring the law to its place in the heart and life of the one
who believes on Christ, and accepts His mediatorial work. Such
faith, instead of making void the law, establishes it in the heart
of the believer. The gospel is not against the law, therefore, but
upholds, maintains, and presents the law to us in Christ.
14. What did Christ take away?
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb
of God, which taketh away _the sin of the world_.” John 1:29.
15. What has Christ abolished?
“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who hath _abolished death_, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel.” 2 Tim. 1:10.
16. What change is brought about through the gospel?
“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
are _changed into the same image_ from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor. 3:18.
NOTE.—It is sometimes claimed that Christ changed, abolished, or
took away the law, and put the gospel in its place; but this shows
a misapprehension of the real work of Christ. The individual
believer is changed by beholding the glory revealed in the gospel
(2 Cor. 4:4; John 1:14); death has been abolished through the
death of Christ; and sin has been taken away by the great
Sin-bearer; but the law of God still remains unchanged as the very
foundation of His throne. See note on page 98.
17. What spiritual interpretation did Christ give to the sixth
commandment?
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill;
and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say
unto you, That _whosoever is angry with his brother_ without a cause shall
be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother,
_Raca_, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, _Thou
fool_, shall be in danger of hell-fire.” Matt. 5:21, 22.
18. How did He interpret the seventh commandment?
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit
adultery: but I say unto you, That _whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart_.” Verses
27, 28.
19. Of what prophecy was this teaching a fulfilment?
“The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; _He will magnify
the law, and make it honorable_.” Isa. 42:21.
NOTE.—Christ not only gave a spiritual interpretation to the law,
and Himself observed it according to that interpretation, but He
showed the holiness and the immutable nature of the law by dying
on the cross to pay the penalty of its transgression. In this way,
above all, He magnified the law, and showed its far-reaching,
immutable, and imperishable nature.
20. In what promise was the gospel preached to Abraham?
“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through
faith, preached before _the gospel_ unto Abraham, saying, _In thee shall
all nations be blessed_.” Gal. 3:8.
21. On what basis was Abraham accounted righteous?
“For what saith the scripture? _Abraham believed God, and it was counted
unto him for righteousness._” Rom. 4:3.
22. What scripture cuts off all hope of justification by works?
“Therefore _by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in
His sight_: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20.
23. In what way are all believers in Jesus justified?
“Being _justified freely by His grace_ through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus.” Verse 24.
24. After this work of grace has been accomplished, is the believer
expected to go on in sin?
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Rom. 6:1, 2.
NOTE.—Even in the days of Abraham the same gospel of righteousness
by faith was preached as now, while the law made known sin, and
witnessed to the righteousness obtained through faith, just as it
has done since the cross. From this it is evident that the
relation between the law and the gospel has always been the same.
25. What was Christ’s personal attitude toward the law?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: _I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfil_.” Matt. 5:17. “If ye keep My commandments,
ye shall abide in My love; even as _I have kept My Father’s commandments_,
and abide in His love.” John 15:10.
26. What scripture shows that God’s remnant people will have a right
conception of the proper relation between the law and the gospel?
“Here is the patience of the saints: _here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus_.” Rev. 14:12.