Chapter 59—Perfect Obedience Through Christ
[
This article appeared in
The Review and Herald, November 1, 1892
.]
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only.... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without
works is dead also” (
James 2:24-26
). It is essential to have faith in
Jesus, and to believe you are saved through Him; but there is danger
in taking the position that many do take in saying, “I am saved.” Many
have said: “You must do good works, and you will live”; but apart
from Christ no one can do good works. Many at the present day
say, “Believe, only believe, and live.” Faith and works go together,
believing and doing are blended. The Lord requires no less of the soul
now, than He required of Adam in Paradise before he fell—perfect
obedience, unblemished righteousness. The requirement of God under
the covenant of grace is just as broad as the requirement He made in
Paradise—harmony with His law, which is holy, and just, and good.
The gospel does not weaken the claims of the law; it exalts the law
and makes it honorable. Under the New Testament, no less is required
than was required under the Old Testament. Let no one take up with
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the delusion so pleasant to the natural heart, that God will accept of
sincerity, no matter what may be the faith, no matter how imperfect
may be the life. God requires of His child perfect obedience.
In order to meet the requirements of the law, our faith must grasp
the righteousness of Christ, accepting it as our righteousness. Through
union with Christ, through acceptance of His righteousness by faith,
we may be qualified to work the works of God, to be colaborers with
Christ. If you are willing to drift along with the current of evil, and do
not cooperate with the heavenly agencies in restraining transgression in
your family, and in the church, in order that everlasting righteousness
may be brought in, you do not have faith. Faith works by love and
purifies the soul. Through faith the Holy Spirit works in the heart
to create holiness therein; but this cannot be done unless the human
agent will work with Christ. We can be fitted for heaven only through
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