Chapter 133—God’s Law is its Standard
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
.
Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the covenant was made that
all who were obedient, all who should through the abundant grace provided,
become holy in character, and without blame before God, by appropriating
that grace, should be children of God. This covenant, made from eternity,
was given to Abraham hundreds of years before Christ came. With what
interest and what intensity did Christ in humanity study the human race to
see if they would avail themselves of the provision offered.
In His teachings, Christ showed how far-reaching are the principles of
the law spoken from Sinai. He made a living application of that law whose
principles remain forever the great standard of righteousness—the standard
by which all shall be judged in that great day when the judgment shall sit,
and the books shall be opened. He came to fulfill all righteousness, and, as
the head of humanity, to show man that he can do the same work, meeting
every specification of the requirements of God. Through the measure of His
grace furnished to the human agent, not one need miss heaven. Perfection of
character is attainable by every one who strives for it. This is made the very
foundation of the new covenant of the gospel. The law of Jehovah is the tree;
the gospel is the fragrant blossoms and fruit which it bears.
God’s law is the transcript of His character. It embodies the principles of
His kingdom. He who refuses to accept these principles is placing himself
outside the channel where God’s blessings flow.
The glorious possibilities set before Israel could be realized only through
obedience to God’s commandments. The same elevation of character, the
same fulness of blessing—blessing on mind and soul and body, blessing on
house and field, blessing for this life and for the life to come—is possible for
us only through obedience.
Let us not lower the standard, but keep it lifted high, looking to Him who
is the Author and the Finisher of our faith.
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