Law in Galatians
211
principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that
result from transgression.
We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his
sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions
start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act
of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of
character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By
choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves
off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death.
The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in
Christ, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural
desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. “Great
peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them”
(
Psalm 119:165
)—cause them to stumble.
There is no peace in unrighteousness; the wicked are at war with
God. But he who receives the righteousness of the law in Christ is in
harmony with heaven. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteous-
ness and peace have kissed each other” (
Psalm 85:10
).—
Letter 96,
1896
.
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