Penalty For Transgression

Penalty For TransgressionIllustration.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 isdeath.”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 thereofthou 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, anddeath 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?“AndGod 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?[pg 385]“The Lord is long-suffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, andby 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?“Forif we sin wilfullyafter 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' lawdied without mercyunder 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 thenwe 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; andhath 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, thatit 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.[pg 386]The Law Of God In The Patriarchal AgeIllustration.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?“Forby the lawis the knowledge of sin.”“I had not known sin, butby 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, asby 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.[pg 387]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. Andnow 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 wascorrupt before God, and the earth wasfilled 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 werewickedandsinnersbefore the Lordexceedingly.”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 theirunlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.Note.—Their deeds would not have beenunlawfulhad there been no law then in existence.Unlawfulmeans“contrary to law.”13. What did Joseph, in Egypt, say when tempted to sin?“How then can I do this great wickedness, andsin against God?”Gen. 39:9.[pg 388]14. What did God say to Abraham concerning the Amorites?“In the fourth generation they [Israel] shall come hither again: forthe 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 infollowing 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 Lordhath 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, andI 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.[pg 389]The Law Of God In The New TestamentIllustration.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 hastthe form of knowledge and of the truthin the law.”Verse 20.Note.—The written law presents theformof 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.[pg 390]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: forhe 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: thereforelove is the fulfilling of the law.”Rom. 13:8-10.10. What is of more importance than any outward ceremony?[pg 391]“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, butthe keeping of the commandments of God.”1 Cor. 7:19.11. What kind of mind is not subject to the law of God?“Becausethe carnal mindis 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: forsin 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?“Forthis 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 WordTheir 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.[pg 392]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 Commandments1. 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.[pg 393]The Moral And Ceremonial LawsIllustration.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 fulfilthe royal lawaccording 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, andkeep 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 bythe 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.[pg 394]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, andoffered burnt offeringsaccording 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 faithAbeloffered 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?“Andthe 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. AndHe 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 bringan 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 spakeunto 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 theetables of stone, anda law, andcommandmentswhich I have written.”Ex. 24:12.10. Was the ceremonial law a complete law in itself?“The lawof commandmentscontained in ordinances.”Eph. 2:15.[pg 395]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; andHe 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 inthe book of Moses.”2 Chron. 35:12.13. Where were the ten commandments placed?“And he took and put the testimonyinto 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, andput it in the side of the arkof 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 isperfect, converting the soul.”Ps. 19:7.“For we know that the law isspiritual.”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?“ButChrist being comean 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.[pg 396]19. How did Christ's death affect the ceremonial law?“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinancesthat was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”Col. 2:14.“Havingabolishedin His flesh the enmity, eventhe 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 twainfrom 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: andin 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 thatThou hast founded them forever.”Ps. 119:152.The Two Laws ContrastedThe Moral LawThe Ceremonial LawIs called the“royal law.”James 2:8.Is called“the law ... contained 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 stone. Ex. 24:12.Was“the handwriting of ordinances.”Col. 2:14.Was written“with the finger of God.”Ex. 31:18.Was written by Moses in a book. 2 Chron. 35:12.Was placed in the ark. Ex. 40:20; 1 Kings 8:9; Heb. 9:4.Was placed in the side of the ark. Deut. 31:24-26.Is“perfect.”Ps. 19:7.“Made nothing perfect.”Heb. 7:19.Is to“stand fast forever and ever.”Ps. 111:7, 8.Was nailed to the cross. Col. 2:14.Was not destroyed by Christ. Matt. 5:17.Was abolished by Christ. Eph. 2:15.Was to be magnified by Christ. Isa. 42:21.Was taken out of the way by Christ. Col. 2:14.Gives knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20; 7:7.Was instituted in consequence of sin. Leviticus 3-7.[pg 397]

Illustration.Destruction Of Korah, Dathan, And Abiram. "The wages of sin is death." Rom. 6:23.

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 isdeath.”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 thereofthou 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, anddeath 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?

“AndGod 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, andby 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.

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?

“Forif we sin wilfullyafter 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' lawdied without mercyunder 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 thenwe 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; andhath 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, thatit 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 AgeIllustration.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?“Forby the lawis the knowledge of sin.”“I had not known sin, butby 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, asby 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.[pg 387]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. Andnow 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 wascorrupt before God, and the earth wasfilled 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 werewickedandsinnersbefore the Lordexceedingly.”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 theirunlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.Note.—Their deeds would not have beenunlawfulhad there been no law then in existence.Unlawfulmeans“contrary to law.”13. What did Joseph, in Egypt, say when tempted to sin?“How then can I do this great wickedness, andsin against God?”Gen. 39:9.[pg 388]14. What did God say to Abraham concerning the Amorites?“In the fourth generation they [Israel] shall come hither again: forthe 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 infollowing 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 Lordhath 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, andI 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.

Illustration.Obedience Of Abraham. "Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept ... My commandments." Gen. 26:5.

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?

“Forby the lawis the knowledge of sin.”“I had not known sin, butby 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, asby 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. Andnow 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 wascorrupt before God, and the earth wasfilled 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 werewickedandsinnersbefore the Lordexceedingly.”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 theirunlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.

Note.—Their deeds would not have beenunlawfulhad there been no law then in existence.Unlawfulmeans“contrary to law.”

13. What did Joseph, in Egypt, say when tempted to sin?

“How then can I do this great wickedness, andsin 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: forthe 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 infollowing 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 Lordhath 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, andI 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 TestamentIllustration.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 hastthe form of knowledge and of the truthin the law.”Verse 20.Note.—The written law presents theformof 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.[pg 390]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: forhe 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: thereforelove is the fulfilling of the law.”Rom. 13:8-10.10. What is of more importance than any outward ceremony?[pg 391]“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, butthe keeping of the commandments of God.”1 Cor. 7:19.11. What kind of mind is not subject to the law of God?“Becausethe carnal mindis 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: forsin 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?“Forthis 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 WordTheir 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.

Illustration.Paul Preaching To The Thessalonians. "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." 1 John 5:3.

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 hastthe form of knowledge and of the truthin the law.”Verse 20.

Note.—The written law presents theformof 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: forhe 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: thereforelove 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, butthe keeping of the commandments of God.”1 Cor. 7:19.

11. What kind of mind is not subject to the law of God?

“Becausethe carnal mindis 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: forsin 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?

“Forthis 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 WordTheir 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.

How blest the children of the Lord,Who, walking in His sight,Make all the precepts of His WordTheir study and delight!

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.

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 Commandments1. 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.

“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.

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 LawsIllustration.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 fulfilthe royal lawaccording 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, andkeep 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 bythe 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.[pg 394]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, andoffered burnt offeringsaccording 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 faithAbeloffered 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?“Andthe 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. AndHe 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 bringan 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 spakeunto 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 theetables of stone, anda law, andcommandmentswhich I have written.”Ex. 24:12.10. Was the ceremonial law a complete law in itself?“The lawof commandmentscontained in ordinances.”Eph. 2:15.[pg 395]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; andHe 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 inthe book of Moses.”2 Chron. 35:12.13. Where were the ten commandments placed?“And he took and put the testimonyinto 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, andput it in the side of the arkof 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 isperfect, converting the soul.”Ps. 19:7.“For we know that the law isspiritual.”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?“ButChrist being comean 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.[pg 396]19. How did Christ's death affect the ceremonial law?“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinancesthat was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”Col. 2:14.“Havingabolishedin His flesh the enmity, eventhe 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 twainfrom 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: andin 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 thatThou hast founded them forever.”Ps. 119:152.The Two Laws ContrastedThe Moral LawThe Ceremonial LawIs called the“royal law.”James 2:8.Is called“the law ... contained 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 stone. Ex. 24:12.Was“the handwriting of ordinances.”Col. 2:14.Was written“with the finger of God.”Ex. 31:18.Was written by Moses in a book. 2 Chron. 35:12.Was placed in the ark. Ex. 40:20; 1 Kings 8:9; Heb. 9:4.Was placed in the side of the ark. Deut. 31:24-26.Is“perfect.”Ps. 19:7.“Made nothing perfect.”Heb. 7:19.Is to“stand fast forever and ever.”Ps. 111:7, 8.Was nailed to the cross. Col. 2:14.Was not destroyed by Christ. Matt. 5:17.Was abolished by Christ. Eph. 2:15.Was to be magnified by Christ. Isa. 42:21.Was taken out of the way by Christ. Col. 2:14.Gives knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20; 7:7.Was instituted in consequence of sin. Leviticus 3-7.

Illustration.The Law Written And Engraven In Stones. The Law Of Commandments Contained In Ordinances.

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 fulfilthe royal lawaccording 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, andkeep 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 bythe 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, andoffered burnt offeringsaccording 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 faithAbeloffered 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?

“Andthe 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. AndHe 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 bringan 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 spakeunto 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 theetables of stone, anda law, andcommandmentswhich I have written.”Ex. 24:12.

10. Was the ceremonial law a complete law in itself?

“The lawof commandmentscontained 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; andHe 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 inthe book of Moses.”2 Chron. 35:12.

13. Where were the ten commandments placed?

“And he took and put the testimonyinto 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, andput it in the side of the arkof 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 isperfect, converting the soul.”Ps. 19:7.“For we know that the law isspiritual.”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?

“ButChrist being comean 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 ordinancesthat was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”Col. 2:14.“Havingabolishedin His flesh the enmity, eventhe 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 twainfrom 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: andin 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 thatThou hast founded them forever.”Ps. 119:152.

The Two Laws Contrasted

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