The Holy, Just, and Good Law of God

Is Obedience To Duty Possible?

LET'S ASK A SOLDIER.

This is really an awesome sight to watch if you've never had the chance Very fascinating. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does a guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21. It alludes to the 21 gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1.

3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.

After his march across the path, he executes an about face.

He then moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits and lifestyle of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb,

He must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30'

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV

They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb

They live in a barracks under the tomb

They cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.

They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives,

They cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.

After two years service, the guard is given a wreath pin

This wreath pin is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb

At present there are only 400 presently worn

The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty

There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform

Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet

There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt

All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred.

Among the notables are:

President Taft

Joe E. Lewis {the boxer}

Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy (the most decorated soldier of WWII)

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC. our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, 'No way, Sir!' Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.
We can be very proud of our men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

IN GOD WE TRUST

DEAR BRETHREN, IF THE MEN OF OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY CAN DEDICATE 2 YEARS SERVICE TO THE WATCHCARE OF THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, WHICH CARRIES WITH IT A LIFE SENTENCE OF SELF-EXAMINATION AND TEMPERANCE, THEN WHY SHOULD ANYONE WHO CALLS THEMSELVES AFTER THE BLESSED NAME OF THE SON OF GOD WHO DENIED HIMSELF, DO ANY LESS?

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.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU DEDICATE YOURSELVES TO LIVE FOR HIM WHO DIED FOR YOU.

Questions about the need for God's Law

Historically, was the law was only used (as some would assert) in times past to reveal the sin in man but no longer? That is a liberal interpretation of the schoolmaster principle used by some (maybe even most) modern expositors.

Since man needs a Redeemer to cover his sin that he could not atone for himself, should he want to or even try to obey God's Law?

Let's see how the Scripture deals with how we relate to God and His Law, both before and after we come to faith in Messiah Jesus.

John 16:7-13

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.

Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 7:7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

John 14:15-17 If ye love Me, keep My Commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

With the foregoing Scriptures in mind let's now examine what they say relative to how the Spirit of God uses His own Word and especially His Law to convict us of our sins and then lead us to righteousness in Jesus Christ.

If the worldling cannot see the Holy Spirit, then He (the Spirit of God) cannot speak to them can He? Therefore, the worldling must go to the Bible and hear the word of God, thus giving the Spirit the ability in that persons case to convince them of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment to come. If that worldling sees with his own eyes what God has declared about his condition and what his sin accomplished in the death of the Lord Jesus and that man repents, then according to the promise of the Messiah, he shall be the recipient of the indwelling Spirit of Christ, which is given to them that obey Him. Acts 5:28-32

The Holy Ghost work as Messiah explained, is to convict man of His condition of being a sinner in need of a Savior, which He cannot do if He has no standard by which to convince them.

In other words, if you remove the standard of righteousness, the Law, how then can the Spirit of God show that person their need of redemption?

And Christ is the remedy to lawlessness, not a cloak. Jesus doesn't hide your sins, He took them upon Himself, and Jesus not only frees us from sins wages of death, but also gives to us power over our fallen nature. This is the Gospel!!!

What did John the Baptist preach concerning the Messiah?

Matthew 3:6-11

Then went out to Him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits(works) meet(which show) for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Clearly the law revealed to these people, that they were sinners, and that is why they came to John's baptism. But as in our day, so it was then, the religious people came out of curiosity to see and to hear John's message of repentance but they didn't see themselves as sinners. And not only this, they also thought that by their connection to Abraham, that they could just float on into Paradise someday.

Do people do the same with Jesus? Why in modern times almost any person would say they're a Christian!

But if the baptizer John were here today, he would roar in reply, The Lord can make His children bearing Abraham's fruits of love and faithfulness out of these stones along the banks of the Jordon! John would say further, that Jesus came to heal the heart of man. Man's heart is not right with God! Now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. A man's fruit can be a sure indicator of his heart condition, but if you cannot do anything to remedy man's heart condition, then the man will surely die from it. What can be done for man to restore him to the image of God?

The Holy Ghost spoke through John, to declare the work of Jesus on behalf of man. You can chainsaw a tree level with the ground, but it will alway return as long as you leave the roots in the ground. John said the axe goes beyond the trunk to the roots.

What does this mean? Sin and the propensities to sin must be rooted up!!!

Paul the Apostle declared, "SIN SHALL NOT HAVE DOMINON OVER YOU!"

John 3:17-19

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Does coming to Christ then mean being saved without the hope of overcoming our condition? Praise God, the answer is no!!! That is the lie of the devil, Satan.

Then why do some say that victory over lawlessness can never happen? It is called UNBELIEF.

James 1:12-15

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

This New Testament doctrine shows the condition of man without the Holy Ghost. Remember, the Lord isn't at fault for the man's fall, but man bears his guilt to the grave. It is his fault, for his evil desires in mind and heart, therefore when he acts out those desires contrary to the will of God and sins, transgressing the Commandments of God, he will eventually taste the second death from which there is no hope of a resurrection, and he shall be no more.

Another promise unbelievers inside and outside of modern chrisendom overlook is found in the Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 10:12-14 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

Do we realize the import of these verses?

1. Proverbs 16:18 says that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Nothing is worse that a person who will not admit that they need help, and even worse still, that a merciful hand is outstretched and they refuse help. Therefore, trust in the Lord and in the power of His might is mandatory to start the healing process!

2. 1 Corinthians 10 Verse 13 says that no temptation that comes to us, has not been first been suffered/permitted/allowed to come.

a. Does that mean that God screens (filters) all the devil, Satan's messages he has packaged for our fall? Yes He does.

b. So God takes care to remove the temptations He knows we could not bear before they reach us? Yes He does.

c. Does that means that all sin man has committed then is a choice made from neglect and unbelief on his part. Yes it does.

d. Therefore, we cannot excuse ourselves for any sin, or else we are putting the blame upon God as indicated in the first chapter of James.

3. We have the choice therefore, but to stay and fight all comers, or flee. We are not alone. We have help!

James 4:6.-7

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

You see friend, it is always the devil, Satan who is to be put to flight, not the child of God.

Praise be to our mighty God and Savior, Messiah Jesus!

There is one thing the Christian is to flee from though.

I believe Joseph (11th son of Israel) is eluded to by St. Paul in reference to fleeing, for he had been cornered by the wife of Potiphar, to have intercourse with her. She thought Joseph was good looking (even the Bible says he was), and I'm sure she was probably beautiful herself because she was married to Potiphar, the chief officer to the Pharoah of Egypt.

But you know that Joseph had a heart condition that couldn't handle such circumstance. He replied, " There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? But she persisted day by day pursuing him, just like our adversary the devil. Finally, she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!!!": and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. It is sad that she was so tormented with this demon of lust, which I am sure destroyed the marriage of Potiphar and his wife, but the man of God, Joseph had remained faithful, and had endured. I believe he will recieve that crown of life, which is laid up for him, don't you?

Joseph ran from SIN. Do you?

Some fights that we cannot endure are due to putting ourselves in harms way. Paul gave us this very important information. Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Remember we are tempted when we are drawn away of our own lust and enticed. There are millions of Christian men who are addicted to pornography on the internet, and they are being destroyed from within by lust for the flesh. Jesus died to free such men, but I dare say that they would argure, "I am not under the law, but under grace." I say, thank you Lord that your grace is sufficient for such as these, but until they realize what sin is, how can they truly be delivered from it? God help us all. Elder Timothy Lee Arnett

Under the Law The Bible Definition

Romans 3:19 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.

When we see this one singular verse of Scripture, then we cannot seriously agree with the many modern thinkers who pervert the Scripture, trying to decieve young Christians into thinking that:

God's Law of Ten Commandments is our enemy
Or having any discussion of Commandment keeping, observing the Law, or reading the things contained in the Law (Torah-instructions of Moses) means you have placed yourself under the Law.

No such definitions are in Scripture.

Romans 6:13-14 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What is interesting is that we are clearly told that SIN shall NOT have dominion over you. Now some will say then, "If you try and live by God's Law you are sinning, areen't you?" Not at all!

Paul says, Romans 7:1. Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Now brethren. Sin does not have dominion over us, but Paul said as long as we LIVE, the LAW HAS DOMINION OVER US.

Is that scary? It should not be unless you are not submitting yourselves to God in Christ. What else does Paul say???

Romans 6:15-16 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

So we are not to sin because we are NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT UNDER GRACE.

What is sin??? The Apostle John says the following...

1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

What is the good we must do?

Romans 7:12 & 14 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Galatians 3:22-23
But 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.

And what is that faith that was revealed that took us out from UNDER THE LAW???

Romans 3:21-22
But now the righteousness of God without (besides) the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Now remember what Romans 3:19 said? When we were under the Law, we were guilty before God as transgressers of His holy, just, good, and spiritual Law. But because Jesus was made SIN (UNDER THE LAW) in our place, and died for us, tasting DEATH for every man, we are NO LONGER UNDER THE LAW, BUT UNDER GRACE.

Thank you Father for sending Jesus to save us from our sin, and from our sinful ways.

Galatians 5:18-2
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Isn't it clear by now brethren, that Jesus died to save us not only from the death penalty for our past sins, but He also gives us that same grace to keep us from sinning. Amen Lord Jesus.

Tables of Stone or Tables of the Heart? You Choose

The Ten Commandments-the Law of Liberty

Exodus 20:1-17, " And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.

2
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing 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 shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments.

3
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.

4
Remember theSabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, 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 manservant, nor thy maidservant, 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.

5
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

6
Thou shalt not kill.

7
Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8
Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his

manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

When I see this Law, then I look at Jesus, and I see Him fulfilling the letter and the spirit of the Law, by Loving God and His neighbor according to the Two Great Commandments called the Royal Law bby the Apostle James. All of us have been saved from the prison house of sin by our Messiah Jesus just as the nation of Israel was delivered from the harsh taskmaster in Egypt.

What does the New Testament have to say about the application of God's Law in the heart of a Christian?

2 Corinthians 3:2, 3

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

I do not see the Law of God being done away with, but being brought to life. God's Law was never done away with, not a jot or a tittle. Jesus had it in the fleshy table of His heart too, and He kept it perfectly.

These are the words of Jesus, spoken by King David

Psalms 40 7-9 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. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained My lips, O Lord, thou knowest.

In every way, Jesus taught what true righteousness was beyond thou shalt not kill, He taught and lived love for His neighbor, but He never taught or lived the breaking, or doing away with any of God's holy, just, and good Law.

See how He walked on the Sabbath Day. He kept the letter of the Law of the Sabbath, but he also healed men of sin and physical affliction, and thus fulfilled the spirit and love requirement contained in the Law. Some are at enmity with God's Law and do not wish for it to be written upon the fleshly tables of their heart. The transfer from the tables of stone to your heart is to be clear transaction. If you call yourself a Christian, but don't do what He says, then He will say, "I never knew you, depart from Me." How sad.

The Transfer from Stone to Fleshly Tables

What does this mean? Say for example, you wanted to seek out your family tree, and you had to go to some local cemetaries to locate folks from your 3rd and 4th generation. You take a piece of paper, and lay it over the face of the tombstone, then gently rub charcoal until the letter characters are transferred onto the paper. Because it is a transfer, there should be no change in what was written on the stone, correct? The only way a change could have occured, is if someone changed or marred what you transferred to the paper. This has been done by the majority of the churches in Christendom today, and now, we must all take our salvation seriously, by not allowing anyone to dictate to us what God says. We must go directly to His unerring source, the Bible.

Jesus had the Ten Commandments perfectly transferred upon His heart, and He promises to write that same Law upon our hearts and minds. He said, If you love Me, keep my Commandments. That is our choice, for love is never forced, and therfore, neither is obedience! Do you love Jesus? Jesus loved His Father, and He gave us a loving example a to how we ought to live our lives before God. The thing is, it's not I, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live, I live by the faith of, the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Now, the Spirit of Christ is in His Commandments keeping people.

Hebrews 5;8, 9 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; (Do you qualify?)

Acts 2:37, 38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1. Repent-Turn from you worldly, sinful ways twords God.

2. Be baptized, not only with water, but according to Romans 6, a full putting of the old man into the grave, that we may come up in the newness of life in Christ.

3. In the name of Jesus Christ. We are called Christian, because we belong to Jesus Christ. He is our Lord, and we are to follow Him as the sheep hear and follow the Good Shepherd. He layed down His life for us, and our self-loving, self-gratifying, self-agrandizing, will all cease when we truly know the Father, and Jesus Christ the Son. This is the passing from death to life. We, who've tasted of the heavenly gift, desire even more. There is no limit to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus, and those who would say that living for God is impossible (i.e, keeping Sabbath, remaining faithful to our spouses, loving and nurturing our children, ministering to the needs of others in prisons, hospitals, and so forth), are speaking as those who're yet unconverted.

4. For the remission of sins, is to be realized in every believer. Sin is transgression of the Law! To say that it no longer matters what day you keep, is like also saying, "marry who you wish, as many as you wish, or "call God, Allah, Buddha, Krishna, or whatever. No, no! A thousand times no! One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Sin is a cancer, and if we do not recognize what sin is in our lives, then we definately don't ask for a Physician. Jesus promised to cleanse us from all sin. If we deny Him that priviledge, then we too shall be denied.

5. And ye shall recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost: (See Scripture below)

Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.

The law of sin/fleshly desires VS. The Law of God

Romans 7:22 to Romans 8:8

For I delight in the Law of God after the inward Man: (Jesus Christ) But I see another law in my members, warring against the Law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the Law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

The Scripture is clear, that we have the gift the Holy Ghost, for OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH AND TO THE TRUTH. There is power in blood of the Lamb to overcome every evil trait of sin. May it be our desire to allow Christ to perform His work in us by faith. Christ in you, the hope of Glory (character perfection as sons and daughters of God).

Come to Him in faith, desiring to love and obey God and you shall receive His Spirit. Pastoral Elder Timothy Lee Arnett

The Unchanging Character of God and His Holy Law

Immutability of the Law of God

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17 What a contrast between the words of Christ, and the language of those who claim that he came to abrogate the law of God and to do away with the Old Testament. Our Saviour, who knew all things, understood the wiles of Satan, the snares by which he would seek to entrap the children of men, and so made this positive statement to meet the questioning doubts and the blind unbelief of all coming time.

But there is a law which was abolished, which Christ "took out of the way, nailing it to his cross." Paul calls it "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." This ceremonial law, given by God through Moses, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be binding upon the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world. Then all the sacrificial offerings and services were to be abolished. Paul and the other apostles labored to show this, and resolutely withstood those Judaizing teachers who declared that Christians should observe the ceremonial law.

Christ himself declares that he came not to destroy the law of ten precepts, which was spoken from Sinai. He says, "Verily I say unto you,"-- making the assertion as emphatic as possible,--"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled." Here he teaches not merely what the claims of God's law had been and were then, but that these claims should hold so long as the heavens and the earth remain. This testimony should forever settle the question. The law of God is as immutable as his throne. It will maintain its claims upon all mankind in all ages, unchanged by time or place or circumstances. The ritual system was of altogether a different character, and typified the death of Christ as a sacrifice for the broken precepts of the moral law. "I am not come to destroy," Christ says, "but to fulfill,"--"to magnify the law and make it honorable," as Isaiah, hundreds of years before, had prophesied respecting the Messiah's work.

"To fulfill the law." In his own life the Saviour gave the children of men an example of perfect obedience. In his teachings he made clear and distinct every precept of the divine law; he swept away the rubbish of erroneous tradition with which the Jews had encumbered it; he illustrated and enforced its principles, and showed in all its particulars the length and breadth and height and depth of the righteousness required by the law of God.

The Pharisees were dissatisfied with the teachings of Christ. The practical godliness which he enjoined condemned them. They desired him to dwell upon the external observances of the ceremonial law, and the customs and traditions of the fathers. But Jesus taught the spiritual nature of the law and made clear its far-reaching claims. Love to God and to men must live in the heart and control the life, as the spring of every thought and every action.

There is perfect harmony between the law of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. "I and my Father are one," says the great Teacher. The gospel is the good news of grace, or favor, by which man may be released from the condemnation of sin, and enabled to render acceptable obedience to the law. The gospel points to the moral code as a rule of life. That law, by its demands for undeviating obedience, is continually pointing the sinner to the gospel for pardon and peace. Says the great apostle, "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid. Yea, we establish the law." And again he declares that the "law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." Enjoining supreme love to God, and equal love to our fellow-men, it is indispensable alike to human happiness and the glory of God.

There are persons professing to be ministers of Christ, who declare with the utmost assurance that no man ever did or ever can keep the law of God. But, according to the Scriptures, Christ "took upon himself our nature," and "was made in fashion as a man." He was man's example, man's representative, and he declares, "I have kept my Father's commandments." The beloved disciple urges that every follower of Christ "ought himself also so to walk even as he walked." All who are in Christ will follow the example of Christ. All who justify the sinner in his transgression of God's law belong to that class of whom our Saviour said, "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." They can have no part with Him who came to magnify the law and make it honorable. They are deceiving the people with their sophistry, saying to the sinner, "It shall be well with thee," when God has declared, "The soul that sinneth [transgresseth the law] it shall die."

The words of Christ are both explicit and comprehensive. "Whosoever"-- minister or layman, wise or ignorant--"shall break one of these least commandments"--willfully or presumptuously, as did Adam and Eve--is included in the condemnation. Breaking one of the commandments makes man a commandment-breaker. "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." No excuse can avail for him who strictly obeys nine of the precepts of God's law, but ventures to break one because it is for his profit or convenience to do so. God demands implicit obedience to all his requirements. "And shall teach men so." This is a point worthy of careful consideration. Christ foresaw that men would not only break the commandments of God themselves, but would teach others to break them. Some are not content with doing this by example; they defend sin, and pervert the word of God to justify the transgressor. Such persons will have no part with the people of God. But the greatest guilt rests upon the professed watchmen, who do not hesitate to speak evil of the law, and even to make those who are ignorant of the Bible believe that they are fallen from grace if they keep it. "All we have to do," say they, "is to believe in Christ, come to Christ."

The most fatal delusion of the Christian world in this generation is, that in pouring contempt on the law of God they think they are exalting Christ. What a position! It was Christ who spoke the law from Sinai. It was Christ who gave the law to Moses, engraven on tables of stone. It was his Father's law; and Christ says, "I and my Father are one." The Pharisees held the reverse of the modern position, but were in just as great an error. They rejected Christ, but exalted the law. And it makes little difference which position is taken, so long as we ignore the true one,--that faith in Christ must be accompanied by obedience to the law of God.

While we point the sinner to Jesus as the one who can take away sin, we must explain to him what sin is, and show him that he can be saved from his sins, but not in them. He must be made to realize that "sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4 Paul makes the inquiry, many years after the death of Christ, "Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." Romans 7:7 Thus Paul exalts the Moral Law. When this law is practically carried out in every-day life, it is found indeed to be the wisdom of God. It serves to detect sin. It discovers the defects in the moral character, and shows sin to be exceeding sinful, revealing it in all its hideousness. Through obedience to its requirements, Christian character is perfected.

God's law is a copy of His mind and will. The sins forbidden there could never find a place in Heaven. It was love that prompted God to express his will in the ten precepts of the decalogue. Afterward he showed his love for man by sending prophets and teachers to explain and illustrate his holy Law. God has given man a complete rule of life in his law. Obeyed, man shall live by it, through the merits of Christ. Transgressed, it has power to condemn. The law sends men to Christ, and Christ points them back to the Law. Submitted by Pastoral Elder Timothy Lee Arnett

No distinction between laws?

Many have felt that Seventh Day Adventists are wrong when they say that there are differences, or divisions within the 613 laws that were given to the nation of Israel. It is claimed by our opponents that all the laws are the same, and that none should be treated differently from the other. Therefore, they conclude, when the New Testament speaks about a law that has been abolished and nailed to the cross, it includes all of the Old Testament laws, including the 10 Commandments. We find this kind of reasoning to be a bit strange since there are instances in the New Testament where Paul or one of the other authors commands their readers to obey one or more of those commandments. For example, Paul says in the following passage:

Ephesians 6:1-3
(1) Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
(2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
(3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Yet we read Paul in another instance say that the commandments have been done away with:

Ephesians 2:15
(15) 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

Yet despite what our critics might want to say, there is a difference here. One of these is a commandment contained within the Decalogue, the 10 Commandments, of which Moses said that God “added no more” –Deut. 5:22. The other is, says Paul, “contained in ordinances.” There is not one instance in the New or Old Testament where the 10 Commandments are referred to as ordinances. However; we find some other laws referred to as ordinances. Notice:

Exodus 12:17
And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:43
And the LORD said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:

Numbers 19:2
This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke.

Numbers 18:8
And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

Hebrews 9:1
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary

As we can see from the above examples, what was an ordinances had to do with the various laws which dealt with feast days, the services of the priests, the offerings, and the worldly sanctuary. This easy to understand fact is but one example of instances in the bible where it is made crystal clear that there were differences in the laws. Another one of these is in the fact that….

One Law is Spiritual while the other is Carnal.

Notice the following verse:

Hebrews 9:9-10
(9) 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;
(10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

There are those ordinances again. Notice How Paul refers to them as carnal. Were the 10 Commandments also carnal… or were they spiritual? If spiritual, then there is a clear difference between them. Let’s take a look:

Romans 7:14
(14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

By reading the context of Romans 7 we know that the law Paul is referring to here is the law of 10 Commandments, because he quotes the 10th one in verse 7. There when he says that the law is spiritual he is saying that the 10 Commandments are a spiritual law. We here have clear proof that there is a big difference between the laws of ordinances, and the moral law of 10 Commandments, for, one is spiritual, and the other is carnal.

Our critics have a hard time dealing with this one, but there is more. Notice that a separation is shown even in…

The manner in which they were given.

At the foot of the Mount, Moses and the people stand astonished at the thunderous sound of God’s very own voice blasting from the top of Mount Sinai. Suddenly the following words are heard…

Exodus 20:2
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage…

Soon after assuring the people that they have been taken “out” of bondage, God gives them his perfect law. We note that the first time the law if given to the Israelites it was publicly spoken by God himself. Let’s take a look:

Deut. 4:12-14
(12) 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.
(13) 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.
(14) And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

Now let’s quickly break these verses down:

In verses 12 and 13 God publicly "spoke" the Law of Ten Commandment at their hearing:

“And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words… He declared unto you His covenant… even Ten Commandments; and He wrote them upon two tables of stone.”

Now let's ask the important question at this juncture of the verse, Did the Lord write 613 laws, or commandments upon the two tables of stone? No He did not.

Afterwards having spoken His Ten Commandments, in verse 14 we read that God privately gives Moses the "statutes and judgments" for him to teach the people:

“And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.”

If there were no difference, then friends, why were they treated differently? Not only this, but they were also place in “separate” locations. The 10 Commandments were specifically written on Tablets of Stone, and God himself wrote them (Exodus 31:18). Of course because this is such clear cut proof that there were separations within the laws, our opponents have found ways to attack these facts. Let us examine two of their responses:

Critics Response #1: God stopped speaking the 10 Commandments because the people told him to.

To the above we are shown the following verses:

Deuteronomy 5:23-27
(23) And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;
(24) And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.
(25) Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
(26) For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
(27) Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.

It is true that the people responded this way after hearing the words of the Lord, but can it really be said that they caused God to stop speaking? Can we really stop God from doing anything? Some might argue that we can (and we disagree), but let us back up just one more verse and include it in our examination:

Deuteronomy 5:22
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.

Notice that as soon as God spoke the words, the 10 Commandments, Moses said that God “added no more.” In other words, God spoke the 10 Commandments, then stopped speaking. He himself chose not to add any more then those 10. Therefore the out-cry of the children of Israel was not what cause God to cease from speaking his law. They did that soon after God stopped speaking the law and “added no more.”

Critics Response #2: The 10 Commandments are also written in the book of the law.

With this claim our opponents take us once again to Deuteronomy chapter 5. There we find Moses repeating the law to the children of Israel. But let us keep a few things in mind. Those Israelites present were not the same once present at mount Sinai. At the point in time when Moses began reiterating the law to the Israelites was at the point in which they were just about to enter the promised Land of Canaan. Their “fathers,” the ones that were present at Mount Sinai, all died in the wilderness because of their unbelief. God said that they would not enter the land, but that their children would. And since the tablets of stone containing the written law was placed “inside” the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:16), it was not visible to these who did not experience the burning mount. Therefore, they “needed” to be “reminded” of what their fathers were taught “before” they entered the Promised Land. From chapter 1 of Deuteronomy to chapter 5 we see Moses rehearsing their history to them, so it shouldn’t of been a surprise that we find the 10 Commandments there again. But note carefully that there is a difference between the 10 Commandments of Deuteronomy 5 and the original one given in Exodus 20. The Sabbath commandment is spoken differently:

Compare:

Exodus 20:8-11 as originally given by God
(8) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
(9) Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
(10) 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 manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
(11) 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.

With:

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 as rehearsed by Moses
(12) Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
(13) Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
(14) 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, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
(15) And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Quite a difference, but the same has been done to the fifth commandment:

Compare:

Exodus 20:12 as originally given by God
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

With:

Deuteronomy 5:16 as rehearsed by Moses
(16) Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Notice the rest of the law:

Compare:

Exodus 20:14-17 as originally given by God
(14) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(15) Thou shalt not steal.
(16) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
(17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

With:

Deuteronomy 5:18-21 as rehearsed by Moses
(18) Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
(19) Neither shalt thou steal.
(20) Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
(21) Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.

The point is that since the original was hidden inside the Ark, Moses had to depend on his memory to be able to rehearse the law once again to the children of the Israelite fathers. Those found in Deuteronomy is “not” the original law, but simple a rehearsing of the original. Therefore if we remove the “book of the law” along with its recap of history, we still have the original law as spoken by God in Exodus 20. And that the original law as spoken by God will endure forever is made crystal clear by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:19, where he says in regards to the Christian way of living:

1Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

In fact, this verse also shows…
Another distinction between the ceremonial law of circumcision and the Commandments of God.

Some have argued that Paul is not talking about any of the 10 Commandments in this chapter, but we disagree. If this entire chapter is read one will quickly notice from the immediate context that Paul is talking about the 10 Commandments:

1 Corinthians 7:1-2
(1) Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
(2) Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

The bible teaches that God’s commandments are “broad” –Psalm 119:96. And since fornication is a sexual sin, it is related to the seventh commandment, the one forbidding adultery. In fact, even a look at the Greek word translated fornication will show this:

porneia
From G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry: - fornication.
Paul is teaching throughout this chapter that it does not matter in what position you are found when you come to the Lord, as long as that in that position you don’t violate God’s Holy Commandments. For circumcision is nothing… but keeping God’s commandments IS something (verse 19)!

Another example of a separation between laws if found in Leviticus chapter 23. Here… God himself makes sets a separation.

When the Seventh Day Sabbath and the feast days are introduced, God is careful to let them know that the Seventh Day Sabbath is to be regarded as “separate” from the feast days:

Lev 23:37-38
(37) These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
(38) Beside (Hebrew: separation) the sabbaths of the LORD, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.

The literal translation of “beside the sabbaths of the Lord’ means just that… besides the Sabbaths of the Lord! Notice that as God began introducing the ceremonial sabbath feast days, he included the seventh day Sabbath because it too is a “holy convocation” –verse 2. But he makes sure they understand that the Sabbath of the Lord and these feast sabbaths are to be regarded as “separate.” Some have argued that verse 38 is actually making a separation between the offerings of the feast days and the offerings of the Sabbath day. We agree! But that separation is found in the “remaining” portion of verse 38:

“…. and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside all your freewill offerings, which ye give unto the LORD.”

The beginning part of thise verse, however, is a separation between the Seventh Day Sabbath and the feast sabbaths. Some critics have cited us this verse from the NIV version, which reads as follows:

Leviticus 23:38
These offerings are in addition to those for the LORD’s Sabbaths and in addition to your gifts and whatever you have vowed and all the freewill offerings you give to the LORD.)

However, notice how honest the NIV translators were, that in a footnote at the bottom of this chapter, they give an alternate way of rendering verse 38:

23:38 Or These feasts are in addition to the LORD's Sabbaths, and these offerings are

We’re glad they were being honest, because not only is this the intended meaning of this verse as rendered by most versions, it is also what the original Hebrew expresses. Literally, the beginning part of verse 38 is:

Interlinear Scripture Analyzer

aside-from sabbaths-of Yahweh and-aside-from gifts-of-you...

So verse 38 is yet another clear fact that there is certiantly a distinction made by God between the sabbath feast days and the “Lord’s Sabbath,” which is the Seventh day Sabbath (see Isaiah 58:13). The word “besides” is not only used here to separate the feast days from the Sabbath day, but it is also used in another instance separating the covenant made in Moad, where this book of the law was written, with the covenant made at Sinai, where the tablets of stone were written:

Deuteronomy 29:1
(1) These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside (hebrew: separation) the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.

Horeb and Sinai are two names for the same location. Note carefully that God once again sets a separation between the covenant given in Moab and that which was given as the 10 Commandments at Mount Sinai. How much clearer can God be!

Some have tried going to Jewish sources to prove their points, but we have chosen not to go to erring man, but to the bible. And the bible is very clear on this point… there are distinctions made between laws in the Old Testament.

New Testament Exhortations to Keeping and Doing God's Commandments

In recent times I have personally had to battle with minds that try to imply that the Christian is under no obligation of obedience to the Law of God. The following introductory verse is used my many to in effect purge any discussion about the Law.

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

So with that, one could (if that is the only verse they would ever read for the rest of their life) think that the end in that context means just that, but it goes much deeper. First let's examine how the term "end" is used in other contexts.

1 Peter 1:9-10 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

and...

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

If we were to employ the use of the term in Romans 10:4 that same way, then not only would the law have ended, butfaith and the Lord Himself as well. Therefore there must be another point being made correct? Let's see how it is said in another modern translation (other than the King James Version).

Here's how the World English Bible says it, "For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Romans 10:4

With that, can we see then that harmony exists with what Jesus said regarding the Commandments? Let's do a study of His, as well as His Apostles, regarding His and HIs Father's Commandments.

Matthew 5:17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

There it is. Harmony does exist when we see what is meant by the words and phrases being employed. We must be careful how we handle the Word of God, not only because of old english terms used four hundred years ago, but because the premise of this discussion is that men who are unsanctified and do not love God will not be able to tell you the truth.

Ao let's examine some more exhortations (encouragments) to keep and do His Commands.

Matthew 19:17 If thou wilt enter into life, Keep the Commandments.

Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the Commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath Day according to the Commandment.

John 14:15,16,21 If ye love Me, Keep my Commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Romans 2:13,23; 7:22 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Now let's discuss true conversion to Christ

Galatians 5:6. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Galatians 6:15. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

What is the fruit of the person who is a new creature???

1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the Keeping of the Commandments of God.

Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Romans 13:8-9 Owe no man any thing, 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, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

What does prophecy say about keeping the Commandments?

Revelation 12:17 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.

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that Do His Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Messiah Jesus the Commandment keeper was prophesied in David's psalms

Psalms 40:7-8 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.

Jesus will keep the law in us

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Hebrews 5:8-9 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the Author of Eternal Salvation unto all them that obey Him;

Acts 5:30-32 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.

Teaching obedience to God's Law: Not another gospel, and neither is it a yoke of bondage.

If you rightly divide the Word of Truth, the Lord God has never proposed that the Ten Commandments were another gospel or a yoke of bondage.

In Bible-fact, the Scriptures teach that God's Ten Commandments are the Law of Liberty, which if a man is converted and walking in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, will live in harmony with all the principles of the kingdom of God, and as a by-product, be free from sin in His Savior.

This he does (by Christ working in him-Philippians 2:13; 4:13), not because he is trying to one-up the Lord God, but because the converted child of God realizes now that the Lord our God has Law just like any other Potentate. He is the King of the Universe and He gave His Commandments, stautes, and Laws unto Moses for our education, as a Schoolmaster in effect.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God came into theis world to save His people from their sins. When we realize the love of the Father manifested in His Son Jesus Christ, that He would allow His only begotten Son to come into this world, be a partaker of our humanity in order that He might succor those that are tempted, because He Himself was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin, then we come to see that our conformity to His will is the natural response to any and all who are truly converted and appreciate God's plan of salvation.

Now that Jesus Christ has come, we are not longer under the Schoolmaster, which includes the entire law, both moral and ceremonial. We are now shown an even higher standard of righteousness, being witnessed to by God's own Son.

Romans 3:19-31

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. 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.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Jesus Christ) Whom God hath set forth to be a (Mercy Seat) propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

What we learn from this context is the following

The law (all law in Scripture) speaks to all men
It speaks to all as being under the law (its condemnation). Why?
That every mouth (you have a mouth?) and that all the world (you live on planet earth?) may become guilty before Whom?
We are guilty before God, whose Law we have transgressed. Sin is defined as the transgression of the Law of God, His Ten Commandments. St. Paul said in Romans 7:7, "I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet." (The Tenth Commandment being referenced).
By the law, none are justified. Why?
Because by the law (its purpose) is to give the sinner the knowledge of his sins.

But now... Here we notice a transistion

The Righteousness of God without (meaning apart from, besides, not minus the Law of God) is manifested. Now we see a righteousness next to but far exceeding the letter of the Law. How?
Witness by the Law and the Prophets. " Sacrifice and offering T (Father) Thou didst not desire; mine ears hast Thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast Thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come (The Word of God-Jesus Christ): in the volume of the book (Law-Psalms Prophets) it is written of Me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, Thy Law is within My heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation." Pslams 40:6-10
The Righteousness of God now is the person of Jesus Christ. He declared, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh unto the Father (no man can stand in His divine Presense without being consumed) but by Me." John 14:6
Abundant grace has been provided that the believing soul may be kept free from sin; for all heaven, with its limitless resources, has been placed at our command. We are to draw from the well of salvation. Christ is the end of law for righteousness (The Law pointed forward to Jesus Christ)to everyone who believeth. In ourselves we are sinners; but in Christ we are righteous. Having made us righteous through the imputed righteousness of Christ, God pronounces us just, and treats us as just. He looks upon us as His dear children. Christ works against the power of sin, and where sin abounded, grace much more abounds. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" Rom. 5:1, 2

This side of the Cross-under the New Covenant

All who are not in Christ are still accounted sinners, transgressors of God's Law
Being in sin is also referred to as falling short of His glory. The Law (since it testifies of Jesus Christ) is a transcript of His divine character
We can do nothing to erase what we have already done contrary to God's Law, His Glory. Therefore, by His grace which we do not deserve, He pardons us and we are justified freely.
Redemption (being bought back from death, which is the sure result of sin) is in Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is our Propitiation (Mercy Seat). "A vail has seemed to be before the eyes of many who have labored in the cause, so that when they presented the law, they have not had views of Jesus, and have not proclaimed the fact that, where sin abounded, grace doth much more abound. It is at the cross of Calvary that mercy and truth meet together, where righteousness and peace kiss each other. The sinner must ever look toward Calvary; and with the simple faith of a little child, he must rest in the merits of Christ, accepting his righteousness and believing in his mercy. Laborers in the cause of truth should present the righteousness of Christ, not as new light, but as precious light that has for a time been lost sight of by the people. We are to accept Christ as our personal Saviour, and he imputes unto us the righteousness of God in Christ. Let us repeat and make prominent the truth that John has portrayed: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
God is called Righteous for the fact that He has also taken away our sins through His forebearance. St. Paul declares this regarding His forebearance, "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Romans 2:4 If God has done so much in our behalf, ought we not cease in our desire to have it our way? We have no other recourse but to repent and turn form our sinful past to the new path of holiness in Jesus Christ, His Son.
God is Just as well as the Justifier. Through the eternal ages the offensive character of sin will be seen in what it cost the Father and the Son, in the humiliation, suffering, and death of Christ. All the worlds will behold in Him a living testimony to the malignity of sin; for in His divine form He bears the marks of the curse. He is in the midst of the throne as a Lamb that has been slain. Not only man but angels will ascribe honor and glory to the Redeemer, for even they are secure only through the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the inhabitants of unfallen worlds have been guarded from apostasy. It is this that has effectually unveiled the deceptions of Satan and refuted his claims. Not only those that are washed by the blood of Christ, but also the holy angels, are drawn to him by his crowning act of giving his life for the sins of the world. God's dealing with the rebellion of Satan is justified before the universe. The justice and mercy of God are fully vindicated, so that, through all eternity, rebellion will never again arise. Such is the import of His own words when for the last time teaching in the temple He said, looking forward to His approaching sacrifice, "Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." Will draw all unto me--not only earth, but heaven; for of him "the whole family in heaven and earth is named." Eph. 3:15. Thus God has "made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to the good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that . . . he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him." Eph. 1:9, 10.

Final declaration regarding justification and Law

Where is boasting then? Who gets the credit for any and all good that occurs in the life of every believer iin Jesus Christ? Do we get the credit? No! We have already concluded that all are under sin and have a past record of transgression, therefore we cannot make due for anything. We must admit our inability to make ourselves just in anyway
Does the Law get the credit? No! The law declares what sin is, therefore it condemns us for where we have fallen short of God's glory and character.
If not by our works or by the law, then how?
By the law of faith. Accepting what Jesus Christ has done. Remember! Jesus was not only our sin -bearer, but He was also Righteous in that He knew no sin. Therefore He is also our new standard of Righteousness (right doing) our perfect Pattern by which we are to reflect the image of God.
We were justified by the death of Jesus Christ before we ever did any thing in response to His grace. That is the why we do that which is good in His sight. Jesus knew His Father and He always did that which was good in His Fathers eyes. The Father said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.." Matthew 3:17
God is the God both of Jew and Gentile, therefore all fall under the same condemnation for transgression and are justified by the same rule of faith. All who are in Jesus Christ abide by the same rule of faith. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:" Philippians 3:14-18 We are to all say, "I am justified by the Son of God, Who has fullfilled the Righteous claims of the Law of God, His Father. He has paid the penalty for my transgressions, being made Sin for us all. He died my death, suffered my humiliation, and experienced the separation from the Father that I deserved for my willful selfish desires. God help me!
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Remember! Jesus Christ is now the standard of righteousness. Walk as He walked. If we sin in transgression of the letter of the Law, we have an Advocate with the Father. We know also that it is not the Father's will after we have been enlightened as to His will to walk contrary to that rule. Whether by the law or by faith, both are of God, and the true follower of Jesus Christ will not allow his will to be in defiance to the kingdom of God any longer once he has been justified by faith. Brother Blue (Elder Timothy Lee Arnett)

MANY people often confuse Moses Law with God's 10 Commandments, but they are very different.

Moses' law contained (in part temporary, ceremonial laws, which regulated the priesthood and the sacrifices that were performed in the

tabernacle upon earth, within which were offered meat and drink offerings and ceremonial cleansings, all of which foreshadowed the cross.

This is the law that was added "till the seed should come," and that seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16, 19).

The ritual and ceremony of Moses' law pointed forward to Christ's sacrifice.

When He died, this law came to an end (it was abolished-nailed to the cross), according to Matthew 27:50-51, Ephesians 2:14-15, and Colossians 2:14-17

The Ten Commandments (God's holy, just, good, and spiritual law) shall "stand fast for ever and ever." Psalm 111:7,8.

There are two laws that are made crystal clear in the following verses below. Daniel 9:10 is talking about God's law and verse 11 is talking about Moses' law:

"Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by his servants the prophets."

"Yea, all Israel have transgressed Thy Law, even by departing, that they might not obey Thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us,

and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him." Daniel 9:10,11

Special Note: Please understand and reason it out with Scripture for yourselves, that God's law has existed

at least as long as sin has existed, since without law there cannot be sin. The Bible says, "Where no law is, there is no transgression [or sin]." Romans 4:15.

Examples of this truth that God's Ten Commandment law existed from the beginning and that men broke that law

Cain murdered Abel Genesis 4:7-8; 6:13;

The men of Sodom were declared wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly Genesis 13:13; Their sin was very grievous Genesis 18:14

King Abimelech was witheld from committing adultery with Sarah Abraham's wife Genesis 20:6

Joseph would not committ the sin of adultery by lying with Potifar's wife. His testimony, "Thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness,

and sin against God? Genesis 39:1-12

Reuben recalled the sins of his brethren (sons of Israel) in selling Joseph into servitude Genesis 42:22

Pharoah sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. Pharoah confessed his sin against the Lord and asked forgiveness. Exodus 9:34-35; 10:16-17

The tribes of Israel transgressed the holy Sabbath commandment through unbelief in God's provision and in His promises. Exodus 16:26-29

All these Biblical exmaples of transgressions predate the giving of the Moral code of Ten Commandments in tables of stone. Nevertheless men were sinners because the knowledge of God and His Law was passed on by the patriarchs father to son before as well as after the flood to the time of Abraham and the 12 tribes. From that point forward the Word of God and God's Law began to be recorded in the Torah by the prophet Moses, but we must always remember that the original Ten Commandments were written not by Moses but by the finger of God Himself.

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4 Also read verses 8 thru 12

Because of sin (or breaking God's law), Moses' law was given (or "added" Galatians 3:16, 19) till Christ should come and die.

Two separate laws involved: God's law and Moses' law.

Moses Law	God's Law
Called "the law of Moses" LUKE 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.	Called "the Law of the Lord" ISA. 5:24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Called "Law contained in ordinances" EPH. 2:15 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.	Called "the Royal law" JAMES 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Written by Moses in a book 2 CHRON. 35:12 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. And so did they with the oxen.	Written by God on stone EXO. 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. EXO. 32:16 And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
Placed in the side of the ark DEUT. 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.	Placed inside the ark EXO. 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
Ended at the cross EPH. 2:15 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.	Will stand forever LUKE 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Added because of sin GAL. 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? 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.	Points out sin ROM. 7:7 What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, 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. 3:20 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.
Contrary to us, against us COL. 2:14 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.	Not grievous 1 JOHN 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Judges no man COL. 2:14-16 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; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:	Judges all men JAM. 2:10-12 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, 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.
Carnal HEB. 7:16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.	Spiritual ROM. 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Made nothing perfect HEB. 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.	Perfect PSALMS 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

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House Built Upon the Rock Jesus Christ

To the Law and to the Testimony, if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no Light in them. Isaiah 8:20

No distinction between laws?