Our Bible Reading

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 21, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 46.

Our Bible Reading

The Law of God

1. What is said of the perfection of the law of God?

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Ps. 19: 7, 8.

NOTE.—There is no necessity for change in a law that is “perfect,” that converts the soul, that makes the simple wise, that rejoices the heart, and that is so pure that it enlightens the eyes.

2. What is said of the holiness, goodness, and spirituality of God's law?

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. Rom. 7: 12, 14.

3. What is said of the unchanging character of God Himself?

For I am the Lord, I change not. Mal. 3: 6.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1: 17.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever. Heb. 13: 8.

4. Since the Bible speaks so plainly in regard to the unchangeable character of God, what should we expect that same book to say concerning the unchangeable character of His holy law?

The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Ps. 111: 7, 8.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 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. Matt. 5: 17, 18.

5. What is the Bible definition of fulfilling law?

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal. 6: 2.

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. James 2: 8, 9.

NOTE.—The foregoing scriptures make it perfectly apparent that to “fulfil” a law means to obey it.

6. Then what may we expect the prophets to teach concerning the attitude of Christ toward His Father's law?

Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire; Mine ears hast Thou opened: burnt offering and sin-offering hast Thou not required. 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. Ps. 40: 6-8.

7. Can there be any doubt that the prophecy in the last foregoing scripture refers to Christ?

Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, But a body didst Thou prepare for Me; In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hadst no pleasure: Then said I, Lo, I am come (In the roll of the book it is written of Me) To do Thy will, O God. Saying above, Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein (the which are offered according to the law), then hath He said, Lo, I am come to do Thy will. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Heb. 10: 5-10, A.R.V.

NOTE.—This comment in the book of Hebrews shows that the quotation from the Fortieth Psalm clearly refers to Christ, and that His delight in His Father's law was such that He had that law enshrined within His heart.