The question of the advisability of making flesh a part of our diet is becoming a most serious one. From many places come reports of poisoning from flesh-eating. In cases of any form of scrofula or humors of the blood, the eating of pork is forbidden by all physicians of repute. Cancer is a near relative to this class of diseases. Beef has been found to be a seed bed for tapeworm. The germs of consumption have infected whole herds of cattle, until it is unsafe to use even the milk.
God never intended that man should eat flesh. “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” Gen. 1:29, 30.
We see, then, that not only man, but the animals, were to subsist on the products of the field, and there was to be “no death.” This was God’s ideal, for the record adds, “And God saw, . . . and, behold, it was very good.” Verse 31. Why, then, did the Lord give permission for man to eat flesh? Please turn and read the account in Gen. 9:3-5: “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. . . . And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man.”
It will be noticed that one of the saddest protests to be found in the Bible is given in connection with this permission to eat flesh. God says, You may; but He adds, The beast will rise against you, and kill you if it can. The eating of flesh would also cause man to set lightly by the life of his fellow man. A writer, speaking of the time just preceding the flood, has said: “They loved to destroy the lives of animals. They used them for food, and this increased their ferocity and violence, and caused them to look upon the blood of human beings with astonishing indifference.” God allows men to have their own way, but when that way is wrong, He first protests to them the sad results of their course. Notice other illustrations of this.
When Moses was leading the children of Israel through the wilderness, the matter of putting away the wife was so common that some regulation must be made to lessen the evil. Then God told Moses to tell the man to write a bill of divorcement and give it to the wife when he put her away. Deut. 24:1, 2. This bill was to state the nature of the trouble; and then, if the second man, knowing the cause of complaint, was willing to take her, he could do so. God did not wish it so, but it was all He could do for them. Our Saviour, speaking of this, said: “Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” Matt. 19:8. Could He have said less of the eating of flesh?
In the days of Samuel the people became discontented, and asked for a king. “But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. . . . Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and show them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.”
When men decided that they would have flesh, God gave them flesh; but He first told them the sad results,—antagonism between man and beast, also lessened regard for the blood of their fellow men. This law of the hardening process in the destruction of animals is recognized by the secular courts of justice; and in most of the States a butcher is not allowed to sit on a jury where the life of the accused is at stake. Such persons can not rightly estimate the value of the life of their fellow men.
Take the experience of the children of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness. After several months of abstinence from the use of flesh, they became dissatisfied. “And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?” Num. 11:4. Why did they weep for flesh? They had all their flocks and herds with them, “even very much cattle.” Ex. 12:38. And they had none of the antipathy against the eating of cattle that was so strong in the bosom of the Egyptians. Why did they not bring in the fatted calf when they hungered for flesh? The reason is evident—God had prohibited the use of flesh to them. So when God said to Moses, “The Lord will give you flesh, and ye shall eat” (Num. 11:18, last part), Moses at once says, “Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them?” Verse 22.
Why did he not think of this before? Again the answer must be, God had not allowed it. God had planned for them a life, if they would accept it, with no associations of death. They would not accept. Jeremiah records their choice, in these words: “For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: but this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.” Jer. 7:22-24. Then, going back to the summing up which called for the explanation contained in these verses, he says: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.” Verse 21.
To sum up, we have these points: The children of Israel wanted flesh, and wept for it while all their herds were filling the country around them. Finally, when the Lord said, “Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh,” they turned at once to their “flocks and herds.” The evidence is positive—they had understood that God had not allowed it. When they decided that they would die in the wilderness, God gave them their choice. They gratified their lust—and died.
In every offer that the Lord has made of freedom from death, passing to immortality without passing through the tomb, he has taken away the flesh diet. Adam had this offer. 2 Cor. 5:4, 5. The children of Israel had this offer (Deut. 4:40); and as we have seen, flesh was laid aside. Again God promises immunity from death by translation. Will He ask less now? Not all the children of Israel who died in the wilderness were lost. Doubtless many were saved by repentance. We know some were. And the Lord admonishes us that “we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (1 Cor. 10:6); and when we receive and know the mind of God, we “shall not hurt nor destroy.” Isa. 11:9. This state must be attained here if enjoyed in the new earth. We are not prepared to say that none will be saved who now eat flesh; but we can say that they who continue to do so will not be translated. They will die in this wilderness. If saved, it will be through the portals of the tomb. “Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat-eating will eventually be done away.”—Christian Temperance, page 119. Then can we afford to pay the penalty which was paid by the children of Israel for the questionable privilege of eating flesh? Far better to walk in the light and live.
“For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Cor. 5:7.
The passover feast was to commemorate the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Ex. 12:26, 27, 42), and pointed forward to the death of Christ.
The Lord's Supper has taken the place of the passover feast, and commemorates the death of Christ (Luke 22:19), and points forward “till He come.” 1 Cor. 11:23-26. See “The Desire of Ages,” chap. 72, pars. 2, 3.
The lamb was singled out from the flock on the tenth day of the first month (Ex. 12:3), about three and one-half days before it was slain.
Christ was pointed out as the “Lamb of God” in the autumn of A. D. 27, just three and one-half prophetic days before His crucifixion. John 1:29; Luke 3:21 (see date in margin).
The lamb was slain on the fourteenth day of the first month. Ex. 12:6.
Christ was crucified on the fourteenth day of the first month. See “The Desire of Ages,” chap. 74, par. 1.
The lamb was killed “between the two evenings.” Ex. 12:6, margin. According to Jewish historians this was between three and six in the afternoon.
Christ died on the cross after three o'clock in the afternoon. See “The Desire of Ages,” chap. 78, pars. 43-47.
The blood of the passover lamb was shed to save those who trusted in it. Ex. 12:13.
The blood of Christ, our Passover, was shed to save those who trust in it. Rom. 3:25, margin.
In order that the blood might protect them, they had to be inside their houses. Ex. 12:13, 22, 23.
In order for Christ's blood to protect us, we must be in Him. Ps. 90:1; 91:9, 10.
The lamb was to be prepared whole—not a bone broken. Ex. 12:9, 46.
The passover lamb was eaten while the Israelites were girded, with shoes on their feet, and staff in hand ready for the journey. Ex. 12:11.
As we feed upon Christ, we are to have our loins girded and our feet shod, etc. Eph. 6:14-18.
The lamb was eaten with bitter herbs to be a reminder of the bitterness of Egyptian bondage. Ex. 12:8. See “Patriarchs and Prophets,” chap. 24, par. 12.
We are to have true contrition of heart as we partake of Christ, sorrow for the sins which made it necessary for Him to give His life. See “Patriarchs and Prophets,” chap. 24, par. 12.
The lamb was eaten with unleavened bread. Ex. 12:8.
We are also to keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. 5:6-8.
They were to eat unleavened bread seven days. Verse 15.
Seven is a perfect number, representing all time in which we are to feed upon Christ, the Truth
TEMPERANCE
By A. M. Winegar, M. D.
A. M. WINEGAR, M. D.
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” 1 Cor. 9:25. The giant of intemperance has become such a great monster in our land that Churches and other organizations are making strenuous efforts to stay the evil. So intense has become the anxiety, and so fierce the struggle, that women have sacrificed that which is most dear to them, their home, with all its happiness, and have gone out to save some other mother’s son who has fallen into the gutter, or some beautiful daughter who has lost her purity and sunken into a life of shame.
This is all good, and who does not admire the faithful women who have given so much of themselves for the saving of others? But, my sisters, there is no disease without a cause. Just as, in medical practice, we are obliged to relieve symptoms, so it is also proper to raise those who have fallen into the pit of drunkenness and vice; but the work must not end with those upon whom the habit of drink has become so firmly fastened, but, like the true physician, we must seek for the cause, and having found it, apply the remedy which will most quickly remove it. Many of the women of the W. C. T. U. who are so nobly working to stay this great evil, are quite unconscious of the fact, that in their own homes this mighty giant is beginning its deadly work.
The reforming of the drunkard on whom these habits have become so firmly fixed is like stripping the leaves off the tree, with the hope of destroying the tree. The root of the evil still remains, and it is only by the mighty power of God that such a life can be changed. In the work of reformation, not only must the habit of drink be overcome, but also other habits and tendencies that may have had their origin long before the man took his first drink. The foods set before the children in many homes are often such as to create an unnatural appetite, or cravings which the simple foods and those intended to nourish and build up the body no longer satisfy.
Intemperance often has its origin with the young babe in its mother’s arms. The appetite is perverted, and instead of the child receiving only its natural food, he is given other food, which at first is distasteful to the little one; but the habit is soon formed, and a great variety of foods are given him, which tend to weaken the digestive powers. Already he begins to have cravings for other things, and in the attempt to satisfy this longing, more stimulating foods are given, such as tea, coffee, spices, rich pastries, etc. A feverish state is produced, which causes extreme thirst. This is at first quenched with water, but by and by water ceases to satisfy, and when the boy grows older, he goes to the saloon to satisfy this burning thirst with drink. Can we say then that this first drink is the beginning of the boy’s downfall?—By no means. Trace it back to his mother’s table. While mothers are studying some of the great problems that confront the world at this time, they overlook the question that should be of vital importance to every mother,—that of the study of her own child, what will best nourish it, and how to prepare its food in a way that will be palatable as well as nourishing.
(To be continued.)
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE
By Mrs. Geo. A. Irwin
For your encouragement I will say that over a year ago I requested prayers for my youngest son, who was about to be led away. Prayer was answered, and now he is in college preparing to enter the work.
The noontide hour of prayer is a help to me. At first I could not remember it, but the Lord has helped me to remember it. One day an aged sister came to see me, and I told her of my appointed time to pray. She asked if I had any objections to her taking part with me. Since then we have met daily, and three others have been added to our circle; and before the winter is over, I hope to have many more with us.
If, after reading the following extract from a letter, any feel they can give the desired help to the brother and sister in their perplexing situation, we shall be glad to furnish the name and address. We would request, however, that only those who know from their own experience what is best to do under such circumstances, shall offer advice, no matter how reasonable it may seem. There is no time for experiments in a case like this, but sympathetic suggestions and prayerful co-operation are needed:—
We desire to ask for advice in regard to the manner in which we shall deal with our oldest son. He does not want to go to school or keep the Sabbath, and refuses to do anything in harmony with the message. Any suggestions as to the best way of dealing with him will be gladly received. He has taken to using tobacco, and to other bad habits. He is sixteen years of age. Pray that God may direct his mind and lead him to the light of truth.
I am pleased with the pledges you sent, and would like more to present to my Sabbath-school class, which is composed of young gentlemen and ladies. I wish you would send me about a dozen of each kind, and let me know the price.
We have received a number of encouraging words concerning the temperance pledges, and we should be glad to supply all our sisters, and to know that they are taking hold of the temperance work. Almost without an exception every mail brings to our notice some loved one who has formed the evil habits of intemperance, and we are sure that these stirring appeals would open the eyes of many mothers, and inspire them to diligence and carefulness in this matter. These pledges should be presented to our own children, to our Sabbath-school classes, and to all those with whom we come in contact, with careful explanation concerning their meaning. Send for as many pledges as you wish, and we will supply you freely. Address Woman’s Gospel Work. 271 W. Main St.
I am so glad you told me about putting up a box for our reading-matter. I wish to do this just as soon as I can get the papers to fill the box. I have many opportunities to give away tracts and papers, and I dispose of all I have. One of my neighbors has accepted most of the truth through reading my papers. She is willing to accept anything the Bible teaches. She had a poor opinion of Seventh-day Adventists when I first met her, but she has changed her mind. To the Lord’s name be all the praise.
Your heart must indeed rejoice to know that one woman has accepted nearly all the truth through reading your papers. I wish every sister to know this, so I will make mention of it in our page in the REVIEW; and I trust that every sister who has reading-matter about her home will gather it up, and keep it in a clean condition to give to friends and neighbors. I fear that many are careless about the reading-matter. When I first accepted the truth, I looked upon every paper and tract as sacred; but now I have so many of these publications that I fear I do not regard them as I used to. But I do not allow them to accumulate. That this woman is willing to accept anything the Bible teaches, is a forcible statement. How necessary it is for all of us to know just what the Bible teaches, because we shall find many persons just like this woman; and if we can take to them a “Thus saith the Lord,” they will have no doubts about it.
MRS. GEO. A. IRWIN.
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
“I AM a Seventh-day Adventist, a reader of the REVIEW AND HERALD, and I ask prayer for my unconverted husband and son, that they may give their hearts to Jesus before it is too late, and for myself, that I may have faith, knowledge, and understanding to do a good work for the Master.”
Prayer is requested for a brother and a sister who are greatly handicapped on account of debts, which accumulated while they were in a backslidden condition, turning away from the Lord and His truth. They have now returned, however, and are in good standing in the church, and are anxious to get straight with the world, so as to be free to assist in the Lord’s work. Pray that they may be prospered financially.
“I ask prayer for my two sons, who are out in the world. My oldest son does not wish me even to say anything to him about religion. He said he burned the papers I sent him. I love him with all a mother’s love, and I think he loves me dearly. Pray for him, and for my other son who knows not the Saviour, and also for my two daughters who are out of the truth, and a son-in-law, who thinks that he has nothing to do with his being saved, but that if it is the Lord’s will to save him, he will be saved. Two of my children have been converted, and are keeping the Sabbath with me.”
“I would like to ask an interest in the prayers of our sisters for my husband, who is not a Christian, although he has been in years past, and still believes the truth in theory. Sickness, discouragement, and financial difficulties seem to have placed him where he is. His greatest desire is to make money, and this crowds out all spiritual desires, although he is willing to help me in my work, and desires to see our little boy brought up right; yet, of course, he can not be and do for him as he would if he were a Christian. I think I have the assurance that he will yet rejoice in the Lord. Pray for me, that I may let nothing prevent the Holy Spirit from working in and through me for his salvation.”
A sister who has been in the truth for fourteen years, requests prayers for her healing. Her system is almost completely run down as the result of disobedience to the laws of health, although she is now, and has been for some time, living up to all the light she has received on health reform. She119writes: “I ask a special interest in your prayers for my restoration to health; for He has promised to forgive all my iniquities, and to heal all my diseases, and I know that He who has promised is able and faithful. It is my desire to live to and for His glory, and to use my health and my all in His service, letting the Lord work in me to will and to do of His good pleasure.”
A sister requests prayer for her husband, who, while in the army, read some of Tom Paine’s writings, which has turned him against the Bible, and he will not even look into it, much less study a subject from a Biblical standpoint. This sister is very deaf, lives on a farm, and does not have the privilege of meeting with any of like faith. Pray that the Spirit of the Lord may convict this husband, and that he and his wife may be united in Christian fellowship.
“Please pray for a dear little woman who has an incurable form of rheumatism. For the last two years she has not walked a step without the aid of crutches, and then only a few steps at a time. Her little family greatly need her care. I ask you to pray most earnestly that she may see and obey the grand truths of the Third Angel’s Message, and that God will restore her to perfect health, in such a way that His name, and His alone, may be glorified. It is a most pitiful case, so please do not neglect it.”
WHAT WE LIVE FOR
What live we for but this?
Into the soul to breathe the soul of sweetness;
The stunted growth to rear to fair completeness;
Drown sneers in smiles, kill hatred with a kiss,
And to the sandy waste beneath the same
That the flowers bloomed behind us whence we came.
— John Stuart Blackie.
“AND I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13.
Several things in this verse are worthy of consideration: (1) It was a voice direct from heaven; (2) the message to be borne was something for the prophet to write; (3) the word “henceforth” locates it under the Third Angel’s Message; (4) not only does it come from the throne, but it is confirmed by “Yea, saith the Spirit;” (5) to those who die in the Third Angel’s Message, the blessing is rest from their labors, and their works follow them. Their works will come up to the judgment the same as if they had lived and performed them themselves, so in no sense will they be losers. But on the contrary, they will receive a special blessing in resting from their labors. When God pronounces a special blessing, it is because there are opposing influences that would oppress. Ex. 22:21–24; Rom. 14:4. Why is such a blessing pronounced upon those who die in the Third Angel’s Message, when all who die in the Lord are and ever were blessed? There are some who are saying of those faithful souls who fall asleep in Christ, that they have in some way sinned, and that they will not share in all the blessings of the one hundred and forty-four thousand. But there is a statute in Israel that those who become weary and rest will “part alike” with those who go forth to battle. 1 Sam. 30:21–25. When the message was received, it was taken for all there is in it. Fierce were the battles, and difficult the struggles, which the pioneers of this work endured, who now sleep in Jesus. God will reward them according to their works. Ps. 116:15.
The next event of interest to the people of God is the coming of the great white cloud, with Christ seated upon it. Many are the scenes that cluster around His coming. He comes to reap the harvest of the earth; for the cup of iniquity is come to the full. The two vines have yielded their fruit. Christ is the true vine, and His followers are the branches. John 15:1–7. The same nourishment that sustains the vine sustains the branches. It comes through the vine. There are no two branches exactly alike, yet each branch represents the vine; so the believers are one in Christ, as Christ and the Father are one. John 17:21–23. And yet each believer bears his own individuality; but the fruits are all the same. A oneness in diversity is a divine characteristic.
But there is a false vine, Satan and his branches. And the root and branch have one common end. Mal. 4:1. It is called the “vine of the earth.” “Another angel came out of the temple [for the work of interceding is now over], crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” “In the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles, to burn them.” “The reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 13:30, 39–42. Isa. 8:11–15 indicates race war, war between labor and capital, help from the various earthly combinations, and these are all in the first reaping.
But there is another angel that comes out of the temple, and he also has a sharp sickle, and he gathers the clusters of the vine of the earth, and casts them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. This results in the battle of Armageddon. The time once was when the river Seine in Paris flowed with blood, and dead bodies nearly blocked the river; but here is blood that flows “even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs,” or two hundred miles. Another angel also comes out from the altar, who has power over fire. It was upon the golden altar was the sacrifice of sweet incense, representing Christ’s righteousness. And on a certain occasion even this fire came forth and destroyed those who would offer strange fire before the Lord. Compare Lev. 10:3 with Rev. 16:8, 9; 2 Cor. 2:14–17; and Heb. 12:28, 29.
The period of time covered in verses 15–20 of chapter 14 is the same as is covered by the seven last plagues. A description of this time will be briefly described in the suggestions on Revelation 16. No language can describe the terribleness of that time. Prophets prayed to be hid during that period. Hab. 3:16. Those who are so desirous of living through the time of trouble as to offer prayer to that effect, have but little realizing sense of the nature of that time. Amos 5:18–20.
RICE PUDDING
One cup rice, three pints milk, one tablespoonful sugar, salt. Simmer on top of stove slowly for fifteen minutes, put in oven and bake slowly until tender. It will be creamy when done.
HOW TO COOK RICE
Use a cooking crock or porcelain kettle. Take one cup of well washed rice to one quart of boiling water, and cook for about an hour. When tender, add some cream or rich milk, and a pinch of salt. Do not stir more than necessary, and if more water is needed, add it while boiling. Cook slowly.
The Trusted Soldier
“WHAT though on peril’s front you stand?
What though through lone and lonely ways,
With dusty feet and horny hand,
You toil unfriended all the days,
And die at last with man’s dispraise?”
“Would you have chosen ease, and so
Have shunned the fight? God honored you
With trust of weighty work. And O,
The Captain of the heavens knew
His trusted soldier would prove true.”
BEREAN LIBRARY STUDY
Rev. 14:9-20; “Thoughts on the Revelation,”
Pages 622 - 637
DAILY READING FOR FEBRUARY 24 TO MARCH 2
Sunday, “Thoughts on the Revelation,” 1st par., page 622, to last par., page 627.
Monday, “Thoughts on the Revelation,” last par., page 627, to verse 13.
Tuesday, “Thoughts on the Revelation,” verses 13-20.
Wednesday, The Third Angel’s Message, “Early Writings,” pages 116-120.
Thursday, The Third Message Closed, “Early Writings,” pages 140-142.
“I AM the vine; ye are the branches,” Christ said to His disciples. Though He was about to be removed from them, their spiritual union with Him was to be unchanged. The connection of the branch with the vine, He said, represents the relation you are to sustain to me. The scion is ingrafted into the living vine, and fiber by fiber, vein by vein, it grows into the vine-stock. The life of the vine becomes the life of the branch. So the soul dead in trespasses and sins receives life through connection with Christ. By faith in Him as a personal Saviour the union is formed. The sinner unites his weakness to Christ’s strength, his emptiness to Christ’s fullness, his frailty to Christ’s enduring might. Then he has the mind of Christ.”
Rome and Modern Imperialism
The leading Washington correspondent of the Chicago Times-Herald and of the administration, speaking of Congress and the Philippine Islands, says that there is a suspicion “that speculators are swarming into Manila, eager to gobble up mines, lands, and franchises,” and that “it has been suggested that the speculators, the commercial houses, the banks, the franchise seekers, had a good deal to do with forming” what is called the “federal party” in the Philippines, which is asking for wider powers for the Philippine Commission.
Of Rome it is written that, when she had spread her power over the whole basin of the Mediterranean, and had turned into Roman provinces or Roman dependencies these dominions, “over this enormous territory, rich with the accumulated treasures of centuries, and inhabited by thriving, industrious races, the energetic Roman men of business spread and settled themselves, gathering into their hands the trade, the financial administration, the entire commercial control, of the Mediterranean basin. . . . Governors with their staffs, permanent officials, contractors for the revenue, negotiators, bill-brokers, bankers, merchants, were scattered everywhere in thousands. Money poured in upon them in rolling streams of gold.”
The ancient history of Rome is modern, even up-to-date. And it will continue to be so; for the great influence even to the last day, is “the Image of the Beast.”
THE KEEPING OF THE COMMANDMENTS
“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.” Ex. 20: 2, 3.
What is it to have other gods before the Lord? Since to truly have Him alone, is to love Him with all the heart, and all the soul, and all the mind, and all the strength, then, plainly enough, it follows that anything by which any part of the heart, any part of the soul, any part of the mind, or any portion of the strength, is turned from God, is devoted to anything other than to God, is, in itself, to have another god than the Lord. And all this is what is forbidden in the First Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
It is important, therefore, to notice the gods which the Lord points out as the principal ones that it is natural for men to have before the Lord.
One of these, if not the chief one, is “the world.” For it is written: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2: 15. And, “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4: 4.
The reason of this is that “the world” itself has a god. And “the god of this world” is “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience,” and is, in fact, Satan himself. Friendship of the world, therefore, is of the spirit of the world; it is fellowship with the spirit of Satan. And this is why it “is enmity with God.” Note, the Word does not say that the friendship of the world is at enmity with God, but that it is itself “enmity with God.” And this is because it is of the very spirit of him who is the god of this world.
This is made plain in another text: “The whole world lieth in the evil one.” 1 John 5: 19, R. V. It is true, as our King James version renders it, that “the whole world lieth in wickedness,” lieth in evil; but this is so because the whole world lieth in the wicked one, in the evil one. And the thought expressed here in the word “lieth” is “to lie at ease continually.”
Plainly, then, a person who has friendship, and is in fellowship, with that which lies at perfect ease, and is content continually so to lie, in the evil one, is of that same spirit; and that can be only the spirit of the evil one, and, therefore, is of itself “enmity with God.” And one thus so in friendship with the evil one, who is the fixed and continual enemy of God, makes himself thereby “the enemy of God.”
This spirit of enmity is described in another place: “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8: 7. It can not be subject to the law of God, because it is of the very mind and spirit of Satan, who is the decided enemy of God.
But thanks be to God, there is deliverance from this enmity; there is deliverance from this present evil world. For Christ Jesus “is our peace, who hath made both [God and man] one [who had been separated by this enmity], and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, . . . for to make in himself of twain [God and man] one new man, so making peace.” Eph. 2: 14, 15.
Therefore, though that enmity can not be subject to the law of God, in Christ every soul can find it completely abolished. Though such a spirit is enmity with God, in Christ every soul can find that spirit completely driven out, and himself made one with God, having not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that he may know not the things of the world, but “the things that are freely given to us of God.” Therefore, for a man to love the world, or to have friendship for the world, is for him to have the world as his god. And this is, in reality, to have the god of this world as his god; it is to do service to the evil one as his god.
And so, when the god of this world, the evil one, had shown to Christ “all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,” and had offered them to Him, Christ could have them only on the condition that He would “fall down and worship” the evil one. And these are the only terms upon which anybody in the world can ever have the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them, or the things of this world and the glory of them. “For, all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Christ’s answer to that whole thought, for himself and all who are His forever, is: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Matt. 4: 10.
And when Jesus had taken this stand against all the world, against all that is of the world, against all worldliness, and all the spirit that is of the world, and for God only, “then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.” Verse 11. And so shall it be forever with every one who, in the faith of Christ, takes his stand as did Christ.
Thus utter separation from the world and from all that is of the world—nothing less than this—is the keeping of the First Commandment. “Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
Deliverance from the world—this is the way to the keeping of the Commandments of God. And Christ “gave himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God.”
Deliverance from sin is deliverance from the world. Deliverance from the world is deliverance from sin. This is the way to the keeping of the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
“I am the Lord thy God which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” And “behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”