Friday: Further Study: Christ, the End of the Law
Further Study: “The law reveals sin to us, and causes us to feel our need of Christ and to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. . . .
The law of ten commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side. Its prohibitions are the sure guarantee of happiness in obedience. As received in Christ, it works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages. To the obedient it is a wall of protection. We behold in it the goodness of God, who by revealing to men the immutable principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that result from transgression.
-Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book one, pp. 234, 235.
Discussion Questions:
- In class, talk about the wonderful hope found in Galatians 3:21. How is the gospel of grace so clearly presented there? Why should this text be the absolute antidote to legalism?
- Godly living is not optional for those who call themselves children of God. Many well-meaning individuals stress the need for us to attain
perfection
if we desire to enter the kingdom. Unfortunately, not only do those who embrace this doctrine promote self-sufficiency as a key to salvation, but they ignore the reality of sinful human nature. Humans have to live with inherited tendencies toward sin and are constantly bombarded with temptation. Even more troubling is the discouragement that can come to those who are constantly looking to themselves and how well they are doing as a barometer of their salvation. Compared to the holiness of God and His law, who among us can ever measure up? How, then, can we be careful that while seeking to live godly, faithful lives, we do not get caught up in any theology that puts the hope of our salvation in anything other than the righteousness of Christ covering us? - What is the goal of the law?
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I appreciate the reminder that the law isn't just there to condemn. The goal is to keep us from doing things that will be harmful. Unfortunately our rebellious nature provokes a desire to engage in the prohibited activity but the intention of the law is to protect us.
Key words- "happiness in obedience", "to the obedience it is a wall of protection". In the reading, humans started out in happiness and ends up in joy. 1st we start with the outside stimuli, then we end up with the inside actions. The law can also become a shield from the sword of the evil one.
The law is truely a blessing to those who are seeking to be Children of God. Jesus is the cruise control that assures us victory. In Him we can have the assurance that every thing will work out. By His spirit working in us we will mature into beautiful children God plans us to be.
I love the perspective of the commandments being promises for those who are willing to emkbrace them. You SHALL not worship other gods...you SHALL
not make idols...you SHALL not steal...you SHALL not commit adultery...you SHALL remember the Sabbath ....etc etc.
Psalm 119:41 ¶ VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
43 ¶ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.
44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.
45 ¶ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.