The Bible Class

LESSON XV

Questions to Lesson 15^*

What is the meaning of the expression, Till all be fulfilled? Wesley says it has no reference to the law, but to “all things in heaven and earth.” This agrees with the preceding phrase-till heaven and earth pass. Till the prophecies and all the purpose of God, in relation to Old Earth, are fulfilled or done. BIC 35.2

We have seen that neither the prophets nor the types were all fulfilled, at the time some people would have the ten commandments abolished, and others would have a few jots and tittles of the fourth commandment exchanged for better. We can find nothing but the ten commandments that was all fulfilled at that time. A rule of righteousness can only be fulfilled by obeying it; and obeying such rule does not abolish it. The fact that Christ did right, does not make it wrong for us to do right. And that the law and the commandments of which he spoke, were a rule of righteousness, is evident from the next verse. BIC 36.1

Verse 20. For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. BIC 36.2

The righteousness of a person consists in his right doing; that is, in his obeying what is commonly called moral law. He that doeth righteousness is righteous. 1 John 3:7. But it is objected that the fourth commandment is a positive, and not a moral law. We will not dispute about that; we will call it an untaught question. But we have not forgotten what David said, and we are satisfied with his decision. “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:172. All does not mean a part. There were no less than ten rules of righteousness then; and it is most clearly evident that Jesus ratified them all. Whether they are moral or positive, righteousness consists in doing them. BIC 36.3

Again it is here clearly taught by Jesus, that the law of which he was speaking, is the law by which all will be judged; that without its righteousness we can in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. This agrees with what he said in Matthew 19:17. If thou will enter into life, keep the commandments. BIC 37.1