The Faith I Live By

God's Commandments Are Sure, March 15

The Contest Over God's Law

The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Psalm 111:7, 8. FLB 80.1

The law of God existed before the creation of man or else Adam could not have sinned. After the transgression of Adam the principles of the law were not changed, but were definitely arranged and expressed to meet man in his fallen condition.^{55SDA Bible Commentary 1:1104.} FLB 80.2

The angels were governed by it [the law]. Satan fell because he transgressed the principles of God's government. After Adam and Eve were created, God made known to them His law. It was not then written, but was rehearsed to them by Jehovah.^{56The Signs of the Times, June 10, 1880.} FLB 80.3

In love, with a desire to elevate and ennoble us, God provided for us a standard of obedience. In awful majesty, amid thundering and lightning, He proclaimed from Mount Sinai His ten holy precepts. This law reveals the whole duty of the human family; the first four precepts define our duty to God, and the last six our duty to man.^{57The Signs of the Times, January 9, 1912 (The Signs of the Times, March 4, 1897).} FLB 80.4

The law of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript of His character, must forever endure, “as a faithful witness in heaven.” Not one command has been annulled; not a jot or tittle has been changed. Says the psalmist: “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89.^{58The Great Controversy, 434.} FLB 80.5

From the first, the great controversy had been upon the law of God. Satan had sought to prove that God was unjust, that His law was faulty, and that the good of the universe required it to be changed. In attacking the law, he aimed to overthrow the authority of its Author.^{59Patriarchs and Prophets, 69.} FLB 80.6

Through Satan's temptations the whole human race have become transgressors of God's law; but by the sacrifice of His Son a way is opened whereby they may return to God. Through the grace of Christ they may be enabled to render obedience to the Father's law.^{60Patriarchs and Prophets, 338.} FLB 80.7

When we trust God fully, when we rely upon the merits of Jesus as a sin-pardoning Saviour, we shall receive all the help that we can desire.^{61The Review and Herald, April 15, 1884.} FLB 80.8