The Faith I Live By

80/367

Wondrous Things in God's Law, March 19

The Contest Over God's Law

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18. FLB 84.1

Jesus Christ is the glory of the law. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness are to be reflected from His messengers upon the minds of sinners, in order that they may be led to say, with one of old, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Many ... do not discern the wondrous things that are to be seen in God's law. They have not beheld that which was revealed to Moses when he prayed, “I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.” Exodus 33:18. To Moses was revealed God's character.74Manuscript 21, 1891. FLB 84.2

In the law every specification is the character of the infinite God.75SDA Bible Commentary 1:1104. FLB 84.3

Heaven's law is always merciful, kind, tender, helpful, uplifting to others.76Letter 42, 1893. FLB 84.4

The downtrodden law of God is to be exalted before the people; as soon as they turn with earnestness and reverence to the Holy Scriptures, light from heaven will reveal to them wondrous things out of God's law.... Truths which have proved an overmatch for giant intellects are understood by babes in Christ.77Testimonies for the Church 5:388. FLB 84.5

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.... FLB 84.6

We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death.78SDA Bible Commentary 6:1085. FLB 84.7

By obedience to this law the intellect is strengthened, and the conscience is enlightened and made sensitive. The youth need to gain a clear understanding of God's law.79The Youth's Instructor, September 22, 1903. FLB 84.8