From Here to Forever

Chapter 25—God's Law Immutable

“The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament.” Revelation 11:19. The ark of God's testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things,” this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour's change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God. HF 268.1

The ark in the tabernacle on earth contained the two tables of stone, upon which were inscribed the law of God. When the temple of God was opened in heaven, the ark of His testament was seen. Within the holy of holies in heaven, the divine law is enshrined—the law that was spoken by God and written with His finger on the tables of stone. HF 268.2

Those who arrived at an understanding of this point saw, as never before, the force of the Saviour's words: “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.” Matthew 5:18. The law of God, being a revelation of His will, a transcript of His character, must forever endure. HF 268.3

In the bosom of the Decalogue is the Sabbath commandment. The Spirit of God impressed those students of His Word that they had ignorantly transgressed this precept by disregarding the Creator's rest day. They began to examine the reasons for observing the first day of the week. They could find no evidence that the fourth commandment had been abolished or that the Sabbath had been changed. They had been honestly seeking to know and to do God's will; now they manifested their loyalty to God by keeping His Sabbath holy. HF 269.1

Many were the efforts made to overthrow the faith of Adventist believers. None could fail to see that acceptance of the truth concerning the heavenly sanctuary involved the claims of God's law and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Here was the secret of the determined opposition to the harmonious exposition of Scriptures that revealed the ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary. Men sought to close the door which God had opened, and to open the door which He had closed. But Christ had opened the door of ministration of the most holy place. The fourth commandment was included in the law there enshrined. HF 269.2

Those who accepted the light concerning the mediation of Christ and the law of God found that these were the truths of Revelation 14, a threefold warning to prepare the inhabitants of earth for the Lord's second coming. (See Appendix) The announcement “The hour of his judgment is come” heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour's intercession shall cease and He shall return to take His people to Himself. The judgment which began in 1844 must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead; hence it will extend to the close of human probation. HF 269.3

That men may be prepared to stand in the judgment, the message commands them to “fear God, and give glory to him,” “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea and the fountains of waters.” The result of acceptance of these messages is given: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:7, 12. HF 270.1

To be prepared for the judgment, men should keep the law of God, the standard of character in the judgment. Paul declares: “As many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law, ... in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” “The doers of the law shall be justified.” Faith is essential in order to keep the law of God; for “without faith it is impossible to please him.” “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Romans 2:12-16; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 14:23. HF 270.2

The first angel called upon men to “fear God, and give glory to him” and to worship Him as the Creator of heaven and earth. To do this, they must obey His law. Without obedience no worship can be pleasing to God. “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” 1 John 5:3; See Proverbs 28:9. HF 270.3