In Defense of the Faith

Chapter 3 — Objections Raised to the Moral Law

After Mr. Canright as a Baptist began to wage relentless warfare against the moral law of God, he resorted to the very arguments against it which he had so completely demolished in his former publications. Let us note a few of them: DOF 47.1

“The law was given only to the Jews.”—Seventh-day Adventism Renounced, p. 320. DOF 47.2

We answer, then the rest of us are free from any of the restraints of the law. We can lie, steal, swear, etc., with impunity. We, being Gentiles instead of Jews, are not bound by any restrictions on these points. Only the Jews were to restrain their fleshly lusts and put to death the carnal mind. Mr. Canright would not have admitted this; yet the logic of his argument would lead to just this conclusion; for, says Paul, “where no law is, there is no transgression.” Romans 4:15. And again, “Sin is not imputed where there is no law.” Romans 5:13. Well, then, according to Mr. Canright, the Gentiles are entirely free from lawful restraint. No law, no restrictions, therefore no sin; for “sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. We are Christians, people of another race and dispensation; we are free! DOF 47.3

May we inquire of the reader whether he would like to locate in a community of professed Christians who actually lived what Mr. Canright taught concerning the Ten Commandments after he renounced Adventism; a place where people felt themselves entirely liberated from any obligation to keep the Ten Commandments; where there was no restraint against murder, theft, adultery, false witness, covetousness, Sabbath breaking, idolatry, swearing, etc.? Even a heathen would not be willing to risk his life, family, and property in such a place. Think of it! No law of God! Do just as you please. Just remember that the Jews were the ones who had to be restrained. Surely this line of reasoning is preposterous and a travesty on the Christian religion. DOF 47.4