The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 467

than exalt it into a principle. The new theological prism puts asunder
what God has joined together. Is the divine law a good or an evil? It
is a good. Then justice is good; for it is a disposition to execute the
law. From the habit of underrating the divine law and justice, the extent
and demerit of human disobedience, men easily slide into the habit of
underestimating the grace which has provided an atonement for sin.”
Thus the gospel loses its value and importance in the minds of men, and
soon they are ready practically to cast aside the Bible itself.
Many religious teachers assert that Christ by His death abolished the
law, and men are henceforth free from its requirements. There are some
who represent it as a grievous yoke, and in contrast to the bondage of the
law they present the liberty to be enjoyed under the gospel.
But not so did prophets and apostles regard the holy law of God. Said
David: “I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts.” Psalm 119:45.
The apostle James, who wrote after the death of Christ, refers to the
Decalogue as “the royal law” and “the perfect law of liberty.” James 2:8;
1:25. And the revelator, half a century after the crucifixion, pronounces
a blessing upon them “that do His commandments, that they may have
right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Revelation 22:14.
The claim that Christ by His death abolished His Father’s law is
without foundation. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or
set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty
of sin. The death of Christ, so far from abolishing the law, proves that
it is immutable. The Son of God came to “magnify the law, and make it
honorable.” Isaiah 42:21. He said: “Think not that I am come to destroy
the law;” “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no
wise pass from the law.” Matthew 5:17, 18. And concerning Himself He
declares: “I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within
My heart.” Psalm 40:8.

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