The knowledge of the law is at the foundation
of all true faith. I hope to convince all who will candidly investigate the
subject, that without a clear, distinct knowledge of the law we can have no
just sentiments, no proper feelings, and no scriptural hopes.
Of all the subjects connected with faith the
most rarely unfolded for the Christian eyes and ears is the law. Ignorance of
the law is at the root of all those superficial views and statements, with
which the Christian world stands satisfied.
In my opinion it’s scarcely possible to speak
too strongly about the importance of the law. But we assume that either people
are sufficiently acquainted with it or that it is antiquated, and unnecessary
to be known.
The mistakes we make in reference to the law
are very numerous. In reality, there are but few people who have just views
respecting it.
The law lies at the foundation of all true
faith. The law should be studied in the first place because it opens the way to
the true knowledge of the Gospel.
Those who have never considered it might be
staggered at this position. But should you come to this impression, I must
request that you make your ultimate decision after reading all the posts in the
series.
In Galatians3:19
Paul tells to the Jewish teachers of law that if they would make their works in
any degree the ground of their hopes, they must stand altogether on the footing
of the law, which prescribed perfect obedience as the way to life.
They must renounce all interest in the
covenant which was made with their father Abraham, which promised life to men
by believing in the Promised Seed.
The law teachers asked him, Why then were the
laws given? Or, if we are not to be saved by the law, for what end did Moses
give us the law? What is it worth then?
This is the question I wish to answer. First
by showing the incalculable importance of the inquiry itself, and then, giving
what I consider the true answer to it.
Oh, that it might please God to accompany our
investigation of the law with His Holy Spirit, and to bring home the subject
with power to all our hearts!
Let me ask that you who know what it is to
have access to God in prayer, will aid me with your supplications for and
outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon us in all our future discussions.
O, that all of us may so improve the present
hour that in the great day when we shall stand before the judgment of Christ,
we may be accepted by our God. And that I who write and you who read, may
rejoice together!
May Almighty
God pour open us His Holy Spirit to give to every one of us the seeing eye, the
hearing ear, the understanding heart, and ultimately to guide our feet into the
way of peace!
