The Ten Commandments

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Is it possible for Christ to fulfill certain jots and tittles while leaving other jots and tittles unfulfilled?

BFA

Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of the types and shadows, and Christ Jesus fulfilled the Royal Law by loving the Father, and keeping the commandments, sinning not, even unto death.

Question: Since Christ Jesus is now eternally alive, in order to fulfill the Royal Law in that life, how long must the Commandments be kept?

The Royal Law is eternal, whereas the "ritual" [ceremonial] law of sacrifice of bulls and goats was not eternal, but temporary, for they, being given after sin of mankind [1 John 3:4; transgression of the law], they were to point forward to Christ Jesus who is the reality, anti-type of the shadow.

The Royal Law is the standard - Christ's character in written form. Destroy one piece of it and one is actually attacking and denying their Lord and Saviour.

Jesus said of the Ten Commandments:

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of the types and shadows, and Christ Jesus fulfilled the Royal Law by loving the Father, and keeping the commandments, sinning not, even unto death.

Not sure this answered my question. Here's what I asked:

Is it possible for Christ to fulfill certain jots and tittles while leaving other jots and tittles unfulfilled?
​

I welcome your thoughts. It sounds as though you apply Matthew 5:18-19 to certain jots and tittles, but not to all jots and tittles. If I've correctly understood your position, I'm having a hard time following your reasoning.

BFA

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Not sure this answered my question. Here's what I asked:

Is it possible for Christ to fulfill certain jots and tittles while leaving other jots and tittles unfulfilled?
​

I welcome your thoughts. It sounds as though you apply Matthew 5:18-19 to certain jots and tittles, but not to all jots and tittles. If I've correctly understood your position, I'm having a hard time following your reasoning.

BFA

Unless you would like to be "specific", I must say, "Asked and answered."

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Unless you would like to be "specific", I must say, "Asked and answered."

I'll try, but I thought I was already quite specific. It seems as though you believe that certain jots and tittles (i.e. those relating to ceremonies) were fulfilled, while other jots and tittles (i.e. those relating to letters engraved on stones) were not fulfilled. I'm trying to understand how certain jots and tittles can be fulfilled when others have not been. Jesus confirmed that none would be fulfilled until all had been.

Can you clear this up for me? Thanks.

BFA

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

I'll try, but I thought I was already quite specific. It seems as though you believe that certain jots and tittles (i.e. those relating to ceremonies) were fulfilled, while other jots and tittles (i.e. those relating to letters engraved on stones) were not fulfilled. I'm trying to understand how certain jots and tittles can be fulfilled when others have not been. Jesus confirmed that none would be fulfilled until all had been.

Can you clear this up for me? Thanks.

BFA

Thank you for clarifying! I am sorry I did not fully understand the question previously, and the way it is now written makes it easier to answer.

Looking back, I have answered this question, however, previously [before] by saying:

"Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of the types and shadows, and Christ Jesus fulfilled the Royal Law by loving the Father, and keeping the commandments, sinning not, even unto death."

[1.] Types and Shadows [though, this is given after sin to point to Christ]
[2.] Royal Law [though, this is first and points out sin]

Then, a further comment was made regarding the Ten Commandments:

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19

Matthew 5:17 begins by saying<

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." Matthew 5:17

The Law and the Prophets that Jesus is here referring to is the entirety of the Books of Moses and the Books of the Prophets [and even the Psalms, mentioned elsewhere; Luke 24:44], ie the entirety of the Old Testament concerning those things dealing with His First Advent, Death and Resurrection and Ascension.

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44

Therefore, even the Law and the Prophets still remain, for there are many prophecies conerning the 2nd [and even 3rd Advent] of Christ Jesus. Hence Jesus words, "Till Heaven and Earth Pass"... and "all" be fulfilled. There are still things left to be fulfilled in them.

So in Matthew 5:19, Jesus then becomes specific in regards to the Ten Commandments, and not merely the Law and the Prophets in general.

And He says,

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19

Those who teach that the Ten Commandments are null and void, abolished, changed, altered, abrogated, etc are in fact transgressing and teaching others to do so, they are in fact promoting sin against His Commandments. This is outright rebellion, and no greater argument could satan himself make.

They [transgressors] will not be in the Kingdom [1 Corithians. 6:9], no, in fact, the passage states that those in the Kingdom [ie those teaching and doing the commandments, those "great"] are the ones who consider those who are transgressors and teaching others to do so as the least, the lowest, the basest.

Jesus even punctuates the point in Matthew 5:20, by saying that even mere outward forms of obedience, and inward disobedience cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven:

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

For our righteousness is to surpass, exceed, go beyond the Pharisaical, and must do so.

For instance Jesus specifically gave such an example,

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Matthew 23:23

Notice, exceed the righteousness of the Phariees, not transgress outwardly by rejecting GOD in his commandments, statutes, and judgments.

'Pay tithe', Jesus says. But He also says to, 'remember the weightier matters of the law as well', such as 'judgment, mercy, faith'! Jesus wants both.

I hope that this has clarified the answer somewhat and eliminates any confusion. Please continue to ask questions!

 

[Byfaithalone1]

"Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of the types and shadows, and Christ Jesus fulfilled the Royal Law by loving the Father, and keeping the commandments, sinning not, even unto death."!

Should I understand this to mean that all jots and tittles have been fulfilled, including the ten commandments?

BFA

 

[Joe67]

"You shall not..." and "if you do, you will die" is not the same quality/characteristic whereby the Lord commanded Abram to leave his native place and to go to a place that the Lord would show him.

The command to work six days has no reward attached to it.

The command to obey your father and mother is the only command with a positive (non-punitive) reward.

The communication from the fire on Mt. Sinai is the quality of communication that is made with a wild animal, who fears fire.

It is still holy, just and good. It does not give fellowship in the sufferings of Jesus and thereby cannot maturely prepare the heart for eternal life. It does keep us from sinning outwardly through the animal desires, which is not the crediting of righteousness that was given to Abraham.

The lively words spoken on Mt. Sinai can only convict of sin. There is not forgiveness in this communication or from the angel that is ordained to lead people brought under this covenant and that angel's authority (name) that our Lord gave to him. That angel still has authority today over those who are bound under the covenant given at Mt. Sinai. He has authority from the Lord to recompense for every transgression.

Joe

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Should I understand this to mean that all jots and tittles have been fulfilled, including the ten commandments?

BFA

Please clarify the question further, specifically that which you deem "all", as it has been stated already that those prophecies and types of the Old Testament which speak about the First Advent, life on earth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ have been fulfilled.

It should be clear, by the previous responses, that there are Prophecies and even Typology, the Reality of which, are still happening and yet to happen. For instance, Leviticus 16 as Type, the Reality of it is still in the middle of fulfillment, and not yet complete.

How does one fulfill the Ten Commandments?

What does the word "fulfil" mean?

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

"You shall not..." and "if you do, you will die" is not the same quality/characteristic whereby the Lord commanded Abram to leave his native place and to go to a place that the Lord would show him.

The command to work six days has no reward attached to it.

The command to obey your father and mother is the only command with a positive (non-punitive) reward.

The communication from the fire on Mt. Sinai is the quality of communication that is made with a wild animal, who fears fire.

It is still holy, just and good. It does not give fellowship in the sufferings of Jesus and thereby cannot maturely prepare the heart for eternal life. It does keep us from sinning outwardly through the animal desires, which is not the crediting of righteousness that was given to Abraham.

The lively words spoken on Mt. Sinai can only convict of sin. There is not forgiveness in this communication or from the angel that is ordained to lead people brought under this covenant and that angel's authority (name) that our Lord gave to him. That angel still has authority today over those who are bound under the covenant given at Mt. Sinai. He has authority from the Lord to recompense for every transgression.

Joe

"Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:7

What does Paul say?

The "carnal mind [is] enmity against [that is to say at war with, or in rebellion to] God".

This "carnal mind" is therefore "not subject to the law of God" and cannot "be" subject to the Law of God.

So, we see that God does want us to be subject to His Law, but we find that the "carnal mind" cannot be so.

How then can we be "subject to the Law of God"? By [through] the Spirit.

As Paul says,

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5

What is the Law [Ten Commandments] if not Spiritual?

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 7:14

How does Paul build this? By saying,

For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Romans 8:6

Therefore, to be "carnally minded" is "death". Why so? Because it is "not subject to the Law of God" and the "wages for sin are death [second death]". It is at "enmity" with the Law of God. It is at war and in rebellion to the Law of God, and therefore will continue in transgression [sin] against that Law of God.

God does not want it to be so. He wants us to be at "peace", not at "enmity" with the Law of God or with Him.

God does not want us to be dead in trespasses and sins [for to be "carnally minded [is] death", wages of sin are the Second death]. Rather, He wants us through/by the Holy Spirit, to be alive, to have Life and Peace, which is to then be in harmony [not "enmity'] with Him and His Law.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:13

"Live after the flesh", being "carnally minded" is "death" and then we shall "die", for we are at "enmity" with the "Law of God". We are then transgressors still, despite His Grace.

However, if "through the Spirit" we "mortify the deeds of the body [the flesh]", as in cease from transgression of His Law, cease from sin, cease from rebellion, cease from the "carnal mind", cease from "enmity" to the Law of God, we then come into Harmony with Him and His Law to Obey Him in His Commandments. We then will have "life" and "peace", why? Because we will have ceased from sin [transgression of the Law].

God wants us to cease from murder, adultery, theft, covetousness, lying, idolatry, having other gods before Him, taking His name in vain and He also wants us to begin to continually honour our fathers and mothers and to keep His Holy, Blessed and Sanctified 7th Day Sabbath and Honour Him and all this through the Holy Spirit, which He gives to those who want to obey Him [Acts 5:32; Hebrews 5:9], to love him and Keep His Commandments [John 14:15; Exodus 20:6]

 

[Joe67]

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore with the mind, I, myself, serve the law of God.

And with the flesh, the law of sin.

The victory is through the law of the Spirit of life that is in Christ Jesus, setting me free from condemnation in my mind.

The Jews sought it as it were by the deeds of the law.

John 3:18
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, KJV

Joe

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ...

Victory over what? Mr. Joe...over what...

It is claimed that we cannot keep His Law and so you have no victory there.

It is claimed that we will sin until we have a glorifed body and so we would then have no victory in this world.

In so saying, there is then no victory at all, wherein are we conquerors? Over what?

 

[Joe67]

Victory over what? Mr. Joe...over what...

It is claimed that we cannot keep His Law and so you have no victory there.

It is claimed that we will sin until we have a glorifed body and so we would then have no victory in this world.

In so saying, there is then no victory at all, wherein are we conquerors? Over what?

Revelation,

Rom 8:1-2
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. KJV

1 Tim 3:6
being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. KJV

Rom 5:20-21
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV

Condemnation drives us to excess in the good.

Rom 4:16
16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, KJV

Joe

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Revelation,

Rom 8:1-2
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. KJV

1 Tim 3:6
being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. KJV

Rom 5:20-21
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV

Condemnation drives us to excess in the good.

Rom 4:16
16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, KJV

Joe

Look with me still further at Romans 6-8.

Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Romans 7:1

For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband. Romans 7:2

So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Romans 7:3

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:4

Question: "Who died - the woman, the law or the previous man?"

Question: "Once the woman is married to another [Christ], after the previous man is dead, does the Law of Marriage in the example then still exist to be obeyed by both the newly married?"

Question: "Is then the Law of God, gone?"

Before we can move onward, these questions must be answered.

Please take a look at this brief response before we go further [one may either read or listen]:

http://www.amazingfacts.org/Radio/J.../ctl/PlayMedia/mid/423/MDID/2016/Default.aspx

 

[Joe67]

The natural man and the angels that rule over him are not subject to the life to come.

They must both stay in the grave (wilderness). Spiritual adultery occurs when the natural man and the angels that rule over him are brought out of the grave.

Only the new man begotten from the tomb has a place prepared for him in that life and ministry that is not measured and controlled by time and space.

1 Cor 5:5
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. KJV

2 Cor 4:16
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. KJV

Joe

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

...

Mr. Joe, the questions?:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7560590-6/#post57599646

 

[Joe67]

Revelation,

I do not ask you questions for you to answer.

My witness is what the Lord has spoken to me.

I am interested to hear your witness concerning what the Lord has spoken to you.

Joe

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Revelation,

I do not ask you questions for you to answer.

My witness is what the Lord has spoken to me.

I am interested to hear your witness concerning what the Lord has spoken to you.

Joe

What the LORD has spoken to His people... This was partially addressed in another thread:

Prophet of the LORD, which has the Testimony of Jesus Christ [which is the Spirit of Prophecy] and manifested the gift as such:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7561183/

Therefore those words which were given were to be tested according to the scriptures. They are tested and valid and from the true witness. They are the straight testimony from the true witness to the Laodicean church.

A message has gone forth, and is still going forth:

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Revelation 14:6

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7

[The Churches in their official stances/doctrines have rejected this message [this is not speaking about individuals in those churches, they all have a choice to make individually]...these Churches officially have refused to worship the God that made the heaven, and earth, and sea, and the fountains of waters and honour Him in His Holy Day, in the 4th Commandment as the passage speaks of...]

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Revelation 14:8

[Therefore those Churches are become part of Babylon and her daughters... yet God's individual people are still among them, and He is calling them out of those false systems of worship...]

[The strongest loving warning in scripture then follows for those who are making choices, and He pleads with those individuals to come out, yet if they refuse to do so, they are to be judged with Babylon, if they refuse to stand with the people of God by faith, and refuse to obey God in His Commandments and will yet rather cling to the "traditions of men" and "doctrines of devils"...they are judged with Babylon...]

[Who is Babylon? Who are her Daughters?] Look here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7562877/

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand, Revelation 14:9

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: Revelation 14:10

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:11

[Babylon and her daughters are contrasted with the People of God...]

Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

...and soon to come:

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. Revelation 18:1

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Revelation 18:2

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. Revelation 18:3

...

Read this book [Great Controversy]:

http://www.connectingwithjesus.org/media/GC.pdf

The LORD has spoken through His servant whom He chose...

 

[Joe67]

Revelation,

All of this is fulfilled in one word.

Joe

 

[Revelation 14:6-12]

Revelation,

All of this is fulfilled in one word.

Joe

"Love" has a working, living definition and is not an empty word without meaning:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rm 5:8

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 Jn 4:9

God so loved us that He did something to save us "from" [Mt 1:21] our sins [transgression of the Law; 1 Jn 3:4].

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16

"“The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” [Rm 8:7.] In the new birth, the heart is renewed by divine grace, and brought into harmony with God as it is brought into subjection to his law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun. Then will “the righteousness of the law” “be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” [Rm 8:4.]

The doctrine of sanctification, or perfect holiness, which fills a prominent place in some of the religious movements of the day, is among the causes that have rendered modern revivals so ineffectual. True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul declared to the Thessalonian church, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” [1 Thes 4:3.] And again he prayed, “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thes 5:23.] But the sanctification now so widely advocated is not that brought to view in the Scriptures. It is false in theory, and dangerous in its practical results.

Its advocates teach that the law of God is a grievous yoke. and that by faith in Christ, men are released from all obligation to keep his Father’s commandments. Bible sanctification is a conformity to the will of God, attained by rendering obedience to his law, through faith in his Son. Our Saviour prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [Jn 17:17.] There is no genuine sanctification except through obedience to the truth; and the psalmist declares, “Thy law is the truth.” [Ps 119:142.] The law of God is the only standard of moral perfection. That law was exemplified in the life of Christ. He says, “I have kept my Father’s commandments.” [Jn 15:10.] And the apostle John affirms, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” And again, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” [1 Jn 2:6; 5:3.] Those who love God will love his commandments also. The truly sanctified heart is in harmony with the divine precepts; for they are “holy, and just, and good.”

It is only when the law of God is set aside, and men have no standard of right, no means to detect sin, that erring mortals can claim perfect holiness. But let none deceive themselves with the belief that God will accept and bless them while they are willfully violating one of his requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the divine law. God will honor those only who honor him. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law.” “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known him.” [1 Jn 3:4, 6.] Though John in his epistles treats so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God: “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 Jn 2:4.]

Sanctification is believed by many to be instantaneously accomplished. “Only believe,” say they, “and the blessing is yours.” No further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be required. But the Bible teaches that sanctification is progressive. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will keep up a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Cor 15:57.] Paul exhorts his brethren, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” [Phil 2:12.] and concerning himself he declares, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Phil 3:14.] The successive steps in the attainment of Bible sanctification are set before us in the words of Peter: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.” “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2 Pt 1:5-7, 10.] This is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last. " - The Spirit of Prophecy Vol 4, Pg 298-301

"God’s great object in the working out of His providences is to try men, to give them opportunity to develop character. Thus He proves whether they are obedient or disobedient to His commands. Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess that love. If we surrender the will to God, we shall not work in order to earn God’s love. His love as a free gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall delight to obey His commandments.

There are only two classes in the world today, and only two classes will be recognized in the judgment—those who violate God’s law and those who obey it. Christ gives the test by which to prove our loyalty or disloyalty. “If ye love Me,” He says, “keep My commandments.... He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me. And he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.... He that loveth Me not keepeth not My sayings; and the word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father’s which sent Me.” “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” Jn 14:15-24; 15:10." - Christ’s Object Lessons, Pg 283

"Love Springs Forth Spontaneously When Self Is Submerged—When self is submerged in Christ, true love springs forth spontaneously. It is not an emotion or an impulse but a decision of a sanctified will. It consists not in feeling but in the transformation of the whole heart, soul, and character, which is dead to self and alive unto God. ..." - Mind, Character, and Personality Vol 1, Pg 206

"Love Not an Impulse but a Divine Principle—Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it found. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action.—The Acts of the Apostles, 551 (1911)." - Mind, Character, and Personality Vol 1, Pg 206

"Free Love—I have seen the results of these fanciful [spiritualistic and pantheistic] views of God, in apostasy, spiritualism, and free-lovism. The free-love tendency of these teachings was so concealed that at first it was difficult to make plain its real character. Until the Lord presented it to me, I knew not what to call it, but I was instructed to call it unholy spiritual love.—Testimonies for the Church 8:292 (1904). ...

Love Is Not Sentimentalism—The love and sympathy which Jesus would have us give to others does not savor of sentimentalism, which is a snare to the soul; it is a love that is of heavenly extraction, which Jesus exemplifies by both precept and example. But instead of manifesting this love, how often we are alienated and estranged one from another.... The result is estrangement from God, a dwarfed experience, a blighting of Christian growth.—The Youth’s Instructor, October 20, 1892. (Sons and Daughters of God, 147.) ...

Counterfeit Identified—We are admonished by the apostle: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Rm 12:9, 10). Paul would have us distinguish between the pure, unselfish love which is prompted by the spirit of Christ, and the unmeaning, deceitful pretense with which the world abounds.

This base counterfeit has misled many souls. It would blot out the distinction between right and wrong, by agreeing with the transgressor instead of faithfully showing him his errors. Such a course never springs from real friendship. The spirit by which it is prompted dwells only in the carnal heart. While the Christian will be ever kind, compassionate, and forgiving, he can feel no harmony with sin. He will abhor evil and cling to that which is good, at the sacrifice of association or friendship with the ungodly. The spirit of Christ will lead us to hate sin, while we are willing to make any sacrifice to save the sinner.—Testimonies for the Church 5:171 (1882)." - Mind, Character, and Personality Vol 1, Pg 306-307

Love will Keep His Commandments:

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 Jn 5:3

We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 Jn 5:18

 

[Joe67]

Col 2:23
... a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. KJV

Joe