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God's Law Is Eternal

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God's law expresses the expectations for the moral and spiritual conduct of Israel and the church, embodying the commands He has given to enable His people to live as He created them to live. This law is not temporary but remains a permanent, perpetual, and eternal guide. It is described with various terms such as testimonies, precepts, statutes, commandments, ordinances, ways, and word, highlighting its comprehensive nature. God's law is a delight to live by, bringing joy and serving as a counselor, a song, an object of love, and a lamp to guide one's path. It comes from God, is intended for human benefit, serves as a reliable guide to living, and illuminates understanding. Jesus Christ affirms the enduring authority of God's law, declaring that it would be easier for heaven and earth to be destroyed than for the law to perish. He did not come to abolish it but to explain and fulfill it, showing how it must be kept in both letter and spirit. Christ emphasized the spiritual character of the law, revealing that even thoughts and desires must align with God's will. His life exemplified perfect obedience to the law, embodying its commandments and bearing its penalty for humanity's sins, thus confirming its undiminished grandeur. God's law remains necessary and useful for living the Christian life, reflecting His image and fostering a relationship with Him. It is perfect and, if kept, produces a peaceful and happy society. The law defines sin, showing humanity's shortcomings and the need for salvation through faith in Christ, not through works. It stands as an eternal standard, never to be nullified or adjusted to human weakness, and will be fully fulfilled in believers at the resurrection, when their nature will be perfectly conformed to God's will. The law of the Lord endures forever, guiding and teaching mankind with its perfect, sure, right, and pure instruction.

The Beauty of God's Law

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's law is a profound expression of divine beauty, embodying harmony, purpose, and a wonderful outcome that many fail to recognize. It is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of the whole counsel of God, encompassing the breadth and depth of His truth, which is inherently beautiful. This beauty is often missed by worldly individuals who view God's law as a curse rather than a blessing, unable to perceive its attractiveness due to their natural antagonism and conditioned aversion. Human nature, marked by innate selfishness and external influences, stands in opposition to God's law, rendering unconverted individuals incapable of submitting to it. This hostility manifests as a rejection of God's authority, with many preferring a theology that demands no obedience and offers rewards without sacrifice. They suppress the evident truths of God, prioritizing their unrighteous desires over His instructions, thus darkening their minds and leading themselves toward destruction. In contrast, God's law is holy, just, and good, serving as a tool to define sin and guide toward righteousness. It does not cause sin but reveals it, offering a path to life when followed with the right spirit. For the unconverted, however, it brings death due to their carnality, which they refuse to acknowledge, instead blaming the law for their guilt and curses. Yet, God's law remains spiritual and pure, a reflection of His nature, wrongly perceived as a burden by those who resist it. The beauty of God's law is evident in its association with holiness, as seen in scriptural references to the beauty of holiness, which signifies the splendor and awe of worshipping God in righteousness. This beauty extends to all things of God, including His law, which bears His mark of approval through its wonderful and sublime qualities. God's law is simultaneously attractive and sublime, exalting the mind and spirit when approached with the right attitude, producing only good outcomes. The communal benefit of God's law is a beautiful aspect, as keeping it profits not only the individual but everyone around them, fostering enjoyable and harmonious community living. Commandments like the Sabbath ensure rest for all within one's sphere, while others promote trust, peace, and stability among neighbors, ultimately benefiting the whole world when adhered to. Additionally, obedience to God's law results in abundant blessings and divine favor, promising a life of prosperity and spiritual richness, far outweighing the curses of disobedience. God's law also provides insight into oneself and illuminates the path forward, offering guidance and revealing personal shortcomings to help one align with God's purpose. It revives, strengthens, and encourages, instilling hope, delight, liberty, good judgment, knowledge, and understanding, edifying those who embrace it. Ultimately, the law of God is beyond compare, an expression of His very mind in words, holding the promise of eternal life, which is the most beautiful gift of all.

Law and Spirit Together

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Over-emphasis on law produces rigidity and loophole hunters, while over-emphasis on spirit produces emotional imbalance, permissiveness, and lack of structure.

The Law's Purpose and Intent

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The effectiveness of a law is found in its purpose and intent rather than the letter. Love and mercy constitute the spiritual fulfillment of the Law.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A summary of the Covenants, Grace, and Law series, reiterating the differences in the Covenants and the respective places of grace and law in God's purpose.

'But I Say to You' (Part One): The Spirit of the Law

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our righteousness must exceed the that of the Pharisees, keeping God's law in the spirit rather than in the letter, replacing the law of death with the law of life.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Colossian Christians were criticized by ascetics for the way they were keeping the Sabbath and holy days. Paul argues against a philosophy, not the law of God.

The Holiness Code

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A portion of Leviticus, dubbed 'the holiness code,' describes how God lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expanded the application of the holiness code.

Blessing God

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

We bless God through joyfully singing psalms, praising Him and obeying His Commandments, having His word written on our heart..

Righteousness from Inside-Out

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Many people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.

Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. By emphasizing principle, Christ came to magnify, not to destroy God's law.

Psalms: Book Five (Part Five): Psalm 119 (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Even though keeping the law does not justify us, it does point out to us what sin is. The law is a guide keeping us within moral and ethical boundaries.

What Kind of Faith is Required for Salvation?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Millions who say they believe in Jesus Christ have no salvation at all because they trust in the wrong kind of faith. Saving faith is largely misunderstood.

Psalms: Book Five (Part Six): Psalm 119 (Part Three)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The keeping of the law is a practical response to God, providing us with principles for our lives, establishing our character and implanting God's values.

Born Again (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Things pertaining to the New Covenant can only be understood by those who have been circumcised in the heart, which equates to having been born again.

The Christian Paradox (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We have two conflicting natures: a downward-pulling carnal nature versus a divine nature imparted by God's Holy Spirit, continually at odds, seen in Romans 7.

Elements of Judgment (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We dare not 'do away' anything that is part of God's mind, or we will not be in His image. Acts 15 did not give Gentiles exemption from keeping God's Law.

Elements of Motivation (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Fearing God leads to a determination not to bring shame on God's name or offending and hurting the relationship between God and us.