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Commentary on "The Election of Grace"
Day 2: Sunday, September 12, 2010 - Living Sacrifices
Overview
This lesson emphasizes that “…faith is not a substitute for obedience, as if faith somehow nullifies our obligation to obey the Lord. The moral precepts are still in force; they are explained, even amplified in the New Testament. And no indication is given, either, that it will be easy for the Christian to regulate his or her life by these moral precepts.”
Observations
What is interesting to think about here is what is missing. The motive for serving the Lord is faith in the loving grace of Jesus extended to us undeserving sinners.
The emphasis on the “moral precepts” being still in force is, mostly likely, a reference to the view that the Sabbath is a moral principle that must be obeyed in order to show one’s faith. All the moral principles of the Decalogue are repeated in the New Testament, either by the apostles or our Lord Jesus Himself. The only article of the Law that is not reiterated is the directive to “remember the Sabbath.”
Thus, Sabbath-keeping is not a measure of obedience to the Lord in the New Covenant. This topic has been carefully explained in several comprehensive Bible studies. It would be very helpful to research this topic by reading Sabbath in Christ, by Dale Ratzlaff or listening to The Gospel and the Covenants, by J. Mark Martin www.exadventist.com.
Summary
- “Faith is not a substitute for obedience” are empty words without the experience of being born again.
- The emphasis on “moral precepts” is a veiled reference to keeping the Sabbath which Adventists believe is the evidence of true faith.
- The New Testament is full of references to God’s “moral principles”, but never once is Sabbath mentioned as one of those that must be obeyed, and never is Sabbath-breaking mentioned as a sin.
- Please read Dale Ratzlaff’s Sabbath in Christ, or listen to The Gospel and the Covenants by J. Mark Martin.
Copyright 2010 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised September 9, 2010. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
The Sabbath School Bible Study Guide and the corresponding E.G. White Notes are published by Pacific Press Publishing Association, which is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. The current quarter's editions are pictured above.
Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 12
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 12
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Wk 12
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