The Road to Faith


“The Road to Faith”

Larry R Evans

Sabbath School

November 12, 2011

Introduction

Perhaps one of the most difficult subjects to understand but also one of the most important is the relationship between law and gospel. How this “single” subject is understood shapes to a large degree one’s view of God as well as one’s own of self. Is the law at odds with the promise made to Abraham or does it give even more emphasis to the promised grace of God? That will be the focus of our study this week. The following are a few quotes from Ellen White on Galatians 3:21-25 that may be of interest to you in your study.

Ellen G White Comments

Found in

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol.6, p.1071

20-31 (Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 22:17). With Humble Hearts Survey the Atonement.--Let no one take the limited, narrow position that any of the works of man can help in the least possible way to liquidate the debt of his transgression. This is a fatal deception. If you would understand it, you must cease haggling over your pet ideas, and with humble hearts survey the atonement. {6BC 1071.4}

This matter is so dimly comprehended that thousands upon thousands claiming to be sons of God are children of the wicked one, because they will depend on their own works. God always demanded good works, the law demands it, but because man placed himself in sin where his good works were valueless, Jesus' righteousness alone can avail. Christ is able to save to the uttermost because He ever liveth to make intercession for us. {6BC 1071.5}

All that man can possibly do toward his own salvation is to accept the invitation, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." No sin can be committed by man for which satisfaction has not been met on Calvary. Thus the cross, in earnest appeals, continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expiation (MS 50, 1900). {6BC 1071.6}

24-26 (see EGW on ch. 5:11). The Father Abundantly Satisfied.--The atonement that has been made for us by Christ is wholly and abundantly satisfactory to the Father. God can be just, and yet the justifier of those who believe (MS 28, 1905). {6BC 1071.7}

Reflective Quiz

1. God gave His promise to Abraham but changed His mind and gave his law instead to those who came after Abraham. (Gal. 3:21; James 1:17) True or False?

2. Keeping the law makes one a prisoner. (Gal. 3:23; 4:21; James 2:12) True or False?

3. The law was a curse God placed upon Israel because of its sin. (Gal. 2:19; Rom. 7:12-13) True or False?

4. How we relate to God’s law may have more to do with our own desires than the purpose God had in mind when giving the law. (Gal. 3:24; Rom. 8:9-14) True or False?

5. Liberty equals freedom from having to keep the law. (Rom. 6:14,15; Gal. 3:22-25) True or False?

6. Both the ceremonial and ten commandment law are school masters. (Gal. 3:23) True or False?

7. Jesus of the New Testament came to set sinners free from the God of the Old Testament. True or False?

[Notes and comments will be sent on Friday, November 11]


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