A FRIEND writing on the subject of the Sabbath, says, “I believe he that feareth God and worketh righteousness will be accepted of him.” Now, we wish to determine the meaning of the term righteousness. In John 5:17, we read that “all unrighteousness is sin.” And what is sin? “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. If un-righteousness, then, is transgression of the law, righteousness is obedience to the law, or right doing. The law of God is the truth, and Jesus says, “For this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth.” He testifies as follows: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets, I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Mat. 5:17
This is the law by which our actions are to be regulated, and characters formed. It is a moral law; for it is the standard of our righteousness. A rule of righteousness can only be fulfilled by obeying it, and obeying such rule does not abolish it. The righteousness of a person consists in right-doing; that is, in his obeying what is commonly called moral law. “He that doeth righteousness, is righteous.” 1 John 3:7. And we have not forgotten that David said, “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172. He does not say nine of the commandments are righteousness, but all of them; and it is clearly evident that Jesus ratified them all.
Who are they, then, who fear God and work righteousness? “The people in whose heart is my law.” Then they who obey un-righteousness transgress the law, while they that obey the truth, do not transgress it; and the wrath of God will come upon every soul, Jew or Gentile, who does not obey the truth. And what is truth? “All thy commandments are truth.” Ps. 119:151 Yes, the law of God is the truth and how beautifully does it harmonize with the last benediction of the Coming One: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22:14.
How valuable is the truth! I thank God that I have ever been led to behold the truth, and had a heart given me to obey it. Such, if they continue therein, will soon hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Mat. 25:21
CHARLES P. WHITFORD.
Berkshire Center, vt
The Advent Review and Herald of the Sabbath March 18, 1875