September 30, 2022

. . . to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17

These seventeen small words are very instructive. They are welcomed by the prayerful individual who desires guidance throughout any given day; one who has asked the Holy Spirit to keep him or her alert to opportunities to help someone in need. We are instructed to develop heightened sensitivities to the needs of others and then act upon them for the sake of the Lord (see Matthew 25:40 and James 2:16).

These seventeen words are also attached to James’ discourse regarding God’s moral law. James called it the royal law (2:8) and the law of liberty (1:25 & 2:12). We also call it the Ten Commandments: a concise standard for showing love to God and to our fellow human beings. It is the standard for God’s judgement.

The world, as a whole, is only a little over two hundred years of having somewhat of a free access to the word of God. For the twelve hundred and sixty years prior, access to the Bible was forbidden—on pain of death—by the church (Revelation 12:6,14). But God has consistently raised up faithful reformers who have discovered gem after gem of truth from the Bible and shared their treasure with the world. Each faithful one is to be commended for his faith in action. But no single reformer was called to reveal everything that needed to be discovered on the world’s behalf. Discovery has been a process and it is still going on . . . 

There are many, still, who have yet to hear of the Sabbath truth. This truth is highlighted in Revelation 14:7 by its direct quote from the fourth commandment (see Exodus 20:11) which highlights God as the Creator. Other passages reminding us of the Sabbath highlight Him also as the Redeemer and Sanctifier.

For every point of instruction laid out in God’s word, Satan has a counterfeit. It is essential to prayerfully compare side-by-side church traditions that conflict with the Bible. If you choose to begin keeping the seventh-day Sabbath in loving obedience to the Lord (see John 14:15), those who know about the Sabbath yet refuse to accept it will accuse you of “legalism.”

Jesus is coming for His bride when all the world has had opportunity to know the truth. It is within our power to hasten* that day by our obedience in teaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

*Therefore . . . what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13

Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30