God loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He has revealed the principles of righteousness. When we receive the law in Christ, it lifts us above the power of our natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God gave us the commands of the law so that in obeying them, we could have joy. HH 137.5
At Sinai, God made known to the human family the holiness of His character so that by contrast they could see the sinfulness of their own. He gave the law to convict them of sin and reveal their need of a Savior. This is still its work. As the Holy Spirit reveals to us our need of Christ’s cleansing blood and justifying righteousness, the law is still a means to bring us to Christ so that we may be justified by faith. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7. HH 137.6
“Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” The shining sun and the solid earth are God’s witnesses that His law is eternal. Even if they might pass away, the divine principles will endure. The system of symbols that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God would come to an end at His death, but the Decalogue is as permanent as the throne of God. HH 138.1
The Savior’s life of obedience proved that it was possible for a human being to keep the law, and it showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. On the other hand, all who break God’s commandments support Satan’s claim that no one can obey the law. To allow them into heaven would bring in strife and rebellion again and would threaten the well-being of the universe. No one who willfully disregards one principle of the law will enter the kingdom of heaven. HH 138.2
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that just agreeing with the truth makes a person righteous. All of human experience has proved that a theoretical knowledge of the truth is not enough to save the soul. It does not bring out the fruits of righteousness. HH 138.3
A jealous regard for what people call theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth that would show in the life. The darkest chapters of history are filled with the record of crimes committed by bigoted advocates of their religion. The Pharisees thought themselves to be the most religious people in the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory. Many claim a faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, selfrestrained, and heavenly minded, it is a curse to them, and through their influence it is a curse to the world. HH 138.4