Counsel #18 — The Heart Of The Matter

Picture: Counsel #18 — The Heart Of The MatterCCW 35.1

Most societies frown upon overregulation—it inhibits human freedoms and constrains personal rights. In contrast, when the Holy Spirit abides in our hearts, obeying God’s law actually frees us, producing love, peace and harmony between us, God, and others. God’s law isn’t just an arbitrary set of rules; it’s a mindset, a way of living. Jesus made this point during His greatest sermon. “You think the law functions to punish rule-breakers,” He said, “but let me tell you how it actually works.” Breaking God’s law isn’t only a wrong action but begins as a cherished sinful desire in your heart. To truly obey God, you must ask Him for a new heart and surrender your stinking thinking to Him.^{[51]https://www.adventist.org/the-law-of-god/editorial-more-than-a-god-of-the-gaps/}CCW 35.2

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment....” Matthew 5:21, 22 NKJVCCW 35.3

“In the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart; as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of his cleansing blood and his justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.’” Ellen White in The Watchman, August 11, 1908, par. 4CCW 35.4

Reflect: In what ways do you see keeping God’s law freeing you?CCW 35.5