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Study 14 of 18

Revisiting 1888, Part 2 — The Law

Shifting from a dry, legalistic focus on the law to the life-giving righteousness of Christ.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

This study addresses the danger of a "legal religion" that focuses on outward compliance with the law while losing sight of Jesus. Schofield highlights Ellen White's warning that the Adventist church had become as "dry as the hills of Gilboa" by preaching the law without Christ. The 1888 message was sent to remedy this by bringing the uplifted Saviour to the forefront. True justification and sanctification are not about our own efforts to satisfy the law, but about receiving Christ's merits. The law should always point us to Christ, revealing our need for His grace. Furthermore, the session emphasizes that reconciliation with brethren is a weightier matter of the law than mere external regulations. A Christless focus on rules leads to a harsh, judgmental spirit, whereas receiving Christ's love transforms the heart and enables true obedience.

Key points

  • Preaching the law without Christ leaves the soul spiritually dry and powerless.
  • A legalistic religion is "loveless and Christless" and cannot lead souls to salvation.
  • The 1888 message restores the "faith of Jesus" to its rightful, prominent position.
  • Heart reconciliation with others is more important to God than outward religious forms.

Key texts

  • Matthew 23:23
  • Romans 5:20
  • Matthew 5:23-24

From the book

Chapter 14 · Galatians 2:16-21 · Read this chapter

  • “The Lord in His great mercy sent a most precious message to His people through Elders Waggoner and Jones.” (ch. 14)
  • “As a people, we have preached the law until we are as dry as the hills of Gilboa that had neither dew nor rain.” (ch. 14)
  • “A legal religion has been thought quite the correct religion for this time. But it is a mistake.” (ch. 14)

Put it into practice

  • Examine your religious experience for signs of legalism or spiritual dryness.
  • Prioritize reconciliation with others as a fundamental aspect of true worship.
  • Focus on the merits of Jesus rather than your own efforts to keep the law.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What was the purpose of the 1888 message regarding the 'uplifted Saviour'?

  2. Scripture

    2. What is the condition of a people who preach the law without Christ?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. How is Christ's righteousness made manifest in the life?

  4. Contrast

    4. Why is a legal religion described as a mistake?

  5. Scripture

    5. What are the 'weightier matters of the law' mentioned in the text?

  6. Comprehension

    6. What should we do before bringing a gift to the altar if we have a conflict with a brother?

  7. Contrast

    7. How did the Jews of old misuse the Scriptures according to Jesus?

  8. Application

    8. In what areas of your life are you tempted to focus on 'legal' reform while neglecting love?