Deuteronomy 4:1-2

Acceptable obedience.

I. ITS BASIS —the Divine command. "Statutes and judgments." Action originating in self-will, however correct in moral form, is not obedience. It is God's command which is the rule and starting-point. Recognition of his authority is essential. Kant distinguishes religion from morality thus'' Religion is the doing of all duties as if they were Divine commandments." The objective rule is found in the inspired Scriptures.

II. ITS CHARACTER . It must be:

1. Entire , not partial. Having respect to all that God reveals.

2. Honest , neither altering, mutilating, adding to, nor subtracting from (cf. Matthew 5:19 ; Matthew 15:6 , Matthew 15:9 ).

3. Persevering .

III. ITS REWARD . "Life," possession of blessings. This reward not legal, but of grace through Christ, as on the legal basis no one can attain to it ( Romans 3:20 ). But though, as sinful, we cannot have life through obedience, we still have it in obedience. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" ( Matthew 7:21 ; Romans 2:7 ).—J.O.