Deuteronomio 4:1

"That ye may live," etc. The word "life" is very far from being a mere synonym for "existence." It is equivalent to "healthful existence ," a state of being in which all his powers and functions are in harmonious exercise, and directed to their proper objects and ends. Nor can any one doubt that obedience to the laws of God has a tendency to promote true comfort and success in this life, while it is certainly the truest, yea, the only, preparation for the next. Besides, the blessing of God is promised to the obedient. If a man's life accords with the laws of God, he will find out how conducive obedience is to good. But if he "strives with his Maker," his life-course will bristle up with prickles everywhere.

V. AS WE LOOK ROUND , WE MAY SEE SAD EXAMPLES OF THE REVERSE , FROM WHICH WE MAY TAKE WARMING . (See the sad history of Baal-peor, referred to in Deuteronomy 4:3 .) Surely we should take warning from that, and from too many similar instances. The prevalence of lust will be destructive of life's beauty, peace, power, and hope.

VI. THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PEACE AND JOY , ATTENDANT UPON A LIFE OF LOYALTY TO GOD , IS A STRONG ARGUMENT FOR CONTINUANCE THEREIN .

Deuteronomy 4:4 , "Ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day." What would the victims of lust and greed and passion give if they could but have the calm peacefulness of one who follows the Lord fully I But that cannot he. The test of a life for God is God's own seal to its worth in his eye (cf. Psalms 91:1-16 .); while ( coet . par .) long life is ensured by the healthy state of body which a righteous life induces. And the hope—the good hope through grace— which gilds the outlook, oh, the unutterable joy of that!

IN CONCLUSION .

1. It is just as imperative, in a Christian point of view, for us to combine obedience to the sacrificial and ethical law of the gospel, as it was for the Hebrews to obey both parts of their Law. No outside virtues performed in a legal, self-righteous spirit will save us. Nor will any trust in the sacrifice of Christ, apart; from holiness, be accepted. Both faith in Christ and holy living, form inseparable parts of a true obedience to God.

2. The rich fullness of peace which those enjoy who trust, love, and obey, is far greater under the gospel than it could have been under the Law of Moses, because, in Christ, the revelation of Divine love is so much clearer, and the "blessed hope" is so much brighter. Christ gives us a rest in himself, and the life he quickens and sustains in believers is a restful life (see Romans 5:1-11 ; Philippians 4:4-7 ). " Though now we see him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." This is life indeed!