The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-02-18
LAW OF COMMANDMENTS.


THE RULERS QUEsTI0N.-A wealthy
young man, who was probably the ruler of a
neighboring synagogue, and had no doubt
heard JESUS teaching as he journeyed-for it
was his custom to enter the synagogues every
where he was, to proclaim the Gospel of the
kingdom-came to JESUS as he journeyed,
and respectfully saluting him as a worthy
Teacher, asked, "What good thing must do
that may have eternal (oionion) life?" He
wished to become subject of the Messiah's
kingdom, and to partake of its promised
blessings. These were spoken of as the life
of the age, aionion (eternaD life, and were
conceived of as rich temporal blessings to be
enjoyed under the independent administra-
ton of the restored kingdom of Israel. 1t
was expected that all faithful Jews would be
admitted to its privileges. JESUS proclaimed
the advent of the kingdom of GoD, and the
conditions of admission to it. The young
ruler simply asked, though with apparent
earnestness and sincerity, what good things
he should do to qualify himself for admission.
JESUS proclaimed a spiritual kingdom, the
reign of GoD over the souls of men independ-
ent of any political organization. The eter-
nal life which he announced to be enjoyed in
his kingdom, was the blessed life of the soul
in willing subsection to Divine Love and
Truth. 1t was an active, enduring, spiritual
life, conditioned on faith, and manifested in
personal holiness of heart and life. "This is
the life ETERNAL" he says, "that they may
know Thee, the only true COP, and JESUS
CHRIST, whom Thou didst send !" "He that
belieyeth on him hath eternal life " (John
xviii 8; iii. 16). The rich young ruler had
hardly apprehended the meaning of eternal
life.
THE SUPREME GO0D.-JEsus replies to
the young mans question by inquiring,
Why do you ask me about the good ?" ap-
parently to call his attention to the source of
all good, to GoD Himself, perfect obedience
to whose law is the supreme good which quail
ifies for admission into the kingdom of heav-
en- and the enjoyment of eternal life. The
answer to the young mans question was to
be found in the Divine law. This was con-
tanned in the Ten Commandments. eff you
wish to enter into true life, obey the COM
mandments." Obedience of the command
ments characterized the true Israelite and
qualified for the real kingdom of COP. The
law was a schoolmaster (tutor) preparing
for CHRIST, says Paul (Galat ans iii. pa.
The young man was evidently surprised at
JESUS answer, or misunderstood his refer
ence to the commandments, thinking that
something new must be required. The state
ment of JESUS appeared too general, and he
asked for particulars (Which p' or what
hind of commandments JEaUa aDacifiaG
the second table, comprising the duties to
men, summarizing with what he afterward
declared to be the second great command
ment of the law, You shall love your neigh
Dor as yourself" (xxvi. $50. Obedience to
the second table of commandments implies
obedience to the first. Whoever truly loves
GoD will love his fellow men Il John iv. 21l.
RIGHTEOUS YOUrH.-The young man
said that he had strictly observed the COM
mandments from his childhood. He had
been religiousy brought up in pious Jewish
family. That he was a worthy young man
is indicated by his position as the chief officer
of a synagogue. His apparent enthusiasm
and frankness won the admiration and love
of JESUS. He loved him Mark K. 2I) for his
upright moral conduct and manifest worthy
ambition and desire. He had in childhood
formed habits of obedience and righteous
ness that had crystalized into character.
Righteousness may become an easy habit
with those who are trained in acts of obedi-
ence from childhood. Habitual righteous
ness is favorable to spiritual attainment
Obedience to the law of commandments will
qualify for the reign of the higher law of love.
Children and young people may be trained
to outward habits of righteousness before
they have come to appreciate the inner mo-
tives of righteousness. The rich young ruler
was morally upright, but inward motive
rather than outward conduct qualified for
the kingdom of heaven. This he appears not
to have understood, and having confessed
his general uprightness of conduct, he in
quires what yet is lacking to qualify him for
the bless sing he desires.