Here is the wording on the picture, with Scriptures, followed by its context (all-caps added for emphasis):
“‘THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, that we might be justified by faith’ (Galatians 3:24). In this Scripture, the Holy Spirit through the apostle is speaking ESPECIALLY of THE MORAL LAW. The law reveals sin to us, and cause us to feel our need of Christ, and to flee unto Him for pardon and peace by exercising repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. …
“I am asked CONCERNING THE LAW IN GALATIANS. WHAT LAW IS THE SCHOOLMASTER to bring us to Christ? I answer: BOTH THE CEREMONIAL AND THE MORAL CODE OF TEN COMMANDMENTS.” (Manuscript Releases Volume One, pp. 130, 131; by Ellen G. White)
“But after that faith is come, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER.” (Galatians 3:25 KJV)
So does that meann the MORAL LAW was included in what was “done away” in 2 Corinthians 3:2-17? Actually, yes, that passage does include what was “written AND engraven in stones” (v. 7). The meaning of “done away” is being misunderstood and misapplied. Like before, “a veil” is over many people’s eyes who prefer their traditions over the truth (vv. 13-16; Mark 7:1-13; John 14:6).
“Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, WRITTEN NOT WITH INK, BUT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD; NOT IN TABLES OF STONE, BUT IN FLESHLY TABLES OF THE HEART. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, WRITTEN AND ENGRAVEN IN STONES, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be DONE AWAY: How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is DONE AWAY was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put A VEIL over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same VEIL untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the VEIL is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the VEIL shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:2-17 KJV)
“IN the book of LEVITICUS ARE FOUND MANY OF THE SPECIAL MORAL REQUIREMENTS which were given to Moses to give to the children of Israel. These were carefully written in a book, and were nothing less than THE PRINCIPLES OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, defining the duty of man to his fellow-man, and his obligation to God.” (The Signs of the Times, July 22, 1880 issue, article title: “Special Requirements,” par. 1, by Ellen G. White)
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“‘THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH’ (GALATIANS 3:24). IN THIS SCRIPTURE, THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE APOSTLE IS SPEAKING ESPECIALLY OF THE MORAL LAW. THE LAW REVEALS SIN TO US, AND CAUSE US TO FEEL OUR NEED OF CHRIST, AND TO FLEE UNTO HIM FOR PARDON AND PEACE BY EXERCISING REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD AND FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
“An unwillingness to yield up preconceived opinions, and to accept this truth, lay at the foundation of a large share of the opposition manifested at Minneapolis against the Lord’s message through Brethren Waggoner and Jones. By exciting that opposition, Satan succeeded in shutting away from our people, in a great measure, the special power of the Holy Spirit that God longed to impart to them. The enemy prevented them from obtaining that efficiency which might have been theirs in carrying the truth to the world, as the apostles proclaimed it after the day of Pentecost. The light that is to lighten the whole earth with its glory was resisted, and by the action of our own brethren has been in a great degree kept away from the world.
“The law of ten commandments is not to be looked upon as much from the prohibitory side, as from the mercy side. Its prohibitions are the sure guarantee of happiness in obedience. As received in Christ, it works in us the purity of character that will bring joy to us through eternal ages. To the obedient it is a wall of protection. We behold in it the goodness of God, who by revealing to men the immutable principles of righteousness, seeks to shield them from the evils that result from transgression.
“We are not to regard God as waiting to punish the sinner for his sin. The sinner brings the punishment upon himself. His own actions start a train of circumstances that bring the sure result. Every act of transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it more easy for him to transgress again. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death.
“The law is an expression of God’s idea. When we receive it in Christ, it becomes our idea. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. ‘Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them’ (Psalm 119:165), cause them to stumble.
“There is no peace in unrighteousness; the wicked are at war with God. But he who receives the righteousness of the law in Christ, is in harmony with heaven. ‘Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other’ (Psalm 85:10). Letter 96, 1896, pp. 1, 2. (To Elder Uriah Smith, June 6, 1896.) [Accompanying the above statement is a notation made by Mrs. White’s secretary addressed to Elder Uriah Smith: ‘The enclosed pages present a few points which were opened to Sister White last night, and she wished sent to you.’]
“I AM ASKED CONCERNING THE LAW IN GALATIANS. WHAT LAW IS THE SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US TO CHRIST? I ANSWER: BOTH THE CEREMONIAL AND THE MORAL CODE OF TEN COMMANDMENTS.
“Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The death of Abel was in consequence of Cain refusing to accept God’s plan in the school of obedience to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ typified by the sacrificial offerings pointing to Christ. Cain refused the shedding of blood which symbolized the blood of Christ to be shed for the world. This whole ceremony was prepared by God, and Christ became the foundation of the whole system. This is the beginning of its work as the schoolmaster to bring sinful human agents to a consideration of Christ the Foundation of the whole Jewish economy.
“All who did service in connection with the sanctuary were being educated constantly in regard to the intervention of Christ in behalf of the human race. This service was designed to create in every heart a love for the law of God, which is the law of His kingdom. The sacrificial offering was to be an object lesson of the love of God revealed in Christ–in the suffering, dying victim, who took upon Himself the sin of which man was guilty, the innocent being made sin for us.
“In the contemplation of this great theme of salvation, we see Christ’s work. Not only the promised gift of the Spirit, but also the nature and character of this sacrifice and intervention, is a subject which should create in our hearts elevated, sacred, high ideas of the law of God, which holds its claims upon every human agency. The violation of that law in the small act of eating of the forbidden fruit, brought upon man and upon the earth the consequence of disobedience to the holy law of God. The nature of the intervention should ever make man afraid to do the smallest action in disobedience to God’s requirement.
“There should be a clear understanding of that which constitutes sin, and we should avoid the least approach to step over the boundaries from obedience to disobedience.
“God would have every member of His creation understand the great work of the infinite Son of God in giving His life for the salvation of the world. ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not’ (1 John 3:1).
“When he sees in Christ the embodiment of infinite and disinterested love and benevolence, there is awakened in the heart of the sinner a thankful disposition to follow where Christ is drawing. Ms 87, 1900, pp. 1, 2. (‘The Law in Galatians,’ circa 1900.)” (Manuscript Releases Volume One, pp. 130-133; by Ellen G. White)
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“IN THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS ARE FOUND MANY OF THE SPECIAL MORAL REQUIREMENTS WHICH WERE GIVEN TO MOSES TO GIVE TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. THESE WERE CAREFULLY WRITTEN IN A BOOK, AND WERE NOTHING LESS THAN THE PRINCIPLES OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, DEFINING THE DUTY OF MAN TO HIS FELLOW-MAN, AND HIS OBLIGATION TO GOD. If they were obedient, God promised to take them to him as his peculiar treasure, make them a most powerful nation, and establish them in the land of Canaan, a holy and happy people. In doing his commandments was their only happiness and safety.
“‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God. After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do; and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you shall ye not do. Neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.’ The Lord would have his people true to his service, and separate and distinct from every nation who did not fear his name. He understood the danger of associating with idolaters, knowing that the seeing and hearing of their heathen customs and vain philosophy would have a corrupting influence upon their morals. There was danger of the sacrilegious services of the idol worship appearing attractive to them, and giving character to their religious services. Although the experience of parents might be a safeguard to themselves, there was constant danger in regard to the morals of their children. They would be continually tempted to imitate the practices of the people with whom they associated.
“This injunction from God himself is of consequence to us who live in these last days when iniquity prevails, and Satan with every device is upon the track of the unwary. Merriment and pleasure-seeking is the order of the day, and reckless presumption and the absence of virtue mark the course of society generally. The standard of the world is in no case to be the standard of those who love and fear God. He requires those who follow him to be separate from sin and sinners. The reason why those who profess his name are not more precious in his sight is because the pure gold of their character has been corrupted by association with the world, and they have not genuine faith or a genuine religion.
“The instruction given to ancient Israel was to the same effect as that given by Christ to his disciples upon the mount. Both were intended to counteract selfishness and encourage benevolence. God ever remembers the poor, and gives directions to his people to remember them. ‘And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest.’ Again he says, ‘Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
“Frequently the wages of the working men and women are thoughtlessly and cruelly withheld from them, and they are made to suffer for the little pittance they have earned by hard labor. This injustice is practiced on a large scale. Those who have had their labor frequently live in extravagance, that which they use intemperately being nearly sufficient to support one or two poor families. When such force the laborer to wait for his hard-earned pay, they come under the censure of God.
“While we should show sympathy and love for the deserving poor, we are not to favor the unworthy poor because they are poor, neither are we ‘to honor the person of the mighty’ simply because they are mighty. How much of this is done. If a man is possessed of wealth, great respect, applause, and honor are given him because of his position, while he may be corrupt at heart, and his life unworthy of imitation. Position or wealth does not make the man; but clean hands and a pure heart God will accept.
“‘Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.’ All liars are to have their part in the lake of fire, and yet there are more falsehoods told and acted than many suppose. All deception and overstatements are falsehoods. A truthful man, a man of integrity, will not designedly produce impressions by language or signs that are not strictly true. He will not allow any to receive from him that which he knows to be incorrect. A falsehood consists in an intention to deceive. A look of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, will tell a falsehood as effectually as words. Hints and insinuations which leave an exaggerated impression on minds are falsehoods. Says the apostle, ‘Lie not one to another.’ The case of Ananias and Sapphira shows that even in the gospel age retribution as severe as that of the Jewish age breaks forth upon the guilty.
“‘Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God; I am the Lord.’ The name of the Lord is profaned in many ways. It is spoken thoughtlessly, and is often dishonored in common conversation by appealing to God, as ‘the Lord knows,’ etc., thus making common that name which is sacred, and should always be spoken with reverence. Some even in their prayers take the name of God upon their lips in a thoughtless manner. His holy name is to be spoken with solemnity, and not to be heedlessly brought into our prayers every few sentences. ‘Lord God Almighty,’ ‘Holy and Reverend is his name!’ His purity, majesty and excellence should be meditated upon, and the lips be sanctified that utter his name. Although we do not hear his voice from Sinai’s mount proclaiming his holy law, we have just as much need to fear and tremble as had they who surrounded it at that time. The law of God is exceeding broad. We cannot measure it, neither can we evade its positive claims, for it will be the rule of future judgment.
“The Sin of Ignorance.
“‘If any one of the common people sin through ignorance,’ ‘he shall bring his offering,’ ‘and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.’ The same provision was made for the ruler, and also for the priests. These, although appointed to their sacred work by God himself, were by no means considered infallible. They were in constant danger of committing sin, and although this might be done ignorantly, it was still sin in the sight of Heaven. While ignorance may lessen the guilt of the transgressor, it will not be a sufficient excuse for it in the day of Judgment. Says the apostle, ‘All who will do his will shall know of the doctrine.’ Those who are anxious to know the truth and will of God will not be left in darkness.
“Souls are constantly being convicted of sin. The law of God is brought home to their conscience as it was to that of the apostle Paul. He was ignorant that he was a transgressor of the law, but he says that when the commandment came, sin revived and he died. He was slain by the law, and then through repentance for his past transgression, and faith in Christ, he was reconciled to God and received pardon.
“The experience of Paul would be the experience of thousands in this day if they would be as true to their conscience as he was to his. He did not institute a war against the law of God because it was the instrument to convict and slay him; far from it. He says that the commandment which was ordained to life he found to be unto death,–death to the transgressor, but life to the obedient. This is a day when men love to erect their own standard of right, and trample under their feet the only true standard. But when the slumbering conscience is aroused, and light is permitted to shine into the darkened chambers of the mind, they will find that they have been ignorantly breaking the commands of God. Such have a work to do to repent of their past transgressions, and put on Christ by faith and baptism.
“Some will plead that they lived up to the best light that they had, and did not know that they were sinners before God. Therefore they claim that they were guiltless, and have nothing to repent of. But the word of God was plain, and all who had a prayerful anxious desire to understand it might have known what was truth; and for this sin of ignorance God will demand an offering as truly as in the days of Moses,–even the offering of a broken and contrite heart. With the Bible in our hands we ought all to know and practice the truth. But some do not wish to change their faith or course of action, and argue that if they are only honest they will be saved. Such will be in great danger of committing the sin of presumption, of not living up to all the light they have. Critical self-examination, united with a diligent searching of the Scriptures and earnest prayer, is essential, not that some way may be found to evade the cross, but that they may be led into all truth however much self-denial it may cost, and however inconvenient it may be to obey.
“Sins of ignorance call not for excuse but for repentance. None are to flatter themselves that because Jesus died and bore the guilt for man, they have nothing to do but accept of pardon without repenting of the sins they have so long been committing. There are limits to the forbearance of God, and punishment for the transgression of his law is no less certain because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily. Because we live in a time when retribution does not follow an evil deed at once, sin is less avoided and the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil.” (The Signs of the Times, July 22, 1880 issue, article title: “Special Requirements,” pars. 1-13, by Ellen G. White)
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