When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land they were commanded to set up large stones and to write on them all the words of the law. And in fact that is what Joshua did. Six of the tribes were to stand on Mt. Ebal and six tribes were to stand opposite it on Mt. Gerizim. One mountain represented blessing and the other cursing and it was dependant upon the obedience of the people as to which one would take place. In Deuteronomy there are twelve curses mentioned. The last one stated, “Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law.” 27:26
The law was a curse to anyone who could not keep it. And the law was not an indivisible unit. They were required to keep every part of it – the civil, ceremonial, and moral. It was more than the Ten Commandments. James teaches that, “whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” 2:10 The law required perfect obedience in every area. It was the whole law that must be obeyed not only the Ten Commandments.
And even if it was only the Ten, how many have fully obeyed them? Have you ever told a lie? (Ex 20:16) Did you ever steal anything even if it was something small? (v. 15) Have you ever desired something that was not yours? (v. 17) Did you ever not honor your mother or father? (v. 12) If you violated any of these, you’re guilty before God of breaking the whole law.
So how is that many think that by being a ‘good’ person they are justified before God? First of all, man’s moral standards are far below God’s holiness. Compared to God and His demand of perfection, there is none righteous. (Rom 3:10) Secondly, unbelieving man defines God according to the imaginations of his own heart. (Deut 29:19; Jer 9:14) Both these concepts work in the mind of man by bringing God down to his level and elevating man to the equivalent of God. Some have taken this concept to the ultimate deception that man is a god.
The Israelites were given a picture of the two mountains; one representing blessing through obedience and the other cursing that would be the result of disobedience. Similarly we stand between two mountains; one representing the Law and condemnation and the other grace representing blessing and life. Which one will you chose?
More on this in Part II.