It reads like a “who’s who” of the faith community: James Dobson, Paul Crouch, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, Chuck Colson, Gary Bauer, and leaders of powerful Christian organizations like Trinity Broadcasting Network, National Religious Broadcasters, and Family Research Council. All these leaders and organizations have gathered together to rally around the Ten Commandments. They are all supporters of the Ten Commandments Commission. How should Adventists relate?

Seventh-day Adventists have long championed the new covenant promise of God to write His law upon the human heart so that we experience inner transformation of character. Jesus clearly taught that there was no conflict between faith and works, salvation and obedience. “If you love me,” Jesus said, “keep my commandments.” John 14:15. Moreover, God’s Law is a transcript of His loving character.

This profound respect for God’s Law has led Adventists to vigorously object to widespread teaching among Christian churches that the Law of God was nailed to the cross and that Christians are freed from the obligation to obey. In the past decade, Christians have been placing a new emphasis on God’s Law as a remedy for moral and spiritual decline in our nation. This emphasis has tended to an “old covenant” form, with God’s Law displayed on stone monuments and pictures of stone. Yet, the premise is sound: the Law of God is the answer to our moral and spiritual failings, but only as it is “written in the heart.”

The Ten Commandments Commission has arisen to protest the removal of Ten Commandments displays from public life, and to “take a stand” for God’s Law. The Commission is also promoting passage of The Constitution Restoration Act, which would dangerously alter church-state relationships in the United States.

The Seventh-day Adventist religious liberty team opposes this bill. Liberty magazine recently published an article by our own Michael Peabody explaining the dangers of the Constitution Restoration Act; see www.libertymagazine.org. Although we do not believe this bill has a serious chance of passage, we are concerned about the philosophy behind the bill that undermines the reasonable separation of church and state, and approves a greater role for the state in matters of faith. We believe that Christ has given to the church all she needs to advance the kingdom of God, and that it is our job to promote the Ten Commandments, not the job of the state.

Nevertheless, Adventist leaders have established good relationships with the leaders of the Ten Commandments Commission. We can and do encourage all who wish to honor God’s Law, including the Ten Commandments Commission, regardless of any theological or public policy disagreements. Although the Adventist Church does not join the Commission in protesting the removal of the Ten Commandments from public display, we are not hostile to the folks at the Ten Commandments Commission. Rather, we are using this opportunity to reach out to explain God’s wonderful gift of the Law — the whole Law — written on our hearts through the grace of Christ.

Our publishing houses have issued new books on the Ten Commandments, and our broadcast ministries have launched aggressive programming around the May observance. The Hope Channel initiated a petition drive to urge Adventists to channel their concerns about the political aspects of the Ten Commandments Commission into a positive expression. Hundreds of churches across North America have circulated this petition, generating thousands of signatures. The petition drive continues long past May 7, so go to www.churchstate.org, to add your name.

In addition, the North American Religious Liberty Association conducted its annual events on Capitol Hill from may 4 to 6 during which Adventists from across the country were trained in how to be a religious liberty advocate, meet with their elected representatives, and promote the Ten Commandments. See, www.religiousliberty.info.

Our own brochure, “Written In the Heart,” was reprinted in time for massive distribution in April and May, and a new set of “Written In the Heart” public service radio spots was sent to 1,200 radio stations, also promoting the theme and the website: www.WrittenInTheHeart.org. Listen to the spots at www.churchstate.org.

Many Adventists have questioned whether the Ten Commandments Commission is working to enact a Sunday law. At this time there is no evidence of such an effort. Their senior leaders, including a Sabbath observant Jew, have publicly stated that they have no interest in passing Sunday laws. Without evidence to the contrary, there is no reason to doubt their word.

There is much confusion about the Law of God, its role in the life of faith and in the life of the state. Adventists have much wisdom on these points that can benefit the Christian community and the nation. We undermine our ability to share this wisdom when we unnecessarily build walls.

Now is the perfect opportunity for every Seventh-Day Adventist Christian to reach out to our friends in the broader Christian community with the good news of God’s Law written on our hearts by distributing “Written In The Heart” brochures, passing out devotional books, signing petitions, and remaining positive and thankful to God for giving us this opportunity.