The Ten Commandments Commission is promoting its second annual Ten Commandments Day on Sunday, May 6. Now is the time to plan for a uniquely Seventh-day Adventist approach to promoting God’s Law in American life — a Written In the Heart Sabbath — May 5.

Why should we care that other churches are emphasizing God’s Law, and why should we schedule an event based on what they are doing? Perhaps we should ask whether the Law of God is important? Part of the genius of Adventism is its placing the Law of God in proper perspective.

American Christianity has long emphasized the grace of God to the almost complete exclusion of God’s Law. The logic is simple: we are saved by faith, apart from works, so obedience may be desirable, but it is non-essential. Last year, Christianity Today published an article defending the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. It seems that evangelicals are welcoming various innovations on the gospel that reject the central role of Christ’s death as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. One variation —moral influence theory — claims that Christ didn’t die to pay the penalty for our sins, but merely to demonstrate God’s love for us.

While reading the article, a light bulb exploded in my brain. It made perfect sense that Christians would eventually reject the necessity of Christ dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. After all, for more than a hundred years, Christians have been taught that God’s Law was nailed to the cross, and that believers are not under Law, but under grace. If God’s Law could be set aside, then why did Christ have to die to satisfy the claims of a broken Law? To grasp the gospel, one needs to understand both law and grace.

Many Christians claim to be “new covenant” believers, dismissing God’s Law as part of the old covenant. Little do they realize where God’s Law is found in the new covenant — in our hearts. Obedience must come from a heart transformed by God. A saving faith is a faith that transforms.

Today, America needs to recover the power of the gospel, the power of God. It is the only real solution to our moral and spiritual decline. Seventh-day Adventists have a unique contribution to make. The Public Affairs & Religious Liberty Department has prepared a special brochure and poster to convey this message: Written in the Heart.

Churches are urged to plan special worship programs emphasizing God's new covenant promiise to write His Law in our hearts. It can be promoted as a community guest day. Written in the Heart posters and brochures can be distributed widely, as well. They are available on a faith basis, and supplies are limited, so plan now for your church distribution program. Contact Pat Tibbs, 805-955-7680 or prtibbs@aol.com, to order your supply.