Men seek to define their own
standards of that which is beautiful, that which is proper, and that
which is satisfying. Yet these standards are constantly
changing and are different between various peoples of the world
and the times in which they live. Art reflects these ever-changing
standards as well as music and other forms of cultural expression.
What one society holds up as worthy of note is completely
ignored by another, even as what constitutes wealth and the things
necessary to happiness in this life are quite markedly different
in various regions of the world. Yet, regardless of where one
goes or what age one may be from, there are certain standards used
in building which do not change from one society to another.
To depart from these standards is to produce an inferior product.
These standards are level, square, and plumb. Any builder in any
society must employ these standards and cannot ignore them. There
is only one condition which can be defined as level. There is
only one condition which can be defined as plumb. And there
is only one condition which can be defined as square. There are
numerous shapes, angles, and curves which can be found, yet
all of those various shapes derive their form from their deviations
from that which is level, plumb, and square. There are many straight
lines which can be found as well, but they all have their origins
in these standards which do not deviate, and their definitions
arise from their relationship to the same in one fashion or
another. The Lord has built his kingdom
with a standard that does not deviate at all. Jesus Christ,
the same yesterday, today, and forever. Neither is there salvation
in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given
among men whereby we must be saved. Paul declared it like
this, For I determine not to know anything among you, say
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. In order to rightly observe this
construction, one must behold the standard and recognize that
this is not the work of men, but of him who is the wise master
builder. This is not an edifice which
is dependent on others to complete, nor do the materials of which
this house is built participate in its construction. Each stone
is shaped and placed by one builder, and he well deserves the praise
for that edifice which is without compare. The Lord showed Amos
a wall, and then he asked him what he saw. He could have commented
upon the materials with which the wall was constructed, or
perhaps the orientation of it in relation to other landmarks.
Instead, he saw him who held a plumb line with which the wall
was constructed, and that sight overshadowed the wall itself
and struck fear in Amos' heart. Carnal men have been shown a
standard, but they have gladly deviated from it, most by ignorance
and natural rebellion, but some have done so by going about to
establish their own righteousness and walking in the ways of carnal
religion. Much contentment is found in
seeking out a religion which appeals to the flesh and exalts
the free will of men. The flesh is always ready to
worship a God of their own choosing and design. They are especially
satisfied to find one who thinks like they do, answers when they
call, and is always ready to deviate from one narrow standard. They love a God who understands
their weaknesses and who will turn a blind eye to their transgressions. The wall that the Lord showed
to Amos was perfectly plumb, because he who built it will
not in any wise deviate from that standard of righteousness
which he has set forth. Jesus Christ is the standard
by which all things shall be compared. He is the plumb line
in the Lord's hands. He who is of purer eyes than
to look upon sin will not accept any righteousness which does
not meet that standard. Isaiah said that the very best
that men have to offer are nothing but filthy rags in the sight
of a holy God. Christ crucified is the only
acceptable doctrine as we look to the plumb line. The imputation
of His righteousness to the elect and the imputation of their sin
to Him is the only doctrine which measures up to this plumb line.
It is His work alone which establishes the ground of the justification
of His people. They cannot participate in a
work which He has finished. All other doctrines must be considered
false, which do not present the work of Christ alone as the sole
grounds whereby the sons of God are justified before the law.
He has cancelled their sin-debt by His own blood.