“If thou wilt enter into life,” He added, “keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17. The character of God is expressed in His law; and in order for you to be in harmony with God, the principles of His law must be the spring of your every action. (COL 391.1) MC VC

Christ does not lessen the claims of the law. In unmistakable language He presents obedience to it as the condition of eternal life—the same condition that was required of Adam before his fall. The Lord expects no less of the soul now than He expected of man in Paradise, perfect obedience, unblemished righteousness. The requirement under the covenant of grace is just as broad as the requirement made in Eden—harmony with God’s law, which is holy, just, and good. (COL 391.2) MC VC

To the words, “Keep the commandments,”(Matthew 19:17) the young man answered, “Which?”(Matthew 19:18) He supposed that some ceremonial precept was meant, but Christ was speaking of the law given from Sinai. He mentioned several commandments from the second table of the Decalogue, then summed them all up in the precept, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 19:19. (COL 391.3) 2 I MC VC

The young man answered without hesitation, “All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?” His conception of the law was external and superficial. Judged by a human standard, he had preserved an unblemished character. To a great degree his outward life had been free from guilt; he verily thought that his obedience had been without a flaw. Yet he had a secret fear that all was not right between his soul and God. This prompted the question, “What lack I yet?” Matthew 19:20. (COL 391.4) MC VC

“If thou wilt be perfect,” Christ said, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow Me.” Matthew 19:21. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.” Matthew 19:22. (COL 391.5) MC VC