Man living in the plane of selfishness and lust must be governed by the laws of that plane; he can be governed by no other. Hence the law of that plane of sensualism requiring "eye for eye," "tooth for tooth," "life for life," etc., is a law of Divine appointment for that plane; and whoever descends into that plane of impulse, and lives there, becomes subject to its law. Having yielded himself servant to obey his selfishness and lust, he has become the subject of its laws. Having taken the sword, he is subject to its use. Having appealed to force, he must be sure to be on the strongest side, or he will be likely to be crushed.
But while the law of selfishness and force is one of Divine appointment, in the sensual plane, it must not be understood as giving law to any other plane. If the law of "eye for eye," "tooth for tooth," etc., was applicable to the dispensation of sensualism, which the Mosaic represents, it does not follow that it is the true law of the Christian or Spiritual dispensation; and he who appeals to such laws of the Mosaic can have the benefit of them by containing under that kind of government. But he must remember, if he wishes to obtain the benefits of the Christian dispensation, he must "put away the old man with his deeds."
Hence, according to the teachings of Jesus, he who would become his disciple must rise above the plane of sensualism. The new law under which he was to come demanded that the law of force should be discontinued. If he would have the benefits of the kingdom of heaven, that is, of the government pertaining to the moral and spiritual plane, he must not resist evil by force; he must not smite back when smitten; he
