The question was asked, do we still need to keep the ten commandments? Many in Christendom today, no longer believe the ten commandments to be necessary to us at present. What saith the bible? Did God say anywhere in scripture we are to stop keeping the commandments? And will God’s People be keeping his commandments all to way to the end of the world?
Before we go into our study, take a look at the 10 commandments in the book of Exodus 20. By saying we are not to keep the 10 commandments would mean, we are permitted to have idols before God, break the Sabbath, kill, commit adultery etc.Is that what the bible teaches?
Were God’s Commandments ever abolished?
“The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. 8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.” Psalms 111:7-8
But Didn’t Jesus abolish God’s law while here on earth?
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18
How is the Law Described?
Good: “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully” 1 Timothy 1:8
Truth: “Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.” Psalm 119:151
Righteousness: “My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalm 119:172
Holy: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12
Love: Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:10
Note: To say the Law was abolished, would mean God abolished Goodness, truth, righteousness, Holiness and Love. The Law is a reflection of the Character of Christ, and not a set of restrictions as many tend to look at it.
Will keeping the Law save me?
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Answer: Definitely Not. For Salvation is only by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. The gift of salvation was made free to all mankind when Christ shed His blood for us on the cross.
What then is the purpose of the Law?
“What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7
Answer: The Law Reveals Sin to us, and helps us discern right and wrong. This was the only way Paul knew lusting was forbidden. It also helps us to know God (1 John 2:3) and brings about happiness (Proverbs 29:18).
Why is it important for sin to be revealed to us by the Law?
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Answer: Christ wants us to have life, for He understands that the end result of sin in our lives, will bring about eternal death.
How is sin defined?
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4
Answer: As long as there is sin, there is a law in existence, for Sin is the transgression of the law!
What example did Christ Leave for us?
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:10
Answer: Even Christ, who was without sin, kept His Father’s commandments; how much more shall we as sinful mortal beings keep the commandments of God? This language is so plain that there need be no mistake as to what God requires of us.
Were the apostles to keep the law in the new covenant?
“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” Hebrews 10:16
Will true Christians still be keeping the Law up to Christ’s coming?
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12
“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14
Answer: Those who keep Christ commandments will have right to the tree of life, which is in heaven! We must walk in humility before God, rendering obedience to his holy law, and by and by we shall receive the reward.
When Christ comes, what will we be judged by?
“So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:12
Are we withdrawing the law from our lives and also as a Nation?
According to Huffington Post, “OKLAHOMA CITY, June 30 (Reuters) – The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a Ten Commandments monument placed on State Capitol grounds must be removed because the Oklahoma Constitution bans the use of state property for the benefit of a religion.”
According to Business Insider, “Workers remove the Ten Commandments monument from its base on the grounds of the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. The removal comes after the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision in June that the display violates a state constitutional prohibition on the use of public property. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)”
The law of God, so defamed and trampled upon by transgressors, is declared by Paul to be holy, just, and good. David prayed, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void thy law.” If David could make that prayer in his day, how much more should it be our prayer in our day! Praise the Lord, we are able to have the law within our hearts and minds. The Lord is asking for complete obedience to him, which he will give strength, for we cannot in our own strength. Would you ask the Lord for strength to keep His law today?