@Bob S @Leaf473 @BNR32FAN
The Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses, are still very important for us today. In Exodus 20:1-17, we find these key rules that guide how we should live. They teach us how to love God and how to treat each other.
Jesus affirmed these commandments when He said in Matthew 5:17-19,
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” This shows us that He came to complete the law, not to get rid of it. Every part of the law is still valuable and meaningful.
While Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial laws, like sacrifices and festivals, He did not abolish the moral laws. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 3:31,
“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” This means that having faith in Jesus does not erase God's rules; it helps us understand and live by them even more.
When we talk about the Sabbath, some people think we don’t need to keep it anymore. But God established this day of rest from the very beginning. In Genesis 2:2-3, God rested on the seventh day and made it holy. The command to observe the Sabbath reminds us of God's creative power and gives us a chance to rest and refresh our spirits. Jesus said in Mark 2:27,
“The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.” This means the Sabbath is a gift for our well-being.
In short, the Ten Commandments are not just old rules; they are vital for how we live our lives today. They show us God's heart and His desire for us to live in a way that reflects His love and goodness. While some parts of the Law of Moses were fulfilled in Jesus, the moral teachings in the Ten Commandments are still essential. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold these commandments, not to earn our salvation, but as a thankful response to God’s love. By living this way, we shine His light in a world that needs hope and guidance.
Many people believe that the Ten Commandments belong only to the old covenant and that they are no longer relevant. However, this view overlooks the truth found in Scripture. While it is true that the old covenant, based on the law, was fulfilled in Jesus, the moral principles behind the commandments remain unchanged.
In Hebrews 8:6-7, we learn that Jesus established a new covenant. This does not mean that the old covenant’s moral laws were thrown away; rather, the new covenant is built on better promises. The essence of God's moral law, including the Ten Commandments, still guides our lives.
Jesus emphasized that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). He summarized the entire law in these two principles, showing that the Ten Commandments still reflect God’s heart for us. The commandments teach us how to love God and one another, which is timeless.
Furthermore, in Romans 7:12, Paul writes,
“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” This highlights that the commandments still have value and purpose. They help us understand what it means to live in a way that honors God and benefits our relationships.
So, while we live under a new covenant of grace, the moral teachings of the Ten Commandments continue to guide us. They remind us of God’s standards and help us grow in love and righteousness. The commandments are not outdated; they are as relevant today as they were when first given.