September 19, 2022

In this modern day, it is widely believed that the death of Jesus on the cross released the human race from the binding claims of God’s moral law, the Ten Commandments. However, the New Testament contains many reminders of the commandments, and Jesus often added a spiritual dimension to them, making our commitment to the Lord more meaningful and heightening our awareness of His divine aid to those who love Him. He cares deeply about our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, as well as our actions. Our eternal future is foremost in His mind!

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause…” Matthew 5:21-22a

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28

“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:19,21

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” Romans 7:7

For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.” For he who has entered His rest has himself ceased from his works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:4,10

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:9

God’s will for my life is laid out in His moral law. The conflict enters when my will—and my own moral standard—is stubbornly kept in place instead of allowing His truth to realign my thoughts and actions. The solution is to go directly to Jesus and ask His forgiveness and help. Keeping His commandments is a matter of the heart. Love for Him and our fellow man are the highest motivators. Beware of those who preach a Jesus who is separate from His moral law. The Creator and Redeemer is also the Lawgiver. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Both of these titles imply rulership. Bowing to His rule is accompanied by this assurance: He will move heaven and earth to come to the aid of any of us who truly desire to live for Him. Do you believe that?