The Mysteries of the Ten Commandments
Part I
Exodus 31:18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Notice that they were written in stone with the finger of God, to imply that they are to be honored by man in reverence to the Father.
Exodus 20 (summarized)
1.
Thou shall have no other Gods before me
2.
Thou shall not make unto thee any graven image thou shall not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them
3.
Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
5.
Honor thy Father and Mother
6.
Thou shall not kill
7.
Thou shall not commit adultery
8.
Thou shall not steal
9.
Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10.
Thou shall not covet
2. This is the law of God spoken with his own mouth and written with his finger.
10 Facts about Gods Law
1. The Law of God points out Sin and our need for a Savior.
The commandment plays a very important role, they reveal to us what Sin is. This is very important because we want to avoid sin at all costs. The Bible says that the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
Notice how the law serves the purpose of identifying or revealing what the sin is.
1 John 3:4
Whosoever commits sin transgresseth also the Law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Romans 3:20
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 7:7
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.
So we can see that the law serves the critical role of pointing out our sin to us, which shows us our true need for a Savior. But we should keep in mind that the law cannot save us.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The best way to illustrate this is with a mirror. When we sin it’s like getting dirt on our face that needs to be cleaned. We are not aware of our sin, or dirt until we look into the mirror. The mirror is the law - it reveals our sin to us. But can the mirror clean the dirt off our face? No, it simply reveals the dirt, so that we can wash it off with water.
In the same way, the law cannot cleanse our sin, but it reveals it to us so that we can go to Jesus the water that cleanses us. So, is the solution to get rid of the mirror by smashing it, of course not. If we remove the law from this equation, we can no longer see our sin, and we no longer need a Savior.
Now we can see how dangerous it is to believe that the law of God no longer matters. The law identifies sin and shows us our need for Jesus. If we continue to break the law (sin), then we will be lost.
James 1:15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
But there is good news: when we confess our sins, God will forgive us and help us to obey His law.
2. God’s Law Reveals His Character
Did you know that the Bible calls the law of God pure, holy, good, just, and perfect?
These are just some of the characteristics that describe both the law and God Himself. Notice how these verses use the same description when talking about God and His law.
Isaiah 5:16
But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
Romans 7:12
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Matthew 5:48
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
3. Obeying God’s law leads to peace and happiness.
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 3:1-3
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4. God’s law is eternal and can never be changed
Think about this every country has laws that govern its people, Is it not unreasonable to consider that God has laws to protect and guide His people?
Let’s look at what the Bible says about the permanence of God’s law.
Psalm 89:34
My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Remember that God spoke the Ten Commandments with His own mouth. Notice that God tells us that He will never change the things that He speaks. Just in case there is any doubt that God’s law is permanent, Jesus makes it clear.
Luke 16:17
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Again God’s law is eternal and can never be changed.
5. The law of Moses was nailed to the cross, not the law of God
Many of us have a misunderstanding of which laws in the Bible are done away with. They’re many laws in the old testament that were designed to bring people’s attention to the coming Messiah.
These laws such as killing lambs and goats, and many others were called ceremonial laws, and we no longer need to follow them - they had their fulfillment in Christ. However, I encourage you to honor them and remember the feast days in celebration.
We must not confuse the law of God with the laws of Moses which are also known as the moral law; the Ten Commandments. The Bible has revealed to us that the Ten Commandments are eternal and permanent.
Notice the clear difference the Bible makes between the Law of God and the Law of Moses
Luke 2:22
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
Isaiah 5:24
Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
The Bible says the law of Moses was written in a book by Moses.
2 Chronicles 35:12
And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people, to offer unto the LORD, as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen.
The Law of God was written on stone by God.
Exodus 31:18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
The law of Moses was stored in the side of the Ark of the Covenant.
Deuteronomy 31:26
Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.
The law of God was stored inside the Ark of the Covenant.
Exodus 40:20
And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark.
This shows a clear distinction between the two laws.
The law of Moses is contrary to us. The Law of God is not burdensome.
1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
The law of Moses is carnal or fleshly, but the Laws of God are spiritual.
Hebrew 7:15-22
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Romans 7:14-20
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
The law of Moses was completed at the cross, but the Law of God will last forever.
Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Luke 16:17
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
As you can see, the Bible makes a clear difference between the law of Moses and the Law of God. It was the law of Moses that was nailed to the cross, not the law of God.
6. Jesus' death on the cross proves that God’s Law can never be changed. Perhaps the greatest proof or strongest evidence that God’s law can never change is the fact that Jesus came to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins - the broken law of God.
If God’s law could ever be changed, altered, or done away with, then Jesus would not have had to die to save us. Referring to Jesus the Bible says:
1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Notice that he died to pay for our sins. Remember, sin is the breaking of the law. In fact, during His life here on earth, Jesus taught that we should obey God’s commandments, and he perfectly followed them Himself.
Matthew 19:17
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
John 15:10
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.
Jesus' death proves two things about God, 1. He is Love - He sent His only Son to die for our sins, so that we may have eternal life. 2. God is righteous - His law cannot be changed - even his own Son had to pay the penalty of death because of our breaking of the law - he took our sins upon Himself.
7. God hates the teaching that we don’t need to obey His laws. Many people, when it comes to God’s laws - believe that it is no longer binding since we are under grace, and not under the law.
Romans 3:31
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
You see to be under the law means to be living under the condemnation of the law. This happens when we disobey or break God’s law, we are then condemned by it. While it is true that we are living under grace and not under the law, this does not permit us to break God’s law and sin.
Think about this example: You are speeding down the highway when you see those dreaded flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The police officer approaches your car and confirms the obvious, you were speeding. However, the officer then does something that he doesn’t need to do, he gives you grace.
Instead of making you pay for your actions, he pardons you and tells you to slow down and be careful. Now how should you respond to this grace? Should you continue to speed down the highway because you receive grace? Of course not. if you do this the officer will give you a ticket and make you pay the fine, and instead of receiving grace, you would now be under the law.
When we confess our sins and are forgiven we are given grace, but we must respond to this grace by obeying God’s law and not returning to sin. If we return to sin we will once again be under the law.
As believers, it is essential that we obey God’s laws out of our love for Him.
Hebrews 10:16
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.
God promises to write His law in our hearts. If we choose to follow God, He will teach us to love and obey His laws. Let’s give this some thought. Does the teaching that we no longer have to obey God’s laws even make sense? When you take a close look at the ten commandments which of these should we now be allowed to break?
Should we be allowed to steal, lie, murder, or commit adultery, take His name in vain, Does grace say it’s acceptable for us to do these things? Of course not.
God’s law points out sin, and is the foundation of His government, and can never be changed.
Malachi 2:7-9
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. 9. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.
The word of God condemns those who teach that we can break even one of God’s Ten Commandments.
Matthew 5:19
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
8. All men will be judged by the law of God.
The word teaches us that we are saved by grace. However, the word also speaks of a judgment. Every human being will be judged to see if their faith was genuine, to see if their lives Line up with their claim to believe in Christ.
2 corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
And how will we be judged? We will all be judged by God’s law.
James 2:11-12
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Notice that the law of liberty is referring to the Ten Commandments.
Jesus will indeed be our advocate in the judgment and His precious blood will forgive us of our sin that we have confessed. However, any sins that we hold on to will not be forgiven. God does not want us to be confused about what are the standards of holy living. He wants our duty to be clear to us.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
9. Those who obey God’s law will have eternal life.
When we surrender our lives to God and keep His commandments we receive eternal life.
Revelation 22:14-15
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. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Those who do not keep his commandments, but attempt to make it in by way of works will not make it,
Matthew 7:22-23
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Those who have done many good things in life but continue to break God’s commandments will receive his punishment. Remember it's not by works but by faith.
10. If we love God we will obey His commandments.
Many people will accuse you of being a legalist because you seek to obey God’s law. But consider this, if a parent tells their child to clean their room before going outside, and the child obeys their parent, should the child be accused of being a legalist? Of course not.
As his children, we should want to obey His laws because of our love for Him and our desire to please Him. We should not view our obedience as earning His salvation. (this would be legalism) We should obey God out of love and show that our faith in Him is real. That’s why the Bible says Faith without work is dead.
John 14:15
If ye love me keep my commandments
1 John 2:3-6
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
John 3:14-21
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Proverb 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.
The Moral Law
The moral law of the Ten Commandments is an expression of God’s character; it is the standard of all righteousness, an expression of His will. The Bible was written by men under the inspiration of God.
2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
The moral law of the Ten Commandments was not given by inspiration but was written by God’s own finger on tables of stone.
Exodus 24:12
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
Exodus 31: 18
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
See also the Moral Law (Exodus 20:3-17) and (Deuteronomy 5:7-22).
The moral law is the embodiment of two great principles: Love toward our Creator and love toward our neighbor. “When a lawyer asked Christ; ‘Master, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said unto him...”
Matthew 22:36-40
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
The transgression of the moral law is called sin. Therefore,
1 John 3:4
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
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 fulfil. 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. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The Ceremonial Law
The ceremonial or provisional law was added because of the transgression of the moral law. The ceremonial law consisted of ordinances, ceremonies, and sacrifices in the sanctuary system that pointed to the future redemption through Jesus Christ. This law typified the mysteries contained in the plan of redemption in Jesus. In the celebration of the Passover feast and the first fruit offering required of God’s people, God gave specifications to be observed that represented Christ.
Exodus 34:25-26
Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning. The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God.
1 Corinthians 5:7
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Concerning the first fruit offering he later writes:
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
After Christ’s death, the ceremonial law is no longer to be observed.
The laws consisting of ordinances, signifying Christ’s death on the cross,
Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.
Hebrews 10:1
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
God wants to make a new covenant with His children, and that covenant consists of writing the moral law in their minds and hearts.
Hebrews 8:8-10
For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: