Table of Contents
The Ten Commandments Before Moses
God’s moral law of the Ten Commandments was originally given at creation. It existed as long as sin has existed (Romans 4:15). But when the Israelites were enslaved in pagan Egypt for 400 years, they lost view of them which necessitated that God would write them down on stone and give them to Moses (Exodus 31:18; 32:16). Moses, in turn, placed them in the Ark of the covenant which was placed in the most holy place in God’s temple (Deuteronomy 10:4, 5).
The Bible defines sin as “the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). The Ten Commandments are the revealed principles of God’s holy character (Romans 7:12; Psalms 19:7). And they are the standard by which the Lord will examine people in the judgment. “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:12).
The Purpose of the Law
While no one can be saved by keeping the Ten Commandments (Romans 3:20), they only serve as a mirror (James 1:23-25). They point out wrongdoing in our lives as a mirror points out dirt on our faces. Paul explained, “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; also Romans 3:20).
All good laws protect, and God’s law is no exception (Deuteronomy 6:24). The Ten Commandments law protects us from, idolatry, adultery, lying, murder, theft, and other sins the take away our peace and happiness (Proverbs 3:1, 2). We cannot find true joy unless we live in harmony with them. And these laws constitute “the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). But we can only keep them by the power of God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
The Law Is Binding Today
Today, some wrongly teach that the Ten commandments are no longer binding. But if the law could have been canceled, God would have immediately made that change when Adam and Eve sinned instead of sending His Son to die on behalf of the sinner to pay the penalty of the broken law. But this was impossible, because the commandments can’t be canceled and it will always be true as long as God exists.
Jesus Himself said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled“ (Matthew 5:17,18 also Psalms 89:34; Psalms 111:7, 8). The law reflects the will of God, and the plan of salvation reflects the mercy of God. “The word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
