Do we need to keep the 10 commandments to be saved?

Legalism – Obedience Without Love

God’s people do not keep the Ten Commandments to be saved; rather, they keep them because they are saved. Salvation is a gift of grace, as stated in the Bible:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith.”

Ephesians 2:8

There is nothing that people can do to earn salvation. It is a free gift from the heavenly Father, who sacrificed His Son for the salvation of all humanity. People can choose to accept this gift or refuse it. If they accept it, obedience becomes the natural fruit of salvation. The rich young ruler obeyed the Ten Commandments, but his experience was lacking because he acted without love (Matthew 19:16-19). Christians must embody love, and out of that love, they will obey. Jesus emphasized this when He said:

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:15

Love and Keeping the Ten Commandments

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus commands us to love God and our neighbors, concluding, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) are fundamentally connected to these two commands, much like ten fingers extend from two hands. They are inseparable. Love for God makes keeping the first four commandments, which concern our relationship with Him, a pleasure, while love for our neighbors makes adhering to the last six commandments, which focus on our interactions with others, a joy.

Obedience motivated by love is the only way believers can truly please God. Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). He spoke of individuals who professed faith but did not act according to the Father’s will. Many will seek entrance to the kingdom, claiming to have performed miracles in His name, yet He will sadly declare, “I never knew you: depart from me” (Matthew 7:21-23).

The apostle John reinforces this idea, stating, “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4). To know Christ is to love Him, and to love Him is to obey Him. John further explains, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Thus, it is essential to love God and to keep the Ten Commandments. As John states, “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments” (2 John 1:6).

The Purpose of the Ten Commandments

Keeping God’s commandments serves as the true test of love. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). This underscores the necessity of the commandments in the life of a true believer who has been justified by faith alone. The Bible teaches, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Faith and works are intertwined; works are the evidence of God cleansing the believer from sin.

Just as a married couple maintains certain boundaries, so too must God and His people. The Lord likens His relationship with His people to that of a bride and groom (Isaiah 62:5, Revelation 21:9). To sustain a healthy relationship, both parties must adhere to specific laws or boundaries. The Ten Commandments represent these boundaries that God calls His people to uphold (Exodus 20:2-17). These laws are eternal, as God Himself communicated them, speaking them directly to His people and inscribing them on stone tablets with His own finger (Deuteronomy 9:10).

Which Law Was Nailed to the Cross?

Some argue that the Ten Commandments were nailed to the cross, citing the verse, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” (Colossians 2:14). However, a thorough examination of the context is essential.

In Old Testament times, the earthly sanctuary service prepared God’s people for the coming Messiah. The Most Holy Place in the sanctuary housed the ark of the testament, where God’s Ten Commandments were kept (Deuteronomy 10:2-5). Alongside the Ten Commandments was the law of ordinances, also known as the law of Moses. This law included various services and holidays related to the temple or sanctuary that conveyed spiritual lessons. The law of Moses is referenced in Colossians 2:16.

The handwriting of ordinances that was nailed to the cross refers to those written by Moses. These were inscribed on paper and placed beside the ark. This is evident because they were against the people. As stated in Deuteronomy 31:26, “Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there as a witness against you.” Thus, this book of the law, made of paper, could be nailed to the cross. However, the moral law, inscribed by God’s finger on stone, cannot be abolished. For further details, see: What Was Abolished at the Cross?

“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 5:18

Living Out the Commandments in Daily Life

God’s people are saved by grace through faith alone. However, this grace does not grant us a license to sin. As Paul asks, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). Sin is defined as the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). Therefore, being saved by grace compels us to live in harmony with God’s holy law, which He wrote Himself. God’s grace empowers us to achieve victory over sin (Titus 2:11-12). His law is perfect and transforms our souls (Psalm 19:7).

God calls His people to keep His commandments through His enabling power until Jesus returns. Those who remain faithful will overcome the enemy and avoid receiving the mark of the beast. We express our faith in Jesus by living out His commandments (Revelation 14:12; 12:17). Our thoughts, words, and actions in alignment with God’s commandments reflect the love of God in our hearts.

In practical terms, living out the commandments means integrating them into our daily lives. This can manifest in various ways, such as showing kindness to others, being honest in our dealings, and prioritizing our relationship with God through prayer and worship. Each commandment serves as a guide for our behavior and decisions, helping us to navigate the complexities of life while remaining true to our faith.

“I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.”

Psalm 119:32

Ultimately, the Ten Commandments are not just a set of rules; they are a reflection of God’s character and His desire for us to live in harmony with Him and each other. By embracing these commandments, we not only demonstrate our love for God but also cultivate a community that reflects His love and righteousness. As we strive to live according to these principles, we find that our lives are enriched, and our relationships flourish, creating an environment where God’s presence is felt and His will is accomplished.