Skip to main content

Ten Commandments

Do we, as Christians today have to follow the ten commandments based on Exodus 20? Why?  
Considering the laws given in Exodus are in the Old Testament, and it has been pointed out to me that the Old Testament does not really apply to believers since Jesus came to earth anymore, I have always assumed that they did not apply to me. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) was written to Israel. Israel still exists, and they think that they are still under the same life as the Old Testament- they believe they are still under the law. Yet, when Jesus came he became the perfect sacrifice, so Israel no longer had to sacrifice anymore (which was one of the many rules or laws given to Israel). 
Romans 3:28 says "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." We are not saved because of the law, but by faith. Even if we are still under the law, it is not what saves us. Galatians 2:16 pretty much says the exact same thing. We are no longer bound by the law (Romans 7:6). 
Romans 7:7-8, along with so many other passages written by Paul and others in the New Testament clearly point to the fact that we are no longer required to follow the Old Testament law, of which Exodus 20 is included in.
Yet, through all of this, I believe that we should strive to live towards most of what Israelites had to follow in the Old Testament, including Exodus 20. Almost every one of the Ten Commandments is mentioned in the New Testament, so they still apply to believers (though there is not a written set of rules we have to follow to the letter). This begins to add drama such as James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" or other notes about forgiveness.
Long story short, no I do not think that Christians are required to follow the Old Testament law or Ten Commandments, but should strive towards that goal to the best of their ability.  I believe that whether the Old Testament laws are required for us to do so or not, God will convict us when we are living in sin. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Extremes

My friend and I were talking towards the beginning of May, and we both came to the same conclusion- it seems that in almost all circumstances, Satan works in the extremes. Let me elaborate on some specific examples. Eight extremes, so four topics, have been brought to my attention on this matter. Yet, I know that there are probably unlimited more examples.   Politics:  Christians even seem to think that if you are not one party, or you are another party from them, you can't be saved. For example, it seems that most Christians think that the Republican party is the correct party. Some even claim "If Jesus was here [in the flesh] on earth, he would be a Republican." or "Democrats [because right now these are the two extremes in politics in America] cannot be saved because everything that the Democrats stand for goes against the Bible!" The biggest problem with those statements is that they are putting politics to the extremes. There is nothing perfect about the De...
Post a Comment
Read more

In My Weakness

I am a missionary teacher. I have been for about a year now. I am moving to a new school this year where I will be working with new students that I will need to get to know. New school policies that might not match what I have gotten used to. New staff, bosses, and co-workers that will have new personalities compared to who I have worked with in the past. There will be many more stories that life lesson to share in the future, I am sure. But, today I wanted to focus in on something that God has been teaching me. He has been reminding me that in my weakness, He is strong.  As a missionary teacher, I am reaching out to other churches and individuals to see if they could support me financially (as my position is not paid) and if they could pray for me. This has led to amazing opportunities of encouragement for both parties as we are able to share together in the life that God has given us to use for His glory. It also has allowed me to get more comfortable talking to a group of adults...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Disagree Well

Recently, I attended a seminar that talked about how to disagree well. This does not mean how to make your case. This does not mean how to allow people to step all over you either, though. This seminar helped paint the clear picture that how you chose to respond to the speaker and your presuppositions coming into the 'argument' both play a big part in how you will choose to 'argue' with the 'opponent'. Here is what I got from it:  It's important to understand that our culture and family of origin affect why we have our beliefs, instead of just the Bible.  -Do you want to be right, or do you want to influence and be influenced? Do you want to be right or be happy?  -Can you see the bigger picture? There is always a greater narrative. If you can see that, you can learn to disagree well.  -Do you value the person with whom you are interacting with? "To live well with others before God." -Vanhooser. We need to live well with people and get along as muc...
Post a Comment
Read more