The Ten Commandments are a well-known Old Testament text, but there is confusion about their meaning. They are paradigmatic laws followed by several chapters of case law for application. They are NOT a list of rules for getting into heaven upon death. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or earning. The preamble clearly shows that grace precedes law (verse 2). God delivered the Israelites from bondage, then fed them in the desert and finally gave the law on Mount Sinai. Q&A number 264 in the Catechism “To Be a Christian” states that the Ten Commandments are “God’s righteous rules for life in his kingdom…” Jesus has opened the Kingdom of God to us in a new way. By following him, we learn to live according to God’s law in joy.

God’s covenant leads to true virtue in Christ. 

Jesus did what we could not. He “fulfilled God’s law by teaching it perfectly, submitting to it wholly, and dying as an atoning sacrifice for our disobedience” (Catechism #261). 

Our problem with sin means that we instinctively want to disobey the law. If we do obey, our motivation is typically self-centered, motivated by either pride (wanting to look good) or fear (wanting to avoid punishment and rejection). Jesus judged the Pharisees for this hypocrisy. 

The Cross of Christ shows us how awful our sin is (thus leveling any pride), but it also shows us God’s great love (taking away our fear). The result is a humble and loving response that is empowered by God’s Spirit dwelling in us.

Taking It Home: Give your heart to God in prayer by honestly telling him your desires and sins. Ask him to increase his Holy Spirit in you, in order to live according to his purposes.