The Ten Commandments are a summary of the moral law of God. The whole Bible expands on our understanding of the law and how it applied it to the lives of those under it. All sin can be found in the Ten Commandments. Let us look at an example of how all sin can be traced back to the Ten Commandments. For example, when a murder is committed more than one sin is committed.
The clearest one to see is the sin of murder. However, the sin of stealing and dishonour to God is also committed. How? The person who has committed the sin of murder has also committed the sin of theft as he has taken and robbed another of life. Dishonour to God is also committed as life is created by God and to take a life by murder is to dishonour the Lord.
The moral law of God has three main purposes. Firstly, the law acts as a restraint to sin. Those who have their minds captive to the Word of God will have a good conscience towards God’s law. For example, those who have a moral conscience will seek to please God by obeying what is good. They will not steal because they know the consequences of such sin. Secondly, the law reveals Christ to us and the fact that we have sinned against God’s standard of moral perfection. The law shows us our sinfulness. Thirdly, the law gives us the standard to honour God. The law of God gives us a rule of life. It is important to point out that Christians are not under the law, but under grace. However, the law does serve a purpose; it points us to Christ. Galatians 3:24-26 says, “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” As we go about our day may we meditate on this Scripture from the Book of Psalms. This verse encourages us to treasure God’s Word in our hearts. As a result, we will not fall into sin. God’s Word is central to our lives as Christian people. We will do well to read it, love it, follow it, and commit it to memory.
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