Under The Law

 

  When we think of the laws of God, we usually think of the ten commandments and the Old Testament laws of Moses. There are two laws here (Moses law and Gods law), that we must consider. The ordinances, ceremonial and sacrificial laws of Moses were nailed to the cross with the crucifixion of Christ. (Galatians 3:13-29). However, what about the ten commandments? Gods law! Does it still remain? “The answer is yes.” The ten commandments of God still remain and are carried forth throughout the New Testament. (We could even call them a type of guide to civil law that this country was founded on and should be followed in society). “Just break one of the ten commandments such as stealing or murder and see if you don’t get into trouble.”

  Remember that the law (Ten Commandments), sets the example to follow so we do not sin. The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (Psalms 111:7-8). It is God’s Law for us all to follow and it remains forever. “So, are we under these laws?” Again, the answer is yes. Lets see if we can find these “Laws of God” (The Ten Commandments), written in the New Testament books of the eternal Word.

  When Christ was giving His sermon on the mount He made this statement: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17). He did not come to cancel the laws of Moses and the warnings of the prophets. He came to fulfill them and make them come true. The Christ goes on to say: 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). Every law in the Book will continue until its purpose is achieved. (Remember the law is our schoolmaster and teaches us the difference between right and wrong). Break the law and God will punish you for your own good and lead you along the paths that you should follow. (Isaiah 48:17).

  Then Jesus goes on to warn us about the law. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19). If you break any of these commandments, and teach others to, you will be the least in the kingdom of God, if you make it at all. But if you teach God’s laws and obey them, you will be great in the kingdom. What commandments? The ten commandments given by God!

  So with that being said, now we can compare the Ten Commandments of the old Testament with the laws of God in the New Testament.

I. Thou shalt have none other gods before me. (Deuteronomy 5:7). We are to never worship any other God’s but the “Living God.” New Testament: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Matthew 4:10).

II. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth. (Deuteronomy 5:8). Never make idols and bow to worship images of any kind. New Testament: Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21), Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (Acts 17:29).

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Deuteronomy 5:11). Never use Gods name to make a vow you didn’t intend to keep. New Testament: Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. (1 Timothy 6:1).

IV. Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. (Deuteronomy 5:12). "Keep the Sabbath day holy!" New Testament: For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. (Hebrews 4:4).

V. Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Deuteronomy 5:16). Treat your parents with respect and honor them. New Testament: Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 19:19).

VI. Thou shalt not kill. (Deuteronomy 5:17). Do not murder. New Testament: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Romans 13:9).

VII. Neither shalt thou commit adultery. (Deuteronomy 5:18). Do not commit adultery. New Testament: He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. (Matthew 19:18).

VIII. Neither shalt thou steal. (Deuteronomy 5:19). Do not steal. New Testament: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Romans 13:9).

IX. Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Deuteronomy 5:20). Do not tell lies and gossip about others. New Testament: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Romans 13:9).

X. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbor’s. (Deuteronomy 5:21). Do not burn with desire for another mans wife or anything he owns. New Testament: What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. (Romans 7:7).

  So there we have the laws of God in the Old and New Testament. They still remain and we can still break the law. We all do it, and if you say you don’t, your just fooling yourself. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). Were all sinners. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24). Now God declares us “not guilty” of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away our sins. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Romans 3:31). Does this mean that we only need faith in Jesus? Just the opposite! Only when we trust in Jesus can we truly fulfill the law.

  Now that we have covered the “Ten Commandment” laws in the old and new testament, there is one law given by Christ to the disciples that would also remain forever. And He said to unto them. This is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:24). The command to the disciples by Christ, for His remembrance at the last supper. (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-19, 1 Corinthians 11:24). Celebrating the Passover and receiving communion in “Remembrance of Me.” “Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb.” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

  So we thank God for sending Jesus Christ to defeat death and to fulfill the law, that with faith in Him and “upon repentance” of our sins we are forgiven. Given a clean slate so that we are free to live the life of a true Christian and follower of the “Living God” “Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.” If ye love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15).

Keep The Faith,
Barton