A Matter of the Heart

Some Christian groups used to say that we did not have to keep the Ten Commandments, that they were nailed to the cross and to keep them is "salvation by works." In fact the word legalism was often associated with keeping the commandments. Now many Christians want to post a version of them in schools and other public places.

Are the Ten Commandments important today? Absolutely! God considers them important. Solomon wrote that the conclusion of the whole matter of life is to reverence God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of every person. (Ecclesiastes 12: 13). Jesus said "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15). "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:17).

If we know Him, we keep His Commandments. "He who says I know Him and does not keep His Commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:3,4). Not everyone who calls Him Lord or works miracles in His name has really accepted Jesus as Lord. In fact Jesus refers to them as being lawless, which means that they had no regard for His Law. (Matthew 7:21-23).

Ten Commandments are the standard by which God examines people in the heavenly judgment. This makes obeying them a life-or-death matter! "For God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (Ecclesiastes 12: 14).

The Ten Commandments are a reflection of God's character. The Bible says that God is good, holy, perfect, pure, just, true, spiritual, righteous, faithful, love, unchangeable and eternal. Interestingly the Bible says the same things about His law. Visit our website for more information on this topic.

God's law is like a mirror pointing out sin in our lives. We need to carefully check our lives by the mirror of God's law. The law will direct us to Jesus for cleansing. It brings hope for this mixed-up, morally corrupt society and shows where to draw the line! (James 1:23-25).

Happiness, joy, peace, and more abundant living come to those who obey God's law. No wonder the Psalmist David said that God's commands are more desirable than gold. (Psalms 19:10; Proverbs 3: 1, 2; 29: 18; Psalms 119:165).

God's Ten Commandments in our hearts serve as a guide for what we think, say, and do. Obeying the commandments entitles us to the right to the tree of life, and entrance in through the gates into the Holy City. (Revelation 22:14).

In Conclusion, if we ignore even one of the commandments, we are neglecting part of the divine pattern, or blueprint. If only one link of a chain is broken, its purpose is not fulfilled. The Bible says that when we knowingly break any command of God, we are sinning (James 4:17), because we have refused His will for us.

"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 do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:19). If we don't keep all of them and teach others not to, we will not be a part of God's kingdom. Pastors and Bible teachers beware. Teach and preach all the commandments.

Jesus said that people draw near to Him with their mouth and only honor Him with their lips; but their hearts are far from Him. Their worship of Him is vain, teaching doctrines and commandments of men rather than the teachings of God. (Matthew 15:8, 9; Mark 7:7,9). It's our heart that God wants.

The value and benefit of the Ten Commandments work best in our lives when they are in our hearts.