Discover the divine principles that guide a righteous life with the 10 Commandments of God. This guide will help you live a life of purpose and holiness.
The 10 Commandments of God are a set of divine principles that have guided Christians for centuries. I have discovered that the commandments provide a moral compass for living a righteous life and offer guidance on how to treat others and honour God. By following these commandments, you can have the right status in God’s presence.
Why did God give the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are a set of moral and religious laws given by God to the ancient nation of Israel as part of the Mosaic Law. This Law code included over 600 commandments and formed a covenant between God and the Israelites.
The Law was intended to guide the Israelites in their daily lives and prepare them for the coming of the promised Messiah, or Christ. While God promised prosperity to those who obeyed the laws, its ultimate purpose was to lead the Israelites to salvation through faith in Christ.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17)
Is the Ten Commandments for Christians or the Jews?
The Ten Commandments were given by God to the Israelites. However, this law is embedded in the revised law Jesus Christ presented to us. This law includes all of Jesus’ teachings and instructions for his followers, as outlined in the New Testament.
“Please, don’t fall into the deceit of false preachers who said that you are not under the law so you can behave anyhow you want provided you are a Christian and donate to the church.”
Such false teachers misuse the statement of Paul in his letters. When Paul wrote to the Gentiles that they are not under the law, he meant they are no more under the mosaic laws related to sacrifices and cultural laws. Did you know that despite Paul’s preaching against the laws, he obeyed the same laws when he travelled back to Jerusalem? Acts chapter 21.
So, disobeying the ten commandments recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 20 is not a safe practice for anyone either Christians or Jews.
The Ten Commandments of God and their Significance
1. You shall have no other gods before Me
This commandment is the first and most important of the 10 Commandments of God. It reminds you that you should worship and honour only one God, and not put any other gods or idols before Him.
This means that you should not worship money, power, or material possessions above God. By putting God first in your life, you can find true fulfilment and purpose.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth
This commandment of God reminds me that I should not create or worship any physical representations of God or any other deity. It is a reminder that God is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully represented by any physical object.
This commandment also warns against idolizing material possessions or putting too much importance on physical appearances. Instead, we should focus on cultivating a strong relationship with God and living a life of righteousness.
It’s so strange to me that Catholics exclude this second commandment and their doctrines contradict this God’s commandment.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain
This commandment reminds you to treat God’s name with respect and reverence. It is a reminder that God’s name is sacred and should not be used in a disrespectful or frivolous manner.
This includes using God’s name as a curse word or in a way that is meant to deceive or manipulate others. Instead, we should use God’s name in prayer, worship, and in a way that honours and glorifies Him.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
The fourth commandment of God instructs us to set aside the seventh day of the week as a day of rest and worship. This day is known as the Sabbath Saturday.
It is a time to focus on spiritual renewal, spending time with family and friends, and taking a break from the demands of work and daily life.
By honouring the Sabbath, we show our commitment to God and prioritize our spiritual well-being.
5. Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you
The fifth commandment is a reminder to honour and respect your parents. This includes not only biological parents but also those who have acted as parental figures in your lives.
By showing gratitude and respect towards your parents, you acknowledge the sacrifices they have made for you and the love they have shown you throughout your life. This commandment also teaches you the importance of family and the role it plays in shaping your life.
6. You shall not murder
God dislike killings related to abuse of power, envy or hatred. However, this commandment does not hinder you ‘dropping’ your enemies who wage war against you with deadly weapons. God supports ‘holy war’ (you can read about the journey of the Israelites to their promise land) but it is an abomination to the LORD when you kill an unarmed, innocent or helpless person.
7. You shall not commit adultery
This seventh commandment of God is meant to discourage infidelity and promote faithfulness in marriage and relationships. It is painful that this generation has no regards for this rule. Sexual sins amongst married couples are popular in the society leading to multitude of abominations in the land!
8. You shall not steal
This commandment of God is for you to respect the property and possessions of others and to refrain from taking what does not belong to you without permission.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour
This means that you should not lie or give false testimony about someone else, as it can harm their reputation and cause them unjust harm. It is important to always speak truthfully and with integrity, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour’s.
Are the Ten Commandments of God useful for Christians today?
The Ten Commandments of God are considered to be a fundamental part of God’s teachings and are still relevant today. By studying them, you can gain insight into God’s thinking and benefit from the reliable principles they are based on.
These principles are timeless and can be found underlying the teachings of the New Testament as well. Therefore, it is important to understand and follow the commandments of God.
According to Jesus Christ, the most important commandments given by God are to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
These two commandments are the foundation of the entire Mosaic Law, including the ten commandments. While Christians are not required to follow the Mosaic Law, we are still commanded to show love and compassion towards God and our fellow human beings.
I took the ten commandments of God seriously many years ago when I turned away from the devil to follow Jesus Christ and the obedience really strengthened my relationship with the LORD till today.
Are God’s Ten commandments tough to obey?
The commandments of God are not just a set of rules to follow, but a reflection of His goodness and love for you. By obeying these commandments, you show your devotion to Him and your willingness to live a life that honours His teachings.
It is not the commandments that are evil, but you can go astray due to your own power of choice you execute in every decision you make. Ultimately, it is through following God’s commandments that you can find true happiness and fulfilment in life.
I encourage you to obey the ten commandments of God and you will never regret doing so because your Christian lifestyle would be authentic!
