The first four commandments are 'vertical' by nature, having to do with mankind's relationship to God. The remaining six are 'horizontal', mankind's relationship with each other. When seen together they represent a cross ... reminding us of Calvary, where a sinless Messiah was crucified on our behalf.
The ten commandments are cited in Exodus 20:3-17 ...
- Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
- Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
- Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
- Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor thy father and thy mother.
- Thou shalt not murder.
- Thou shalt not commit adultery.
- Thou shalt not steal.
- Thou shalt not bear false witness.
- Thou shalt not covet.
The list is altogether perfect as it stands. It is comprehensive in its scope, covering everything pertaining to life. You can not take away one of these commandments without spoiling the whole, and you can not add one to it without being gratuitous. God's law is holy, just, and good; as is our Lord Who put it together.
Spurgeon - Read the Ten Commandments, pause at each one, and confess that you have broken it either in thought, word, or deed. Remember that by a glance we may commit adultery, by a thought we may be guilty of murder, by a desire we may steal. I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who does not preach the Law. Lower the Law and you dim the light by which man perceives his guilt; this is a very serious loss to the sinner rather than a gain; for it lessens the likelihood of his conviction and conversion. You have deprived the gospel of its most powerful weapon when you set aside the Law. You have taken away from it the schoolmaster that is to bring men to Christ. They will never accept grace till they tremble before a just and holy Law. Therefore the Law serves a most necessary purpose, and it must not be removed from its place.
The commandments are firmly set as the standard by which you will be judged. If you are convinced of sin, and contrition is your mantle ... you'll find that Christ's perfect obedience to the law can be applied to your account.
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:23-26
'Religion' says that you must obey the Ten Commandments in order to please God. True Christianity declares that outside of being 'crucified with Christ' you are lost.
It is by 'grace through faith' that salvation is received.
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