The Law

Before we spend a good chunk of time talking about the laws that are in the Bible, let’s remember that Jesus and Paul have a lot to say about how we view them.

This is one of those topics that could fill books and libraries so let me try to tackle this in the small space I have here. It starts with this: as Christians, we are no longer bound by the law. That includes the Ten Commandments. Here is what Paul says:

Galatians 2:19

“For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.”

What is he talking about? He is saying that the law cannot bring life. It only brings death. Trying to follow a set of rules to perfection can’t work because we are flawed beings who sin and fail. So, we deserve judgment. That’s death.

Jesus, however, came with this message:

John 10:10

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

You don’t find that abundant life by following the law. That type of freedom comes when we realize our sinfulness, acknowledge our failures, come to Jesus for mercy and accept His forgiveness.

So, why look at the Ten Commandments? Aren’t they part of the law that we are talking about?

Yes, they are. But the law serves this vital purpose: it reveals the true nature of our hearts. It’s kind of like a mirror that shows us our true selves. But, even more than that, it shows us God’s heart. It tells us what is important to Him. Although following the law is not how we are saved, we are told to love the law and to be obedient and to walk in it because that is what God desires for us.

So, we are going to approach the Ten Commandments like that. They are the heart of God, revealed for us to see. These laws should be our desire and passion but we recognize that they cannot save us. Jesus has already done that for us.

Romans 3:28

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”