Before we begin, it should be known that ALL the churches who say we are dead
to the 10 commandments, should think about this. These very people keep 9 out of
the 10 commandments...why is this? So it seems to be a matter of just one
commandment that is not required according to them...keeping of the Sabbath, and
isn't also interesting that Almighty God of heaven and earth said " Ex 31:13
Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall
keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations;
that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you". Could a sign be
a mark also? If so, could it be reasonable to say the mark of the beast would be
those who did NOT have this mark?
Another interesting point is the fact that the tithing law was made before
Moses, and yet all these churches INSIST we keep that law. What hypocrisy.
There are many laws, rules and commandments spoke of in the bible, but
only these ten were written by the finger of God Himself. The fact that they
were written in stone also, signifies "forever".
Lets first just use some common sense, some good old deep carnal thinking, and
then we will see if we can back it up with scripture and the Holy Spirit within.
But before we do, lets just be sure not to mistake the ten commandments for the
613 odd Jewish laws hand written by man, but rather the commandments spoken of
by Jesus as follows...
Mat 19:16 Once a
man came to Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what good thing must I do to receive
eternal life?" Mat 19:17 "Why do
you ask me concerning what is good?" answered Jesus. "There is only One who is
good. Keep the commandments if you want to enter life." Mat 19:18 "What
commandments?" he asked. Jesus answered, "Do not commit murder; do not commit
adultery; do not steal; do not accuse anyone falsely; Mat 19:19 respect
your father and your mother; and love your neighbour as you love yourself." Mat 19:20 "I have
obeyed all these commandments," the young man replied. "What else do I need to
do?" Mat 19:21
Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give
the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow
me."
You will notice here that Jesus doesn't mention any of those ceremonial and
sacrificial laws, but instead ONLY mentions of the ten commandments that the
Father gave by His own hand. So it is clear that these commandments were NOT
nailed to the cross. Trouble is though, many see Paul's writings as a
contradiction to Jesus regarding the law, but personally I don't. For instance,
Paul used the law to verify that women need to be silent in church; 1Co 14:34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them
to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
Now if we are DEAD to the law in the sense we no longer need to keep it, then
Paul has made an error here, but if Paul meant being dead to the law that
because of Jesus in us we become sinless or "made righteous" as he says, then
no, he has not erred. For example, I am dead to the civil laws because I
absolutely refuse to break them. The civil law has no power over me. But IF I
did break the civil law, then yes, that law does have power over me. Anyway, I
see the law of Moses, and the TEN COMMANDMENTS of God, being two different set
of rules. As Jesus put it...all the law hangs on the two commandments He
gave us;
- Love God
- Love your neighbour
Now if you love your neighbour, then you will
fulfil the last 6 of the ten commandments automatically. So can we now
agree that these 6 commandments "hang" on the second commandment of Jesus?
And if you love God, then will you have any
other god, or make graven images and bow down to them, or use God's holy name in
vain? Of course you wont! So again surely we can agree that keeping these
three commandments "hang" on the first commandment of Jesus.
Well now, that only leaves one more
commandment...the seventh day Sabbath. Just for one moment forget what all
others say and ask yourself sincerely; is it pleasing to God, considering He
wrote it with His own finger, that we keep the Sabbath day? If one is picking
and choosing which commandments they want to keep, then that is putting God in a
box, and in turn breaking the first commandment of Jesus.
Here are some thoughts to ponder on.
1. If Almighty God Himself used His own very finger to write some commandments
for us to live by, and consider this is the ONLY time He ever did, surely they
were meant for all time.
2. All those who are in Christ, are the NEW Israel, so God meant them for the
Gentiles as well.
3. Jesus did not do away with the moral law at the cross, but rather the
sacrificial and ceremonial laws, so these ten commandments being of the moral
law still stand.
4. Many say that by keeping these two new commandments they automatically keep
or fulfil all the others. So they admit they should keep all ten. They say they
are not under the law, but under grace.
5. Jesus and Paul both fulfilled the law, so we should in obedience and desire
to please our Father do the same, to be Christ like.
6. The opposition will keep ALL but one of the ten commandments, but not the
Sabbath commandment.
7. Jesus gave two NEW commandments, He never did away with the others.
8. If all the ten commandments were kept perfectly, it would be heaven on earth.
9. For 300+ years after the resurrection of Christ, the commandments were kept
by the early Christians.
10. It was the Pope and Constantine who changed the rules in
321 AD, not God.
Well there is ten to start with, so lets begin with the first one.
You will find all the answers as we go.
If Almighty God Himself used His own very finger to write some commandments for
us to live by, and consider this is the ONLY time He ever did, surely they were
meant for all time. Ex 31:16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the
Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual
covenant.
17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days
the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was
refreshed. Now if you read your bible well, you will by now understand that we
(gentiles) who are in Christ are the NEW Israel. The old Israel (Jews) refused
the new covenant offered by Yahweh, so He gave it to us now. Aren't we fortunate
that they refused. But all this will be a new page on my site later for those
who are not up to this. So if we as Christians, are the new (spiritual)
Israel, and we don't keep the Sabbath that is part of the ten commandments, then
we are in the same boat with the Jews. Remember, if we break one, we break the
whole ten. Mt 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I
am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 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.
19 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.
Excuse me, has heaven and earth gone? Why wasn't I told. Here it is in the words
of Jesus plain and simple. This is the moral law He is speaking of of course,
not the ceremonial and sacrificial laws that were going to be nailed to the
cross. All being fulfilled is not at the cross my dear friends, that is only
PART way, ALL will be when Satan has been bound for good. And it continues with
verse 20...
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the
kingdom of heaven.
Now that is heavy stuff coming from our Judge. See, Jesus is showing us that we
not only have to profess it like the Pharisees, but we have to DO it! So it is
plain that these moral laws, the ten commandments were meant for ever.
Those who are in Christ, are the NEW Israel, so God meant them for the Gentiles
as well. As I mentioned above, this will be a new topic within this site at a
latter date, but hopefully you will already be aware that we are the spiritual
Israel as Gentiles. Eg: Galatians 3:6 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was
accounted to him for righteousness, Galatians 3:7 You must know therefore that
those who trust in faith are the children of Abraham." Galatians 3:8 Because God
knew in advance that the Gentiles would be declared righteous through faith, he
first preached to Abraham, as it is said in the Holy Scripture, In you shall all
the Gentiles be blessed. So we can see absolutely and clearly that all that have
faith in the Lord Yahweh are children of Abraham, therefore spiritual Israel.
Jesus did not do away with the moral law at the cross, but rather the
sacrificial and ceremonial laws, so these ten commandments being of the moral
law still stand. Yes folks, sorry to prick your balloon, but it's true...read
on. This section will take much of your time reader, but if God's will, and your
own salvation is important for you, then please afford the time for your own good.
Ok, lets get serious now.
The Ceremonial Law prescribes under the Old Testament the rites and ceremonies
of worship. This law was binding only till Christ, of whom these rites were
typical, had finished his work. Heb 7:9 Speaking as a man, through Abraham, even
Levi, who received tithes, also gave tithes. Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection
had been reached by the Levitical priesthood by which the law was enacted for
the people, what further need was there that another priest should rise after
the order of Melchisedec? Otherwise, the scriptures would have said that he
would be after the order of Aaron. Hebrews 10:1 FOR the law had in it a shadow
of the good things to come, but was not the essence of the things themselves;
hence although the same sacrifices were offered every year, they could not
perfect those who offered them. 1Eph 2:16 And he reconciled both in one body
with God, and with his cross he destroyed the enmity; [enmity means hostility]
It was fully done rather than abrogated (to abolish by authoritative action) by
the gospel.
The Moral Law is the revealed will of God as to human conduct,
binding on all men to the end of time.
a. It was promulgated (put into action) at Sinai.
b. It is perfect Ps 19:7 (The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the young men.)
c. Perpetual (Everlasting) Mt 5:17,18,19 (Matthew 5:17 Do not suppose that I
have come to weaken the law or the prophets; I have not come to weaken, but to
fulfil.
Matthew 5:18 For truly I say to you, Until heaven and earth pass away, not even
a yoth or a dash shall pass away from the law until all of it is fulfilled.
Matthew 5:19 Whoever therefore tries to weaken even one of the least of these
commandments, and teaches men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of
heaven; but anyone who observes and teaches them shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.)
d. Holy, just, good Ro7:12 (Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment holy
and just and good.)
e. Spiritual Ro 7:14 (For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the
flesh enslaved to sin.)
f. Exceeding broad Ps 119:96 (I have seen the futility of all things; but thy
commandment is exceeding broad.)
g. Although binding on all, we are not under it as a covenant of works Ga 3:17
(And this I say, that the covenant which was previously confirmed of God in
Christ cannot be repudiated and the promise nullified by the law which came four
hundred and thirty years later.) See Easton on COMMANDMENTS, THE TEN 871
Positive Laws are precepts founded only on the will of God. They are right
because God commands them. Moral positive laws are commanded by God because they are right.
Because of verses like Colossians 2:14 nearly the entire Christian world
believes that the Ten Commandments are no longer in effect. This verse says,
Colossians 2:14 (King James)" Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that
was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it
to his cross;" Now if we care to read on further we find Paul is
speaking more along the lines of health and ceremonial laws laws...NOT moral law
.Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect
of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days. (that is sabbath
days...not THE sabbath day)
In the Peshitta however it says: And by his commandments he cancelled the
written bond of our sins, which stood against us; and he took it out of the way,
nailing it to his cross;
Paul says in Romans 3:31, "What, then? Do we nullify the law through faith? Far
be it; on the contrary, we uphold the law." A law that is established is
certainly not abolished or nailed to the cross.
So, has the law been established, or has it been nailed to the cross and
abolished? Obviously there is more than one type of law referred to in the New
Testament.
God gave four different types of laws to the Israelites in the Old Testament.
They were: 1. The Ten Commandments 2. The religious ceremonial laws 3. The
health laws 4. The civil laws
One of the major problems with the words "law," "ordinances," and "covenant" in
the New Testament is that it is often not clear which "law" or "covenant" is
being discussed. But in each case God has given us a way to know which law or
covenant is meant. Here we get into the problems of interpretation of the Bible.
A contradiction is of necessity a lie. If one thing is true and another
disagrees with it, the second can not be true. It must be a lie. Titus 1:2 tells
us that God cannot lie. "In the hope of eternal life, which the true God
promised ages ago;" Hebrews 6:18 also tells us that God cannot lie. "Thus, by
the promise and by the oath, both of which are unchangeable, and in neither of
which could God lie, we find courage to hold fast to the hope that has been
promised by him in whom we have taken refuge." And finally Numbers 23:19 tells
us this also. "God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man that
he should be given counsel; he speaks and he shall do it, and his word abides
for ever."
Since it is impossible for God to lie, and contradictions are lies, there can be
no contradictions anywhere in the Bible. Therefore, the correct way to interpret
the Bible is so that there are no contradictions in the entire Bible. When we
interpret the Bible so that there are no contradictions anywhere, we know we
have it right. This is the method God has given us whereby we might know when we
have the Bible interpreted correctly. (Key method)
We read many Bible verses that showed that the Sabbath commandment would be in
effect forever, a perpetual covenant. God’s Sabbath commandment, will never end.
Therefore, when we read something in the New Testament that is interpreted in
such a way that claims that the Ten Commandments are no longer in effect, we
know that this interpretation is wrong. For instance, there are places in the
New Testament that talk about our not being under the law. In light of the
verses we have read that say that the commandments will stand forever, this
cannot mean that the Ten Commandments have been abolished. We will see later
what not being under the law means.
Regarding these four types of laws God gave to ancient Israel, here are the
types of laws and the ones that were discontinued.
1. The great universal moral law, the Ten Commandments
We will see shortly that the Ten Commandment law is God’s constitution for the
government of heaven and the entire universe. We will see that the Ten
Commandments have been in effect ever since God was and will be in effect
throughout all eternity, as long as God exists.
2. The religious ceremonial laws
God planned from the beginning that the religious ceremonial laws would cease at
the cross, because Christ, the true Lamb of God was sacrificed. The animal
sacrifices all pointed forward to Christ’s death on the cross. "And he shall
confirm the covenant with many for seven weeks and half of seven weeks, then he
shall cause the sacrifice and gift offerings to cease, and upon the horns of the
altar the abomination of desolation; and the desolation shall continue until the
end of the appointed time; the city shall remain desolate." (Daniel 9:27) For us
to offer animal sacrifices today would be a sacrilege, saying that Christ did
not die for our sins.
3. The health laws or Laws of Nature
These are laws that God gave us to keep us healthy and free from disease. The
physics of the human body have not changed since these laws were given. The
health laws are just as much a benefit for us today as they were for the ancient
Israelites. Consider Exodus 15:26: "And said to him, If you will diligently
hearken to the voice of the LORD your God and will do that which is right in his
sight and will obey his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will bring
none of these plagues upon you which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am
the LORD your Healer." If people perfectly obeyed God and kept the health laws
today they would NEVER be sick.
4. The civil laws
These were the laws governing the civil penalties for crimes within the
theocracy (government of divine guidance) of Israel. Many of our civil laws
today are based on these laws to some degree. God does not require these to be
strictly adhered to today, because the theocracy is no longer in existence, but
they should be used to guide us in setting up our governments. When someone is
convicted of murder, for instance, the murderer should be put to death swiftly
in order to discourage others from this sin. "Whoever sheds the blood of men, by
men shall his blood be shed; for man was made in the image of God." And "So you
shall not pollute the land in which you live; for blood defiles the land; and
the land in which blood is shed cannot be cleansed except by the shedding of the
blood of him who shed it." (Genesis 9:6, Numbers 35:33)
Interpreting the Bible so that there are no contradictions anywhere will always
show whether the New Testament is referring to the Ten Commandments or not. Let
us again consider Second Timothy 3:16,17 that tells us that the entire Old
Testament is applicable for us today.
"2Timothy 3:16 All scripture written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in
righteousness;
2 Timothy 3:17 So that God’s people may become complete, thoroughly perfected
for every good work." When this was written there was no New Testament. This
verse is telling us that all of the Old Testament is profitable for doctrine,
reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We cannot disregard any
part of the Bible and be safe.
We are told in the clearest of language in Psalms 111:7-9 that all of God’s Ten
Commandments will stand fast for ever and ever.
7 The works of his hands are truth and justice, and they endure for ever and
ever.
8 All his commandments are sure, and are done in righteousness and truth.
9 He has sent salvation to his people; his covenant shall be remembered for
ever; holy and revered is his name.
10 The reverence of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding
have all they that do his commandments; his praise endures for ever.
These verses tell us that God’s Ten Commandment law will stand throughout all
eternity. These verses also make it clear that the covenant that stands forever
is the covenant of the Ten Commandments. This is very important, because when
the New Testament speaks of a covenant or a law that was discontinued, it cannot
possibly refer to the law or covenant of the Ten Commandments.
Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 3:14 makes it very clear that God will never change or
abolish His Ten Commandments or His Sabbath day. 14 I know that, whatsoever God
doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from
it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
How could God have possibly made it any plainer than the wording in this verse?
At the end of creation week God blessed, sanctified, and made holy the seventh
day of the week. God never blessed, sanctified, or made holy any other day of
the week, and Ecclesiastes 3:14 (I know that whatsoever the LORD does, it shall
be for ever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it; and the LORD
has so made it that men should reverence him.) makes it clear that God’s
seventh-day Sabbath, will remain blessed, sanctified and holy throughout all
eternity.
Many people try to twist these clear Bible texts that tell us that the Ten
Commandments will stand forever by saying that these verses are "figurative"
language, or these verses are "spiritual," or that "forever" does not really
mean forever, or in some other way try to cloud the meaning. Many so-called
Christians today claim that the Ten Commandments were only for the Jews, but
they are quick to say that they are not allowed to lie, murder, commit adultery,
or break any other of the Ten Commandments except the Sabbath commandment!
We saw that Jesus, Himself, tells us to live by every word out of the mouth of
God in Matthew 4:4. "But he answered, saying, It is written that it is not by
bread alone that man can live, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth
of God." Directly out of the mouth of God came the Ten Commandments in Exodus
20:3-17. These are the ONLY verses in the Bible that God, Himself, wrote. And
God, Himself, wrote them to make us realize their importance and to make us
realize that they would forever be in effect. That is why He wrote them on
tables of stone — to show their permanence.
Which verses in the Bible would you consider to be more important, the verses
God, Himself, wrote or the verses someone else wrote?
Jesus said in Matthew 5:17,18 that He did not come to destroy the law. "Matthew
5:17 Do not suppose that I have come to weaken the law or the prophets; I have
not come to weaken, but to fulfil.
Matthew 5:18 For truly I say to you, Until heaven and earth pass away, not even
a yoth or a dash shall pass away from the law until all of it is fulfilled."
We
saw in chapter one that the earth will abide forever. Here again in the clearest
words possible Jesus tells us that He did not come to abolish the law but that
the law will be in effect for ever.
Which law is Jesus referring to? The law that will be in force throughout all
eternity, the Ten Commandments of course. How can Sunday-keepers claim that
Jesus abolished the law, when He says plainly in these verses that He did NOT
abolish the law? Jesus fulfilled the law by perfectly obeying every one of the
Ten Commandments.
We saw in 1John 3:4 (Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for
sin is the transgression of the law) that sin is breaking any of the Ten
Commandments. "Whoever commits sin commits evil; for all sin is evil." When
Sunday-keepers throw out the Ten Commandments, they are throwing away the
definition of sin.
When did God institute His Ten Commandment law? We know that Satan sinned in
heaven before the earth was created, so the Ten Commandments must have been in
force then. We also know that Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, so the
Ten Commandments must have been in force in the Garden of Eden. We saw in
Chapter one that those who are saved will be keeping God’s Sabbath day,
the seventh day, holy throughout all eternity. The Ten Commandment law is the
constitution of heaven. It is the law whereby God’s entire universe operates. If
it were not, the entire universe would have the problems we have on earth today.
Isaiah 24:4,5 is a prophecy of the trouble that occurs when the people of the
earth declare that God’s law is no longer in effect.
"Isaiah 24:4 The earth howls and sits in mourning, the world wails and sits in
mourning, the haughty people of the earth lament. Isaiah 24:5 The earth also is
defiled like its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the law, changed
the ordinance, and nullified the everlasting covenant." The wars and trouble,
the pain and suffering all over the earth today are a direct result of people
disregarding God’s Ten Commandments.
Today God rules from heaven; but after He creates the new earth, He will make
His home and His throne on the new earth. This world will be the centre of God’s
government and the home of the righteous throughout eternity. Revelation 21:3
says, "And I heard a great voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and
the very God shall be with them and be their God;" The word "tabernacle" means
tent, and it signifies the home of God on the earth with the righteous from all
ages. Yes, this world, where the great Creator God of the universe, Jesus
Christ, was brutally murdered by those whom He created, will be Christ’s throne
throughout all eternity. The next verse tells us that there will be no
unhappiness or problems of any kind in this new earth. Everything will be
perfect. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be
no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away."
And we have seen in Isaiah 66:22,23 that in God’s new earth, everyone will be
keeping Saturday, God’s Sabbath day, holy throughout all eternity. 22 For as the
new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before me, says the
LORD, So shall your descendants and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to
pass that from one new moon to another and from one sabbath to another all flesh
shall come to worship before me, says the LORD.
God’s Ten Commandments, is enshrined in His temple in heaven. Revelation 11:19
tells us that the Ark of the Covenant is in the Temple of God in Heaven. "And
the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark
of his testament: and there were lightning's, and voices, and thundering, and an
earthquake, and great hail." The Ark of the Covenant contains the Ten
Commandments. The Greek word, diatheke, which is translated "testament" in this
verse is also translated "covenant" seventeen times in the New Testament. Most
of the other English translations of the Bible say "Ark of His Covenant" in this
verse.
Do Sunday-keepers believe that God’s Saturday Sabbath commandment has been
deleted from the Ten Commandments on the tables of stone in the temple of God in
heaven? Since the Ten Commandments are still in effect, they must be included in
the New Testament. And they are. The following chart lists each one of the Ten
Commandments and gives the texts where it can be found. These are not the only
texts that reiterate the Ten Commandments in the New Testament.
(I) 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, Get away, Satan, for it is written, You
shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.
(II) 4 Thou shalt not make unto 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 water under
the
earth:
1John 5:21 My children, keep yourselves from idols.
Acts 17:29 Now therefore, man, being of the family of God, is not bound to
worship resemblances made of gold or silver or stone shapen by the skill and
knowledge of man into resemblances of the Deity.
(III) 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD
thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children
unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
commandments. 7 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. 1Timothy 6:1
LET all of those who are under the yoke of slavery honor and respect their
masters in every way, so that the name of God and his doctrines may not be
blasphemed.
(IV) 8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour,
and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God:
in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within
thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all
that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the
sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Hebrews 4:9 It is therefore the duty of the people of God to keep the sabbath.
(V) 12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Ephesians 6:2-3 (2) This is the first
commandment with promise: Honor your father and your mother, (3) That it may be
well with you and you may live long on the earth.
(VI) 13 Thou shalt not kill. Romans 13:9 Which says, Thou shalt not kill, Thou
shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet; and if
there is any other commandment, it is fulfilled in this saying, namely, Thou
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
(VII) 14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Again we have...Romans 13:9 Which says, Thou shalt not
kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not
covet; and if there is any other commandment, it is fulfilled in this saying,
namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
(VIII) 15 Thou shalt not steal. And again we have Romans 13:9 Which says, Thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet; and
if there is any other commandment, it is fulfilled in this saying, namely, Thou
shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
(IX) 16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore you must put away from you lying and speak the truth, every man with
his neighbor; for we are members one of another.
X) 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy
neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his
ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. Romans 7:7 What shall we say then?
Is the law sin? Far be it. I would not have known the meaning of sin except by
means of the law; for I would never have known the meaning of covetousness
unless the law said, Thou shalt not covet.
Revelation 22:14,15 makes it clear that only commandment keepers will be saved.
Some of the Ten Commandments are listed here to show that this is talking about
the Ten Commandments. 14 Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they
may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into
the city. 15 For without are the vicious and magicians and the immoral and
murderers and idolaters and whoever loves to tell lies.
There are a great many people today who claim they are
Christians and who go around saying, "I’m saved." Unless they
are keeping all of the Ten Commandments they are deceiving
themselves. First Peter 4:18 says that even the righteous, those
who are keeping all the commandments, will very nearly not be
saved. "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, how shall the wicked and the
sinner stand judgment?"
Earlier we saw that Psalms 119:172 tells us that ALL of the commandments are
righteousness. "My lips shall speak of thy praise when thou hast taught me thy
commandments." The Ten Commandments define righteousness.
Deuteronomy 6:25 tells us that righteousness is keeping the commandments. "And
it shall be our righteousness, if we observe and do all these commandments
before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us."
And Isaiah 51:6 tells us that these Ten Commandments, this righteousness shall
never be abolished." Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look also upon the
earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall
wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it shall perish in like manner;
but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not pass away."
Every time the New Testament refers to righteousness it is referring to the Ten
Commandments, the definition of righteousness. Every time the Old Testament
refers to righteousness it is referring to the Ten Commandments.
Well surely we can see by now that this eternal, universal law of God which was
made before creation is still with us, or at least till heaven and earth pass
away.
Lets move on.
4.Many say that by keeping these two new commandments they automatically keep or
fulfil all the others. So they admit they should keep all ten. They say they are
not under the law, but under grace.
Many texts in the New Testament refer to not being under the law, but under
grace. Many texts refer to being "justified." What does it mean to be under
grace? Before we can answer this we must see what the word "justified" means.
Every time the word "justified" is used in the Old Testament it is translated
from the Hebrew word tsadaq, which means "made righteous." Every time the word
"justified" is used in the New Testament it is translated from the Greek word
dikaioo, which means "be righteous." When we are justified, we are righteous. If
a person is justified he is keeping all ten of the commandments.
Titus 3:7 tells us, "That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs
to the hope of eternal life." Here we see that it is grace that justifies us. It
is grace that makes us righteous. It is grace that gives us the POWER to obey
the Ten Commandments.
By ourselves, without God’s grace, God’s power to keep us from sinning, it is
totally impossible for us to obey the law. Paul sums up the human condition
pretty well in Romans 7:18,19
"Romans 7:18 Yet I know that it does not fully dominate me (that is in my
flesh); but as far as good is concerned, the choice is easy for me to make, but
to do it is difficult for me. Romans 7:19 For it is not the good that I wish to
do, that I do; but it is the evil that I do not wish to do, that I do." It is
totally impossible for us, by ourselves, to keep God’s Ten Commandments and be
righteous. We need God’s help, God’s grace, if we are going to be able to keep
the Ten Commandments. We will see shortly that we can only have this grace if
keeping God’s Ten Commandments is our foremost desire. Lets us now look at some
of the verses that are used for excuses for not obeying the Ten Commandments,
especially the Sabbath commandment.
Romans 6:14: "Sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are no longer under
the law, but under grace." What does it mean to be not under the law? Does it
mean that the law was abolished? Does it mean that you are free to lie, to
commit murder or adultery? Paul tells us in the next verse, verse 15, that it IS
possible to sin while being not under the law. "What then? Shall we sin because
we are not under the law but under grace? Far be it." We saw that "Whoever
commits sin commits evil; for all sin is evil." (1 John 3:4). Since we can sin
while we are not under the law, the law has certainly not been abolished.
Paul also says in Romans 6:14 that sin shall not be master over you, which means
you are not sinning, which means you are not breaking any of the Ten
Commandments. How are you doing this? You are being justified, or being made
righteous by grace as we just read in Titus 3:7 (That being justified by his
grace, we should be made heirs to the hope of eternal life.). By grace, by the
power of God, you are keeping the Ten Commandments. Therefore if you are under
grace, you are not under the condemnation of the law, because by the power of
God (His grace) you are keeping all of the Ten Commandments.
If you never murder anyone, you are not under the law of the state that says
don’t murder. But if you do murder someone and are caught, you will really know
that you are under the law of the state that says don’t murder. Being under the
law means being under the CONDEMNATION of the law.
Which brings up the question of a person being born-again. We saw that the
definition of a born-again Christian is found in
1 John 3:9. "Whoever is born of God does not commit sin because God’s seed is in
him and he cannot sin because he is born of God."
True born-again Christians have, by grace, by the power of God, to overcome sin in
their lives. They don’t commit sin. They obey ALL of the Ten Commandments
perfectly. They fulfil the law just like Christ did.
Next is a further example of grace being the power of God that enables us to
keep His Ten Commandments. The new covenant, you will remember, is shown in
Jeremiah 31:31-33 (Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make
a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; Not like
the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the
hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt; and because they nullified my
covenant, so I also despised them, says the LORD; But this is the covenant which
I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, says the LORD: I will
put my law in the midst of them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people.) and Hebrews 8:10 (For this
shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those
days, says the Lord: I will put my law into their minds and I will write it on
their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people.) to be God’s
law written in our hearts and in our minds, Ezekiel 36:26,27 says, "Ezekiel
36:26 A new heart will I give you, a new spirit will I put within you; and I
will remove the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of
flesh. Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk
in my commandments, and you shall keep my judgments and do them."
Notice here "my commandments"? This was prophesised long ago, and is a
mighty promise God makes to His people. He says that He, Himself, will cause
them to walk in His statutes. He will be the power, the grace, in the lives of
His true Christians to cause them always to obey the Ten Commandments.
Furthermore, He says that His people will, indeed, keep His statutes and His
laws. When God promises each of us that He will cause us to walk in His statutes
and that we will keep His judgments and do them, how could any of God’s people
possibly say that he could never achieve this goal?
God’s causing us to walk in His statutes is somewhat analogous to power steering
on a car. Power steering will not turn the wheels until the driver moves the
steering wheel slightly. Then the power steering takes over and moves the wheels
for him. Likewise, if we want to keep God’s Ten Commandments perfectly, with all
our heart, and strive for this goal with all our being, God will take over and
do it for us just as He promised.
We must now look again at the Bible definition of a wicked person. Psalms
119:155 tells us that the wicked are people who do not obey the Ten
Commandments. "Salvation is far from the wicked; for they seek not thy
statutes." Psalms 119:53 also tells us that the wicked are those who ignore
God’s law. "Horror has taken hold of me because of the wicked who forsake thy
law."
Next let us consider Romans 8:2-4: "Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life
which is in Jesus Christ has made you free from the law of sin and death. Romans
8:3 For the law was weak through the weakness of the flesh, so God sent his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin, in order to condemn sin
by means of his flesh, Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us; for we do not walk after the things of the flesh, but after the
Spirit."
Does being set free from the law of sin and of death mean that the Ten
Commandments are no longer in effect? We saw that the Ten Commandments will be
in effect forever, throughout all eternity. We also saw that there can be no
contradictions anywhere in the Bible. So this phrase "being set free from the
law of sin and of death" cannot possibly mean that the Ten Commandments have
been done away with. It means that if a person is not sinning, he is free from
the condemnation of the law of sin and of death.
Applying what we just learned about grace, the "law of the Spirit of life in
Christ Jesus" in verse two is God’s grace that gives us the power to overcome
sin completely and to keep the Ten Commandments perfectly. When we overcome sin
and obey the Ten Commandments we are free from the CONDEMNATION of the law.
Going back to our example of murder, if you don’t murder anyone, you are not
under the law that punishes murder.
Notice that verse four says that "That the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us; for we do not walk after the things of the flesh, but after the
Spirit." Since the Ten Commandments define righteousness, if the righteousness
of the law is being fulfilled in us, we are not breaking any of the Ten
Commandments.
The New American Standard Bible has for verse 4, "in order that the requirement
of the Law might be fulfilled in us, . . ." Notice that this quote says there is
a REQUIREMENT to obey the law, the Ten Commandments.
Jesus, as a human being, fulfilled the law (i.e. kept the law perfectly), the Ten
Commandments, by perfectly obeying them, thus showing us that human beings can
perfectly keep the law also. When we become born-again Christians and perfectly
keep the law, the law is fulfilled in us just the way it was fulfilled in Jesus.
Paul refers to these people in Romans 8:2-4 as if they are going to get to a
point in their lives where they don’t sin anymore.
We saw that we can never quit sinning without God’s grace, God’s help. Paul says
in Romans 7:18 (Yet I know that it does not fully dominate me (that is in my
flesh); but as far as good is concerned, the choice is easy for me to make, but
to do it is difficult for me.) that there is no good thing in him.
We are full
of sinful tendencies. The idea is to replace our thoroughly sinful characters
with a character formed by God’s grace. When that happens we won’t sin anymore.
But, in order for this to happen, we must want this with all our heart and mind.
In order for this to happen it must be our supreme desire to want to follow God
perfectly and to keep His commandments. God will never force us to obey Him.
GOD came to earth as a human being and condemned sin in the flesh by
never sinning, showing us that we can also do this. When the "requirement of the
law" is fulfilled in us, we will not be sinning. When the "requirement of the
law" is fulfilled in us, we will be keeping the Ten Commandments perfectly,
including properly keeping holy God’s Sabbath day, Saturday.
Galatians, like Romans, has a lot to say about being justified. Consider
Galatians 2:16. "Know that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by
the faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might
be justified by the faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the
works of the law shall no human being be justified."
Remember that being justified means being made righteous, and that being
righteous is keeping all ten of the commandments. Remembering also that God’s
grace is the power given to those who really want to obey God, we see in these
verses also that we are justified by faith. We are made righteous by faith also.
Faith, therefore, operates like God’s grace to give us the ability, the power to
obey God’s law. This is why Paul says that "for by the works of the law shall no
human being be justified" because nobody can obey the law without God’s grace or
faith.
Galatians 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves
also are found sinners, is therefore our Lord Jesus Christ a minister of sin?
Far be it.
Galatians 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I will prove
myself to be a transgressor of the law.) This makes it clear that it is possible for
us to fall away after we have come to Christ.
The next verse talks about being dead to the law.
"Galatians 2:19 For through the law I am dead to the law, that I might live to
God. "
If this law that a person is dead to is the Ten Commandments, and being dead to
the law means that we no longer need to obey the Ten Commandments, then are we
free to commit murder or adultery, or any of the other sins prohibited by the
Ten Commandments?
Notice how Paul became dead to the law. Verse nineteen says that he became dead
to the law THROUGH THE LAW. The Ten Commandments convicted Paul of sin, and by
the Grace of Christ he was able to overcome sin so that he no longer was under
the condemnation of the law. If he never breaks the law, then he does not have
to worry about the law. He has developed his character to the point that he
naturally never sins. He is dead to the law. He is a born-again Christian, who,
according to First John 3:9 (Whoever is born of God does not commit sin because
God’s seed is in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God.), "cannot
sin."
This verse is reminiscent of Galatians 3:24,25.
"Galatians 3:24 The law then was our pathfinder to bring us to Christ, that we
might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:25 But since faith has come, we no longer are in need of the
pathfinder."
How is the Ten Commandment law our schoolmaster? The law points out our sins as
Paul says in Romans 7:7: "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Far be it. I
would not have known the meaning of sin except by means of the law; for I would
never have known the meaning of covetousness unless the law said, Thou shalt not
covet." When we look into God’s law, the Ten Commandments, and compare our
characters to that law, we realize that we are in a terrible condition. When
faith comes, when the power from Christ to overcome sin and obey the law comes,
we are able to quit sinning. When this happens, we no longer need the
schoolmaster, for our characters are then in harmony with Christ.
Galatians 2:21 tells us what we saw in Romans, that it is by the power of
Christ, His grace and His faith, that we are able to obey the law. "I do not
frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness comes by means of the law, then
Christ died in vain." Notice that Paul does not frustrate the grace or power of
God to keep him from sinning. Paul, therefore, must be obeying all ten of the
commandments. When he says that righteousness does not come by the law he is
saying again that he can not keep the law by himself, without grace. Remember
that the Ten Commandments define righteousness. (Psalms 119:172 - My lips shall
speak of thy praise when thou hast taught me thy commandments.) Paul also says
here that if he could keep the law without Christ, then Christ did not need to
die.
Next let us continue into Galatians, chapter 3. Verse one says, " O foolish
Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before
whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Notice the phrase "obey the truth." What is truth? We saw in Psalms 119:151 that
all of the Ten Commandments are truth. "Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy
commandments are truth. Mine eyes open before the night watch to meditate on thy
word." Someone bewitched the Galatians by telling them that they no longer
needed to obey the Ten Commandments.
As we continue in Galatians 3 remember that verse one said that the Galatians
had been bewitched. "This only I want to know from you, Did you receive the
Spirit through the works of the law or through obedience to faith?" Who is it
that receives God’s Holy Spirit? We saw that those who disregard any of the Ten
Commandments cannot have the Holy Spirit, for the Bible tells us in Acts 5:32
that God gives His Holy Spirit to those who OBEY Him. "And we are the witnesses
of these words; so is also the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who
believe in him." Since it is impossible for us to obey the law without the grace
or faith of Christ, we cannot receive the spirit by trying to obey the law
without Christ’s help. Therefore grace or faith must come first to give us the
power to obey the law so we can have God’s Holy Spirit. And we saw that God’s
grace or faith can only come if we want to obey the Ten Commandments with all
our being.
We saw in chapter one that Satan gives people his spirit and makes them believe
that it is the Holy Spirit. Sunday-keepers cannot have the Holy Spirit because
by keeping Sunday they are not obeying God.
3 "Are you so foolish, after having begun with spiritual things, to end now with
things of the flesh?
4 "Have you believed all these things in vain? I hope that it is to no purpose.
5 Does he therefore who gives you the Spirit and works miracles among you do
these things by the works of the law or by obedience to faith?" Here we see that
the Galatians had become self-confident, believing that they could keep the law
by themselves without the grace of Christ. Of course they could not keep the law
without grace, and so when they became proud and self-sufficient they became
backsliders.
You receive God’s Spirit by being willing to obey Him, by being willing to put
fourth the effort required to overcome sin and keep His commandments. If you
manifest an attitude of rebellion against keeping the commandments, or if you
become self-confident that you can keep the law yourself, you cannot receive the
Holy Spirit. When one becomes self-confident he thinks that he is righteous in
himself. This is the recipe for failure.
Continuing with Galatians 3:6,7 "Galatians 3:6 Just as Abraham believed God, and
it was accounted to him for righteousness,
Galatians 3:7 You must know therefore that those who trust in faith are the
children of Abraham." We see here again that true Christians are modern-day
Israel.
Galatians 3:8 Because God knew in advance that the Gentiles would be declared
righteous through faith, he first preached to Abraham, as it is said in the Holy
Scripture, In you shall all the Gentiles be blessed.
Galatians 3:9 So then, it is the believers who are blessed through Abraham the
faithful." We saw earlier that to be justified was to obey the Ten commandments.
Paul says that it is through faith that we get the power to be able to do this.
"Galatians 3:10 For those who rely on the works of the law are still under the
curse; for as it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not practice everything
which is written in the book of the law.
Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident;
for, as it is written, The righteous shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:12 Thus the law is not made by faith, but, Whosoever shall do the
things which are written in it shall live in it."
We have seen that no one can keep the law without help from Christ. That is what
Paul is saying here when he says "no man is justified by the law. . ." He then
goes on to say that the just shall live by faith, by grace, by the power of God.
When our conscience against sin is strong by the power of God, we will not sin;
we will not break any of the Ten commandments. Paul says in verse ten that if
you are going to keep the law all by yourself, you had better keep them all that
way.
We are seeing that there are many texts in the New Testament in many different
books that say this same thing over and over again.
Continuing with verse seventeen: "Galatians 3:17 And this I say, that the
covenant which was previously confirmed of God in Christ cannot be repudiated
and the promise nullified by the law which came four hundred and thirty years
later.
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance is by the law, then it would not be as the
fulfilment of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Galatians 3:19 Then what is the use of the law? It was added because of
transgression, till the coming of the heir to whom the promise was made; and the
law was given by angels by the hand of a mediator. "
Notice these verses speak of a law that was added 430 years after the covenant
God made with Abraham. These verses also tell us why the law was added: because
of transgression. Earlier we saw that transgression or sin is breaking any of
the Ten Commandments. For there to have been transgression, there had to have
been the Ten Commandments. We also saw that the Ten Commandments were in
existence long before the earth was created. This law that was added, therefore
cannot be the Ten Commandments. The law that was added was the civil law
governing the theocracy of Israel when it was established 430 years after the
promise.
"Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Far be it; for if a
law had been given which could have wrought salvation, righteousness would truly
have come as the result of the law.
Galatians 3:22 But the scripture has included everything under sin, that the
promise by the faith of Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe."
Here
again Paul is saying that it is impossible for us to keep the law without the
grace, the faith of Christ.
Galatians 5:3,4: "Galatians 5:3 For I testify again to every man who is
circumcised, that he is under obligation to fulfil the whole law.
Galatians 5:4 You have ceased to adhere to Christ, who seek justification by the
law; you are fallen from grace." Clearly, Paul is talking about the ceremonial
law that came to an end at the cross. If a person insists on keeping the
ceremonial law, Paul says he is obliged to keep the entire ceremonial law,
including the animal sacrifices. But to do this would be a sacrilege saying that
Christ did not die for our sins. This is why Paul says here that "Christ is
become of no effect to you. . . ."
Circumcision is not part of the Ten Commandments. Paul says in First Corinthians
7:19 (For circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the
keeping of the Lord’s commandments is everything.) that circumcision is nothing
and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments is everything.
While we are on the subject of the ceremonial laws, let us look at other verses
that discuss these laws.
Colossians 2:14-17 "Colossians 2:14 And by his commandments he cancelled the
written bond of our sins, which stood against us; and he took it out of the way,
nailing it to his cross;
Colossians 2:15 And by putting off his mortal body, he exposed the powers of
evil, and through his person put them openly to shame.
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore create a disturbance among you about eating
and drinking, or about the division of the feast days, the beginning of the
months and the day of the sabbath.
Colossians 2:17 These are shadows of things to come; but the main objective is
Christ."
First of all, since the Ten Commandments will last forever, written bond of our
sins, cannot be the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are definitely not
against us, for by them the universe is guaranteed peace and happiness. If
everyone on earth kept the Ten commandments perfectly there would be no trouble
of any kind. There would be no wars or strife. Everyone would deal honestly with
everyone else.
We showed earlier that Christ would cause the animal sacrifices to cease. Daniel
9:27 says, "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for seven weeks and half
of seven weeks, then he shall cause the sacrifice and gift offerings to cease,
and upon the horns of the altar the abomination of desolation; and the
desolation shall continue until the end of the appointed time; the city shall
remain desolate." These animal sacrifices were part of the ceremonial laws.
Therefore what Christ nailed to His cross were these ceremonial laws with their
animal sacrifices.
Continuing with Colossians 2:15-17 "Colossians 2:15 And by putting off his
mortal body, he exposed the powers of evil, and through his person put them
openly to shame.
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore create a disturbance among you about eating
and drinking, or about the division of the feast days, the beginning of the
months and the day of the sabbath.
Colossians 2:17 These are shadows of things to come; but the main objective is
Christ. "
Connected with these ceremonial laws were yearly Sabbath days and instructions
in meat and drink. Paul is telling the Colossians not to let those, who were
contending that new Christians should keep these ceremonial laws with their
yearly Sabbaths, interfere with the true Gospel of Christ. Notice that these
ceremonial laws were a shadow of things to come. "but the main objective is
Christ" Christ was casting a shadow back to Old Testament times, a shadow which
represented Christ’s sacrifice in each and every animal sacrifice that was
offered. When Christ, the true Lamb of God was sacrificed, the animal sacrifices
and the ceremonial law had no more meaning. However, Christ is our High Priest
ministering His blood in the true tabernacle in heaven for us. All the
ceremonial procedures in the Old Testament were a model of the true ceremonies
in the true tabernacle in heaven.
Paul also chastises the Galatians for wanting to observe these annual Sabbath
days in Galatians 4:10 "You still observe days and months and times and years"
These handwriting of ordinances are also mentioned in Ephesians 2:14-16
"Ephesians 2:14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down
the wall of separation between them;
Ephesians 2:15 And he has abolished by his precious body the enmity between
them, and he has abolished by his commandments the ordinances of the law, that
he may create, in his person, from the two, a new man, thus making peace;
Ephesians 2:16 And he reconciled both in one body with God, and with his cross
he destroyed the enmity;"
Here we see that Christ abolished these "commandments contained in ordinances"
in His flesh. Are these the Ten Commandments that were abolished? They cannot
be, otherwise there would be a contradiction in the Bible. We also know that
this is not referring to the Ten Commandments because the Ten Commandments are
repeated in many places in the New Testament. We saw earlier that what Christ
abolished at the cross were the ceremonial laws. These "commandments contained
in ordinances," therefore, are the religious ceremonial laws that are no longer
in effect.
Romans 14:4-6 "Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another man’s servant? For if he
is a success, he is a success to his master; and if he is a failure, he is a
failure to his master. As for his success, he will succeed for it is in the
power of his master to make him succeed
Romans 14:5 One person values one day above another; another values all days
alike. Let every man be sure in his own mind.
Romans 14:6 He who is mindful concerning a day’s duty is considerate of his
master; and every one who is not mindful concerning a day’s duty is
inconsiderate of his master. And he who is wasteful is detrimental to his master
even though he confesses it to God; and he who is not wasteful is not wasteful
to his master, yet he likewise tells it to God."
These verses concern the controversy that was occurring over the ceremonial
laws. The days Paul is talking about here are the yearly Sabbath days connected
with the ceremonial laws that were nailed to the cross. The ceremonial laws
contained instructions on eating and drinking, which Paul is referring to in
these verses.
In chapter one we saw that Christ, Himself, gave the Ten Commandments from Mt.
Sinai. Let us look into this a little further.
Philippians 3:20 tells us that Jesus is the Savoir. "But our labours are in
heavenly things, from whence we look for our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Next, Isaiah 43:10,11 tells us that there is only one Savoir.
"Isaiah 43:10 You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servants whom I have
chosen; that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he; before me
there was no God created, neither shall there be after me.
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and besides me there is no lord."
It is so sad that people do not realize that the Lord of the Old Testament is
the Christ of the New Testament. The verses we just read show this clearly.
James 4:12 tells us that there is also only one lawgiver. "For there is one
lawgiver and judge, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge
your neighbour?"
Since Jesus is the only lawgiver, that makes the Ten Commandments the law of
Christ, which is mentioned in Galatians 6:2 (Bear one another’s burdens, and so
fulfil the law of Christ.).
Not only is Jesus the only lawgiver, He is also the Creator. There are many
verses in the Bible that show this, but we will only look at a couple of them.
Colossians 1:14-16 makes it very clear. "Colossians 1:14 By whom we have
obtained salvation and forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, and the first-born of
every creature:
Colossians 1:16 And through him were created all things that are in heaven and
on earth, visible and invisible; whether imperial thrones or lordships or
angelic orders or dominions, all things were in his hand and were created by
him;"
John 1:1-3,10,14 also shows that Christ is the Creator.
"John 1:1 THE Word was in the beginning, and that very Word was with God, and
God was that Word.
John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 Everything came to be by his hand; and without him not even one thing
that was created came to be.
John 1:10 He was in the world and the world was under his hand, and yet the
world knew him not.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, a
glory like that of the first-born of the Father, full of grace and truth." It
should be obvious that the Word is Jesus.
We saw that the Ten Commandment law is the constitution of the universe. Since
the Ten Commandment law is the law of Christ, and since Christ is the Creator,
it should come as no surprise that the Ten Commandments are the constitution of
the universe.
Remember that Jesus, Himself, told us to keep the commandments if we expect to
be saved. "Matthew 19:16 Then a man drew near and said to him, O good Teacher,
what is the best thing that I should do to have life eternal?
Matthew 19:17 He said to him, Why do you call me good? There is no one who is
good except the one God; but if you want to enter into life, obey the
commandments." How could it possibly be any clearer?
Why does God begin the Sabbath commandment with the word "remember?"
A little more food for thought.
(Changing the Sabbath-Law)
As a last remark about this Sabbath topic (or law topic) I would like to point
out that Daniel prophesied in Dan 7:25: 25 And he shall speak words against the
Most High, and shall plot against the saints of the Most High, and think to
change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times,
and half a time.
Compare this prophecy with the historical fact that the emperor Constantine in
321AD changed that Law in agreement with the decree of the Council of Laodicea,
which words, "Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday, but shall
work on that day; but the venerable day of the Sun they shall especially honour,
and, as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day. If,
however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ." Oh. Y.
Hefele, A History of the Councils of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 316.
(Changing the time)
And ironically, other days were also changed as Pope Gregory XIII, in 1582, went
to bed on Thursday the 4th of Oct and woke up the next day saying that it was
the 15th of October.
Obviously nobody dared to correct him.
So let us now summarize what the other camp (The non Commandment keepers),
usually say.
1. The Law was given to the Jews and NOT to the gentiles.
And guess what?, they are right. Yet they forget a little bit.
If I want to give $10 to a Jew and he rejects it, and I then give it to a
gentile, I give him the same $10. So now the $10 are the Gospel that was
intended for the Jew. A gospel which needed no explanation of keeping the
Sabbath, because that for them was obvious. That same gospel now was given to
the Gentiles. Was it changed because the recipients now were gentiles?, who did
not have the Law? No, the gospel remained as it was. Because the gentiles didn’t
know and/or did not have the Law. Therefore God gave it to them by having
written it on their hearts. The Law therefore was NOT changed, but the
understanding of that Law in the gentiles was changed.
2. The Law was nailed to the cross.
Again they are partly right. Indeed a law was nailed to the cross, but what Law?
As we have seen previously in Dan 9:27, the sacrificial Law has been nailed to
the cross, but only the sacrificial Law. No other commandments.
3. Jesus has given us 2 new commandments, which we have to do and by doing so we
have fulfilled the Law.
They might not realize what they really say by such a statement, because they
just admitted that we have to fulfil the Law. They only try to approach that
fulfilling on another way, by doing just these 2 commandments.
So what are these 2 commandments?
Matthew 22: 36 Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?
Didn’t they state that the Law for us was no longer? So what we see here is that
is was NOT a NEW commandment, it already was in the Law (which they claim we
need NOT do anymore). It was merely declared to be the greatest commandment. And
here is then that greatest commandment.
Matthew 22: 37 Jesus said to him, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your might and with all your mind.
Matthew 22: 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment.
Doesn’t that sound similar to you as the THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE
ME, which indeed happens to be the 1st commandment of the 10?, and a summary of
1,2 and 3?
Matthew 22: 39 And the second is like to it, Love your neighbor as yourself.
Doesn’t this second most important one sound to you as a summary of commandment
5,6,7,8,9 and 10?
4) All we have to do is to Love God. Just ask them what it means to Love God.
You will hear all sorts of explanations yet not the one where Jesus says
clearly, John 14:21 He who has my commandments with him and obeys them is the one
who loves me; he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him
and reveal myself to him.
John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, even as I have
kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
3 For the time will come (and now is) when they will not listen to sound
doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after
their own lusts;
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.
Think back to when this was written. Now weren’t all Christians at this time
keeping the law and the Sabbath. All this was changed by Constantine and the
Pope. Can’t you see that this verse is referring to these changes?
What those who are lukewarm say is "all the law was nailed to the cross" , but
ALL the law was NOT nailed to the cross. Lets just take some precious time to
find out what laws and what is true and what is not true, otherwise you could be
believing a lie. Maybe even THE lie spoken of in prophecy. It's vital actually
that you do, because if you are wrong in your belief...then what? Think about it!
Again I remind you of what I said at the beginning of this page, it
should be known that ALL the churches who say we are dead to the 10
commandments, think about this. These very people keep 9 out of the 10
commandments...why is this? So it seems to be a matter of just one commandment
that is not required according to them...keeping of the Sabbath. Probably
because it gets in the way of their social life, or work maybe. Another
interesting point is the fact that the tithing law was made before Moses, and
yet all these churches INSIST we keep that law. What hypocrisy.
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