Decalogue- Purpose of the law
Decalogue is the ten commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai in Exodus chapter 20. We know that Bible says we are under grace and not under the law, what does that even mean? Should we strictly follow the law or should we just ignore it completely? Throughout the ages, different views have prevailed concerning the decalogue, even with the rise of some sects strictly observing certain laws. To understand the law and its purpose, it is important we understand the nature of man. The Bible speaks about the origin of sin. Bible says sin entered the world when Adam and Eve fell by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree in Genesis chapter 3.
Sin and Decalogue
Sin is the transgression of the law. In other words, sin is doing what you should not do and not doing what you should. By eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve sinned. When Adam sinned, all of mankind sinned with him for we were in him by the fact that we are his children. All of us, are born with sinful nature. Selfishness, pride, lying, cheating, jealousy, and all kinds of wickedness seem very easy for us to do. The intent of our thoughts and our hearts are evil continually. Every man, woman, and child are all sinners before the Holy and Just God. A careful reader of history will acknowledge that man is desperately wicked and sinful. The law came by Moses but sin had been reigning even before the law came. Men don’t sin because they don’t know the truth. Men sin because they are sinners. We are born with sinful inclinations to sin and our hearts are sinful, our thoughts are corrupt and inevitably we do sin. When Cain was killing his brother, he already knew that murder was a sin although, the written tablets containing the law came many years later.
The Decalogue
We know from the Bible that the law is holy and the commandment is holy, just, and good. Decalogue is into two parts. The first part consists of four commandments; we should not have other gods, not make idols, not take God’s name in vain, and keep the sabbath day holy. The first part talks about the relationship with God while the second part talks about the relationship between man and man. This part consists of six commandments. We see that it is very evident that decalogue is against certain behaviors. For instance, eight out of ten is written against certain things. The two positive commandments require us to honor their parents and keep the sabbath day holy by resting in their homes. Law is good, for it is written against wicked behaviors.
Purpose of the Law
Considering that man is dead in sin and loves breaking God’s law, what was the purpose of the law? In Romans 3:19 says,
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
The purpose of the law was mainly to show us that we are sinners but not to save us. It was to show us that we are sinners so that we may know our state. The law is like an X-ray which shows the broken bones but cannot treat them. Thus the same way, the law shows us our sin and need for salvation but it cannot save us. Christ alone is the hope of salvation from sin.
Decalogue and believers
God commands believers to worship God in spirit and truth; love each other as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. We are to be humble, forgive each other as Christ forgave us, weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who are rejoicing, etc. Against these, there is no law. No one can keep these without the Holy Ghost. We are under the new covenant. However, believers do not unhinge the Hebrew scriptures for all is written for our benefit. (Romans15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:6). We should therefore keep our eyes on Jesus, walk as children of light and be careful we do not stumble. Shalom.