Question from a friend of WordTruth Press:

WordTruth Press Response:

I think I see part of your confusion. You are making quite a distinction between the Ten Commandments and law of Moses. The Ten Commandments are part of what is called the "Law of Moses." Keep in mind, though, that the entirety of the Bible was written by God the Holy Spirit using human agents. But it is all the word of God. So when we say the "law of Moses" we are not talking about something Moses came up with on his own - rather we are talking about the very word of God.

The law was clearly given to the nation of Israel:

These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses. (Leviticus 26:46, NIV)

This is the law Moses set before the Israelites. (Deuteronomy 4:4, NIV)

The purpose was to create a holy nation to declare the righteousness of God to the world. Unfortunately, they failed that mandate and were dispersed - both the northern and southern kingdoms. Ultimately, Jesus Christ was born to declare salvation to the whole world - and praise God He succeeded! The New Testament also clarifies this purpose at an individual level:

19 What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed [Jesus Christ] to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. 23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. (Galatians 3:19-25, NIV)

Also keep in mind that the "law" hangs together as a whole. Many have tried to slice it apart and say one part applies but another part does not. Scripture makes no such distinction. In fact, look carefully at what the New Testament has to say:

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. (James 2:8-11, NIV)

The whole law stands together - all 600+ commands in the law of Moses. This includes the Ten Commandments. So if you must obey the Ten Commandments, you must add the rest of them as well. They all hang together - break one and you break them all. This is because God's standard of righteousness is perfect. And this is why no one can ever be justified before a holy God by trying to do good deeds. One strike and you are no longer holy.

We are saved by grace not works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 11:6). Yet we are saved for good works (Ephesians 2:10) that we are enabled to do by His grace and power. Grace, not the law, teaches us to turn away from wickedness and pursue righteous deeds:

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-13, NIV)

I hope this helps put this issue in perspective.

May God bless you with His wisdom and the courage to follow Jesus!

Rev. Randy Lariscy :-)
President - WordTruth Press℠