Beech Tree News Network

From time to time, we are asked about the place of the 10 Commandments in modern times. Put simply, we do not live under the 10 Commandments today because we are living under the New Testament. The book of Hebrews (7:12-14, 8:13, 9:15-17) makes it clear that the Old Testament is done away. The Old Testament (including the 10 Commandments) was given to a specific group of people (Deut. 5:2-5). Exodus 19-20 tells us that the 10 Commandments were given to the Jews (Ex. 19:3-6). Yet, upon reading the New Testament, we learn that God’s plan today is that all people be “one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). It was Paul who wrote to the Ephesians and said that Christ broke down the “middle wall of partition” and made both (Jews and Gentiles) “one” (Eph. 2:14-16).

    Some may ask, “Aren’t some of the 10 Commandments mentioned in the New Testament?” The answer is “yes.” For instance, in Romans 13:9, we read 5 of the 10 Commandments in one verse. (Interesting note: The command to keep the Sabbath day is not mentioned anywhere in the New Testament!) Yet, just because some of the 10 Commandments are repeated in the New Testament does not mean that the Old Testament is still in force.

    To illustrate this point, consider the following. From our history, we know that the 13 original colonies in the U.S. first belonged to England until we won our independence. Now, when the Founding Fathers drafted the Constitution of the United States, and the various states began to make laws, they used laws that were similar to the laws drafted in England (Ex: Laws against murder, stealing, etc.) Yet, what citizen of the United States (then or today) would say that they are following the laws of England when they do not murder, steal, etc.? No one (then or today) would say that those in the U.S. are keeping “both” the U.S. and British laws.

    Another example: When a wife is widowed and marries again, perhaps the new husband has things he likes which are similar to what her dead husband liked. (Ex: A certain meal for supper, or likes to go bowling.) If she cooks that meal, or goes bowling with her husband, is she doing it because it is what her dead husband did, or because it is what her current husband likes? Paul used this reasoning in Romans 7:1-4. He told those “who know the law” (i.e., the Law of Moses) that they had become “dead to the law” that they should be “married to another.” In other words, these Jewish Christians were to understand that they were no longer under the Law of Moses, but were now subject to Christ and His law/testament.

    Today, it is no different. We are not subject to the Old Law/Covenant; though there are some commands found in the New Testament which were in the Old. Paul said the Old Law was “done away” and “abolished” (II Cor. 3:7-16). We are subject to the New Testament, and need to live according to it all the days of our lives.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167