Are The 'Ten Commandments' Relevant Today?

My question is, are the ten commandments still relevant now that we live in New Testament times? I have just read your two articles on Sabbath keeping, as this is one of the commandments in Exodus 20 does your reply, Brother Phil, apply to all commandments from the Old Testament?

Thanks for writing and for your comments. I’m sure you know from the other “answers” articles on the website that I don’t believe the 10 commandments or anything else in the law play any part in biblical salvation, that is, in establishing or maintaining a right relationship with God. The law served some definite purposes, chief among them to convince men of their sinfulness and need of a Savior (Romans 3:19-20). As I pointed out in this article on the Sabbath God’s plan is that we live as new creatures by the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, not by the letter of any Old Testament law. Romans 7 and 8. Not only is the righteousness of the law fulfilled in those who walk in the Spirit but such righteousness exceeds that of the law. It comes from the heart. It is the fruit of an inward work of God not of any self-effort. So understanding that laws and commandments were nailed to the cross and canceled does not mean we are free to do as we please. Galatians 5. Romans 6:1-4.

There is one area where the 10 commandments are still, in a sense, relevant: namely, to convict men of sin. It can serve as a mirror to show men their need. What if they were to be judged by that standard? How would they fare? But this line of reasoning doesn’t lead to law-keeping but to Christ.

There are many things commanded in the Old Testament, some referenced in the New, that reveal righteous principles upheld in the New but the moment a man supposes that he can obtain or maintain any sort of acceptance by God based on “keeping” those commandments (or anything else he does) needs his eyes opened to understand the gospel. Romans 4 is pretty plain. So is Galatians 5:1-6. Christ’s perfect righteousness is the only one God will accept and that is obtained by faith — period.

Glad you are enjoying the broadcast and hope you will pray for us that the Lord will help us to have good “sheep food” to share with His people.

Your brother in Christ,
Phil Enlow

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