This is perhaps one of the most debated topic among Christians. Since we're saved by faith alone and are no longer under the law, should we disregard the law? Did the Apostles obey the law? Since Jesus fulfilled the law, do we still need it? We can argue back and forth, but the best place to get the answer is by going to God's word.

Most people who say the we should disregard the law often cite passages from Apostle Paul. They emphasized that Jesus has fulfilled the law and that Paul made it clear in Ephesians 2:8 that we're saved by grace through faith, not of works. While it is true that we're saved by grace alone through faith, and that we're no longer to observe the sacrificial laws and ceremonial laws, God still commands us to obey the moral laws and the Ten Commandments.

That's why Paul noted in Romans 3:31 - Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Jesus said in John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commands.

Even Paul obeyed God's laws as seen below:

Acts 21:20-24 - Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that[i] you yourself are living in obedience to the law[/i].

you are right we keep the law there is more scripture most of the sciptures people quote if they read them in context dont say the law is over salvation come through christ

Amen!

Romans 7:12 - So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

depends on if you want to save your physical body or your spirit. if you want to save only your spirit but you dont care if your physical body gets used and abused and diseased and having a sad nasty wretched life then you can get by with just faith. faith in christ saves your spirit. however if you want a smooth life both in your physical body and your spirit then you have to have both faith and keep the laws. breaking the laws even when your faith is strong means you will get satan on your case all the time. this doesnt a good life make. you know how you see people in the lord who are having a wretched life ? their faith may be strong but they are not keeping the laws. when you have faith and keep the laws ? the lord will make all your enemies be at peace with you. he will make the world be at peace with you proverbs 16 vs 7

proverbs 16 vs 7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

I think any one who is saved by faith will uphold the law.

In a situation where people uphold the law and let me say REJECT faith

and think that they will be save, thatz where the problem lies.

I have meet pple who think that their WORKS of RIGHTEOUSNESS will save them,

instead of faith in the Son of God.

We are not under the law. But there are good principles in the law that are spiritual . They still hold .but not as a law. They are spiritual truths.

Yes, the bible says you are free from the law of sin and death

Adherence to these Laws have caused dissension among billions of Christians worldwide.

Adherence to these Laws have caused the rise of many denominations and doctrines, many strange ones

Adherence to these Laws have caused the rise of too many Fraudstar Pastors

Adherence to these Laws have caused many wars, too many infightings, corruption, too many sin. Too many lewdness in the chruch

Adherence to these Laws have produced too many hypocrites. Too many ignorant wolves in sheeps clothing

You only need common sense to know that.

diluminati:

Adherence to these Laws have caused dissension among billions of Christians worldwide.

Adherence to these Laws have caused the rise of many denominations and doctrines, many strange ones

Adherence to these Laws have caused the rise of too many Fraudstar Pastors

Adherence to these Laws have caused many wars, too many infightings, corruption, too many sin. Too many lewdness in the chruch

Adherence to these Laws have produced too many hypocrites. Too many ignorant wolves in sheeps clothing

You only need common sense to know that.

So you're advocating lawlessness?

Revelation 14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

ing James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

1 John 2

1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

7Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

8Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.


King James Version (KJV)


1 John 3

1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.


THE LAW IS PERFECT

Psalm 19 shows the full extent of the blessings of God's law:

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter  than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward" (Psa.19:7-11 NIV).

In our modern age of science, we have learned that there are laws which always function automatically: the laws of  physics, chemistry, mathematics and all of the laws necessary to keep the solar system functioning and life continuing. If there is not conformity to these laws, disaster, death, and destruction will occur.

In exactly the same way, all of the laws of God are a point of reference to which all people should look as a standard of behavior toward God and their fellow humans. The Ten Commandments are empirical laws that result in benefits for obedience and penalties for disobedience (Deut.30:15-19).

God calls disobedience to these laws sin: "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness" (1.Jn.3:4 NIV).

In Romans 7:7,  Paul states that he would not have known what sin was if the law were not there to show him. Moreover, he indicates that he is talking about the Law that is contained in the Ten Commandments, by citing the tenth commandment, "you shall not covet."  Because this law is a part of the Ten Commandments, Paul must be inferring that sin is the transgression of these ten foundational laws.

The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament makes the meaning of  1.John 3:4 very easy to understand:

"Everyone that practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness."

Paul also says,

"So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" (Rom.7:12 NIV). In verse 14 he states,  "We know that the law [Ten Commandments] is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin."

The apostle James also says the same thing: "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (Jms.2:10). What he points out here is that the Ten Commandments are a part of a larger body of law and if just one part of the law is broken, the entire law has been violated.

These scriptures leave no doubt as to what God says is sin! Sin is the violation of these spiritual laws, and these laws are summed up in the Ten Commandments. From the beginning, the penalty of sin has been death (Rom.6:23). But, through the blood of Jesus  Christ, forgiveness of sin is possible.

DID CHRIST DO AWAY WITH THE COMMANDMENTS?

We realize that human life and relationships between people must be based on love and directed by laws that govern these relationships. However, because God has offered the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, is it true that he did away with the Ten Commandments? Is it true that Christians should no longer be concerned with these precepts and principles?

Matthew 5:17 is the scripture that is most quoted in order to show that Jesus did away with the Law. However, Jesus himself said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matt.5:17 NIV).

Some theologians and professing Christian leaders say that, in fulfilling the Law, Jesus did away with it. However, does this make any sense? How could Jesus not destroy the Law and still destroy it?

In order to prove that this scripture does not say that the law has been done away with, it is important to research the original language of the text. The English word 'destroy' is translated from the Greek word 'kataluoo', which means 'tear down', 'demolish', 'do away with', 'abolish', 'annul', 'make invalid'. Jesus said that we were not even to think that he would destroy or abolish the law! Yet, how many millions of professing Christians not only think he did, but actually believe it?

The English word 'fulfill' is translated from the Greek word 'elaruoo', which means 'to fill to the full', 'to complete', 'to make full', 'to fulfill by doing'. It is impossible to fill something up and empty and destroy it at the same time.

When studying the Bible, it is necessary to read scriptures in context, which helps to give the complete meaning to whatever subject is being studied. Therefore, it is important to research  the rest of what  Jesus says about the law.

"I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smaller letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (v18).

Is heaven and earth still here? Yes! Has everything in God's Word been fulfilled? No! Is the Law of God still in effect? Yes! Jesus says it is!

Jesus continues to explain the laws and commandments of God:

"Anyone who breaks one of  the  least of these commandments and  teaches others to do the same will be called least [Greek: 'less than nothing'] in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven" (v19).

WHAT DID JESUS FULFILL IN RELATION TO THE LAW AND THE COMMANDMENTS?

We know that Jesus Christ came to fulfill (bring to pass) all the prophecies concerning his first coming. The prophecies about his second coming are yet to be fulfilled.

But, what did he mean about fulfilling the law and commandments? The prophecy of Christ coming to fulfill the law is found in the Book of Isaiah:

"The Lord [Jesus Christ] is well pleased for his righteousness sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honorable" (Isa.42:21).

The English word 'magnify' is translated from a Hebrew word that literally means 'to make great' or 'cause to be great'. This is exactly what Jesus Christ did to fulfill the law to its fullest. He magnified the law by showing how good and beneficial it is.

As the God of Israel (Jesus Christ) he gave the law of God (the Sovereign God), which includes the Ten Commandments. When he gave these laws, he fully intended for Israel to keep the 'letter of the law.' In return, they would be blessed with tremendous physical blessings. See Deut.28.

"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their  children  forever!" (Deut.5:29 NIV).

Although the Israelites understood the physical basis for keeping the law, they did not comprehend the spiritual intent and meaning of the laws and commandments of God.

A part of the plan of God for the salvation of humanity called for Jesus Christ to come and explain the spiritual intent and meaning of these laws and commandments. This is precisely what he did and it is recorded in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, and Luke chapter 6.

All of the teachings of Jesus Christ concerning the commandments of God bring the full spiritual meaning and intent into focus!

OTHER TEACHINGS OF CHRIST ABOUT THE COMMANDMENTS

The question of eternal life is on the minds of a lot of people today, just as it was on the minds of people during Jesus' day. A young man asked Jesus about this very subject:

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments" (Matt.19:16-17 NIV).

If Jesus had come to abolish the commandments, why did he tell this young man to keep them? However, Jesus told the young man in no uncertain terms that, if he expected to receive eternal life, he must keep the commandments!

Jesus continues his answer to the young man:

"Which ones?" [which commandments] the man inquired. Jesus replied, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt.19:18-19 NIV).

Part of these instructions are from the Ten Commandments, and the instruction "to love your neighbor" is from the covenant between God and  national Israel (Lev.19:18). This shows that eternal life is not gained only through obedience to the Ten Commandments, but one must also love one's neighbor because  all of  the commandments are based on the principle of love (Matt.22:37-40).

The young man answers, "All these I have kept, the young man said. What do I still lack?" (v.20). Apparently the young man thought that he would receive eternal life immediately, because he had done these things to the best of his ability; however, "Jesus answered, "If  you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (v21).   

This whole account shows that we must keep the commandments if  we are to receive eternal life. Moreover, we must not only  keep the commandments but also totally devote our lives to God and follow Jesus Christ without reservation.

VAIN WORSHIP

Jesus was not the soft-spoken person that most people have imagined. Neither was he an insipid and feeble personality, which is falsely depicted in so many artist's conceptions of Jesus (hanging pictures, and setting up idols of Jesus actually violates the second commandment against idolatry). On the contrary, Jesus was a dynamic, powerful, personality who spoke the truth without reservation.

Jesus spoke openly to the Pharisees and Scribes (the religious leaders of  his day) who were in opposition to his teachings:

"Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'  You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mk.7:6-9 NIV).

Jesus emphatically argued that people are hypocrites if they reject the law of God and claim to worship him!

DO YOU LOVE GOD? HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT HE LOVES YOU?

Jesus says that if we love him and his God, the Father, we will keep his commandments:

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. . . Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me" (Jn.14:21, 23-24).

Consider also how Jesus says that we can remain in his love: "If  you obey my commands, you will remain [remain and live in] in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love" (Jn.15:10 NIV).  This shows that we are commanded by Jesus Christ to follow his example. This was understood and taught by the apostle Peter: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1.Pet.2:21 NIV).

NEW TESTAMENT TEACHINGS ABOUT GOD'S COMMANDMENTS

If we keep the commandments, we  show our love for the Father and Jesus Christ, and they will love us. However, if we do not keep the commandments by transgressing God's law, we show that we hate God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ!

Jesus says, "You are my friends if you do what I command" (Jn.15:14 NIV). You are a friend of Jesus Christ if  you do the things that he has commanded. But, you are his enemy if you do not keep his commandments: "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior" (Col.1:21 NIV).

This is what every human mind is truly like:

"For  from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, intimate immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit,  lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All  these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean'" (Mk.7:21-23 NIV).

Sin begins in the mind as Jesus says, which is why we have to change our way of thinking and the way we live our lives. This change must come from within us—within our minds and hearts. Repentance must come from the heart. One must also accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of  sins. Only then can we love and obey God from our hearts.

God's solution to removing sin is not the removal or destruction of the commandments that show us what sin is, but a change of heart from within! Once a person has repented, been baptized, and received the Father's holy spirit, God's purpose is to truly establish his law within the minds and hearts of men and women. Through the holy spirit, Christ in us motivates and leads us, which enables us to truly keep the commandments.

God says:

"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Heb.8:10 NIV).

This is how we are truly reconciled to God the Father. There is a change of mind, which is called conversion. One is converted from a hostile, sinning, evil-minded person into a loving, commandment-keeping person who does the will of God. After conversion, one is no longer an enemy of God!

THE ULTIMATE DESTINY OF THE ENEMIES OF GOD

What will happen to the enemies of God?
What is their ultimate fate?
Jesus says that just professing  his name does not make one his friend:

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matt.7:21-23 NIV).

If you are not doing the will of the Father, you are not a friend of Jesus Christ and God the Father. If you are not a friend of Jesus and God the Father, you are an enemy and will be destroyed instead of being saved:

"But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them [through his holy spirit and the keeping of his commandments]—bring them here and kill them in front of me" (Lk.19:27 NIV).

The apostle John wrote a stinging rebuke to those who say that they know Jesus Christ and claim to follow him, but do not keep the commandments: "The man who says, I know him [Jesus Christ] but does not do what he commands [does not keep the commandments] is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1.Jn.2:4 NIV). The Book of Revelation shows that liars will not be in the Kingdom of God, but they will be burned up in the Lake of Fire! (Rev.21:8, 27; 22:15).

"But if anyone obeys [Greek: is keeping] his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how [that is, by this] we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did" (1.Jn.2:5-6 NIV).

If we say that we are Christians, we should follow Christ's example of how to live our lives. If we refuse to do this, we are liars and hypocrites.

Will you believe the teachings of men or the teachings of God's Word through Jesus Christ? There is no salvation unless you believe God! The Bible clearly teaches that if we truly love God, we will keep his commandments:

"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out [practicing and living by] his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome" (1.Jn.5:2-3 NIV).

IT TAKES FAITH TO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS

Think about it for a minute! Does it require any faith at all not to keep the commandments? The truth is that it  requires absolutely no faith whatsoever to sin, which is what not keeping the commandments of God is!

On the other hand, it takes faith and belief to love God and keep his commandments. In the Book of Revelation there is an astonishing statement, which shows that those who have the faith of Jesus Christ also keep his commandments:

"And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev.14:9-12).

"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God 's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus" (Rev.14:12 NIV).

If a person truly believes God the Father and Jesus Christ, that person will be obedient to them. Anyone who argues with God and against his commandments by claiming it is not necessary to obey his commandments does not believe in God and does not have the true faith of Jesus Christ (Gal.3:29).

Abraham is an excellent  example of someone who had true faith. The Bible shows that he believed God! But how much? To what degree and how did Abraham act on that belief and faith in God?

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Heb.11:8 NIV).

This shows that a person can only obey God through faith. However, most professing Christians have been led to believe that it takes faith not to obey!

What else is recorded about Abraham's obedience? How much did he believe and how far did he go in his obedience? He was called to take his only son and use him as a sacrifice to God. Abraham faithfully obeyed, without question. He did this because of his faith and obedience toward God. The Creator God intervened before Abraham was able to sacrifice his son and he provided a ram to be used as the sacrifice instead (Gen.22:1-19).

We are told that Abraham's faith was made perfect through his works of obedience (Jms.2:21-24). But this was not the only thing that God recorded for us about Abraham's faith and obedience. The promise given to Abraham was passed on to Isaac and Jacob because of how Abraham lived his life:

"Because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws" (Gen.26:5 NIV).

Abraham exhibited his faith and belief in God as he obeyed God's voice, kept God's charge, and kept God's commandments, statutes and laws, which define righteousness:

"Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true . . ,  Yet you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true . . ,  May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous" (Psa.119:142, 151, 172 NIV).

BE HONEST

An honest look at the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles leaves no doubt that, if we want to follow God's way of life, we must keep his commandments!

The reason most people, which includes most professing Christians, do not want to keep the commandments is not because these laws are harsh or bad, it is because of the hostility people hold in their minds toward God and his law: "The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God" (Rom.8:7-8 NIV). If we say the commandments are no longer in effect, we disagree with God the Father and Jesus Christ, which means that we do not want them in our lives.

Should a Christian keep the commandments of God? The answer found in the Bible is that one cannot be a Christian unless one keeps all of the commandments.

HOLINESS AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

God is extremely interested in the holiness of his people. When God created mankind, he created them in his image. More than that, God intends that mankind be patterned after himself in character and in holiness, which is why God developed a system that would make it possible for him to be with his people and to establish a pattern of holiness so that mankind could duplicate his character. This ultimately led to the new covenant with which God is dealing with spiritual Israel (the elect of God). He called the elect to become examples of his holiness, which is accomplished through placing his spirit within individuals. And he maintains the elect in that state of holiness through his spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me.  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me  and keep my commandments" (Deut.5:6-10 NIV).  See also Ex.20:1-6.

The Creator God states that he is the Deliverer who has proven himself to be far superior to all Egyptian God's by virtue of the great miracles he performed in delivering the Israelites out of Egypt. Moreover, God wants to bless mankind beyond their wildest dreams. But in order to do this, mankind must accept God as the only true God.

Verse 7 says,

"You shall have no other gods before me."  God forbade Israel from having any other  gods.

People can make gods out of almost anything, including the quest for material goods and family relationships. Anything that becomes more important in one's life than one's relationship and love for God is one's God. Without this first commandment, the other nine have no meaning—God is the true God.

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me" (Ex.20:4-5 NIV).

What does God mean by a graven image? Are all carved objects forbidden? Are rugs and drapes that have images of flowers, birds, and trees woven into the fabric forbidden? Is it forbidden to make or own statutes?

God does not want mankind to make any idol, sculpture, or carved image for the purpose of worshiping it. Mankind is forbidden to create anything to be used as a substitute for the one true God.  An idol can be anything that one puts in place of or in a more prominent  place in their life than the true God.  The expression "I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God" means that the Eternal God alone should be worshiped because he is the only righteous and loving God.   

Note:

Under the first covenant with national Israel, Exodus 20:4-5 referred to the Creator God who latter became Jesus Christ the Savior of humanity and revealed God the Father. Under the new covenant this commandment now refers to God the Father who is the Supreme Sovereign God.

"So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. For even if  there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords", yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom  all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.  But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1.Cor.8:4-9 NIV).

Idols are empty gods or nothingness; they do not have inherent life. An idol can be in virtually any form—animate or inanimate— including mental images or concepts. It is anything man esteems as more important than obedience to the true God.

For example,  Paul says to the Colossians:

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: intimate immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" (Col.3:5 NIV).

From the very beginning, idolatry has been a problem. Adam and Eve trusted their own minds and desires and obeyed Satan. Adam and  Eve put knowledge before God; thus, knowledge became their idol!  Idolatry was prevalent in the days of Abraham.  Israel worshiped and served the idols of Egypt:   

"And I  said to them, "Each of you, get rid of the vile images you have set your eyes on, and do not defile  yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” "But they rebelled against me and would not listen to me; they did not get rid of the vile images they had set their eyes on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I said I  would pour out my wrath on them and spend my anger against them in Egypt.   But for the sake of  my name I did what would keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations they lived among and in whose sight I had revealed myself to the Israelites by bringing them out of Egypt. Therefore I led them out of Egypt and brought them into the desert" (Ezk.20:7-10 NIV).

Some claim that Numbers 21:4-9 is an example of God altering part of the second commandment:

"The Lord said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live. So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived" (Num. 21:8-9).

Did God modify the second commandment by telling Moses to make an image of a serpent and place it on a pole? No! The bronze serpent was only a copy of a real serpent but not an idol. It was not a substitute God. Israel was commanded to look at the serpent, not to worship it.  It was a reminder of their sin and that they had to obey God in order to have the penalty of their sin removed.

The second commandment does not forbid making copies of created things, but it forbids making them into idols to be worshiped. God offered Israel redemption from death when they obeyed and looked at the bronze serpent on the pole. Why did the people have to look on the bronze serpent to live? One reason was that God was establishing a symbolic picture of a greater future redemption. Christ said:

"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"  (Jn.3:14-16 NIV).

Another reason for having the people look at the bronze snake was to prove their  obedience through  faith and works,  just as when Naaman, the Syrian leper, dipped himself in the river Jordan seven times. He obeyed the instructions of God's prophet through faith and works. This bronze serpent later became an idol to Israel because, in their minds, they turned this replica of a snake into a god and worshiped it (2.Kgs.18:4).

The last part of the second commandment indicates that God will punish children for the idolatrous sins of their parents?  But is this what it says?  Absolutely not. The curse of idolatry comes upon the children who hate God and worship idols as their fathers did. To hate God means to esteem idols above the true God and to show hostility towards his law.

God is fair! He does not punish the innocent for the sins of the guilty. God reminded the Israelites of this principle: "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin" (Deut.24:16 NIV). This principle carried over to all of mankind as they came in contact with God's covenant people and his laws.

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

This is God's instruction to people regarding the use of his name:

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name " (Ex.20:7 NIV).

Before the new covenant was ratified, God allowed people to swear by his name. To Israel God said:

"Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name" (Deut.6:13 NIV).

But Jesus instructed his disciples to discontinue swearing:

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. . .'  Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No';  anything beyond this comes from the evil one " (Matt.5:33, 37 NIV).

To swear falsely by Jesus' name is obviously taking God's name in vain. But, Christ clarified the intent of the law by stating that any kind of swearing is breaking the intent and spirit of the third commandment. But how is this so?

This issue can be more fully understood, by examining comments in the Book of  Hebrews:

"When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged " (Heb.6:13-18 NIV).

To swear is to commit God as a witness in confirmation of a person's desire and capability to perform what he has promised. Human beings, unlike God, are unable to remain perfectly constant in purpose and they have great difficulty keeping their word due to their weaknesses and the influence of Satan.  Thus, if God allowed men to swear by his name, every time man failed to perform his oath, God's name would be misrepresented.

This is why Jesus said, "Anything beyond these [yes or no] is of [the] evil [one]." James also supported this: "Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned" (Jms.5:12 NIV).

Under the covenant that God had made with national Israel, he allowed them to swear because he had invoked his name upon them. He wanted them to have help in avoiding sin. He was willing to bear with them in their weaknesses for a time, but there came a time for them to grasp that the name of God is above all names, including the name of any mortal man. Thus, they were told to no longer swear by his name.

Taking God's name in vain can involve more than misusing the names by which he is called. Taking God's name in vain is claiming to represent God, but in reality denying his existence and power.

Jesus' Name

Salvation comes only through Jesus' name:  "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 NIV). Because it is through the authority of Jesus (Jesus' name) that salvation is made available to humanity, his is the only name besides the Father's  name that is considered holy. See Lk.1:49.

After grasping the reality of the greatness and glory of Jesus, one can begin to understand the importance of using his name with respect, awe, praise, truth, and thanksgiving.

"Whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col.3:17 NIV).

Paul told the Colossians that every word spoken and every action taken should be done as Jesus would do it. Anyone who says Christ is living in him and then lies is taking God's name in vain. All false prophets and false brethren are taking God's name in vain. Moreover, the penalty for breaking the third commandment is still in effect today:

"The Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes his name in vain."

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

The Book of Genesis records that, after God had prepared the earth for his human creation and placed Adam and Eve in the garden, he set apart the seventh day as holy time:

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground . . ,  God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. . ,  Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done" (Gen.1:26, 31; 2:1-3 NIV).

God established the weekly cycle with the first six days designated  as work days and the seventh day  designated as a day on which no work was done.

There are two Hebrew words in verses 2-3 that should be understood because they hold an important key to understanding how God the Father and Jesus Christ view the Sabbath. The English word 'sanctified' is translated from the Hebrew word 'quadash', which is a denominative verb that means  'to be hallowed or holy', 'to consecrate', 'to prepare', 'to dedicate.' The verb 'quadash' designates the state of something that is sacred. Therefore, the Sabbath is different and set apart from anything that is common or profane.

The English word 'blessed' is translated from the Hebrew word 'barak', which means 'to kneel', ' to praise' or  'to salute.' This word seems to be used to indicate abundant and effective life and longevity. As used in Genesis 2:2-3, it means 'to bless', 'to imbue with power for prosperity, success, fecundity, and longevity'.

The Creator God's act of blessing and sanctifying the seventh day was not just a pronouncement but also the actual creating of a specific period of time for a divine and holy purpose. This day has God's attribute of holiness as a part of its existence.

Made for Man

The Creator God intended the Sabbath to be one of the fundamental aspects of his worship system, from the beginning of creation:

"Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mk.2:27 NIV).

The seventh day of the week is very different from the other six because it  is a period of time created and set apart (sanctified) from regular time. Moreover, it has a spiritual dimension within its existence. It is obvious from the enormous amount of information that God has had recorded about this particular day that the seventh day has a very special meaning to God the Father and Jesus Christ and they intend for all of mankind to eventually observe the Sabbath as holy time.

The Calendar and the Sabbath

The calendar today is not the same calendar that the ancient Israelites used nor is it the one that was used during Jesus' lifetime. In the 16th Century, ten days were dropped from the calendar that is in common usage today. However, a detailed study of all of the changes to the calendar used today reveals that the seven-day weekly cycle has never been altered.

Furthermore, the Jews today and throughout history adamantly maintain that they have not lost track of the weekly Sabbath. They  claim that they have been worshiping God on the correct day since their exodus from Egypt. To state that the Sabbath day has been lost is without foundation and discounts the written records of the Jewish people, religious and secular history, and archeological evidence. All of these records provide ample evidence, which shows that time has not been lost and that the Sabbath day is still the day we call Saturday in the weekly cycle.

The seven-day weekly cycle has never been altered from Creation. Since the Sabbath was again revealed to the nation of Israel, the awareness of this holy time has remained with the people of God and is still a part of the world's calendars.

IS THE SABBATH JEWISH?

Some insist that the Sabbath observance is only a part of the Jewish faith and it is not for any other race of people. The Bible, however, clearly states that the Sabbath was created by God on the day after he created mankind and that it was created and sanctified to benefit all of humanity (Gen.1:31; 2:2-3).

Notice what Jesus Christ who was the Creator God said to the legalistic Scribes and Pharisees when he explained the nature of the Sabbath:

"Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mk.2:27 NIV).

The seventh day was created thousands of years before the descendants of Judah were called Jews. During that entire time period, it was never called the Jewish Sabbath. Because the Sabbath was created for the benefit of all mankind, it is  incorrect to call the Sabbath  'the Jewish Sabbath.' It is God's Sabbath!

Keeping of the Sabbath is Important

The Book of Hebrews was written about thirty years after Christ's resurrection and contains the following statement:

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God" (Heb.4:9 NIV).

Most Bible commentaries and even the Bible marginal references contain the correct Greek translation of the word  'rest' as 'keeping of the Sabbath.' The English word 'rest' is translated from the Greek word 'sabbatismos', which means 'Sabbath'; therefore, verse 9 should read,

"There remains therefore a keeping of the Sabbath to the people of God."

To draw near to him in worship and fellowship on the day that he set apart at creation for this purpose, God wants his followers to cease from their normal activities and rest on the Sabbath.

It is without question that both the Bible and secular history record undeniable evidence that the apostles and the early church observed the seventh-day Sabbath. Therefore, it must be concluded that those who want to follow God today must also observe this seventh day as instructed by God's word.

Note:

For an in-depth study of the Sabbath, see our study paper concerning the Weekly Sabbath.

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

The Creator God (the one who became Jesus Christ) told the Israelites at Mount Sinai: "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land  the Lord your God is giving you" (Ex.20:12; Lev.19:3 NIV). God intends this commandment to be applied to both minor and adult children.

Adam, the first son of God, dishonored his father (the Creator God) who created him, by eating the forbidden fruit. God who was a perfect example as a father,  instructed Adam in love and warned him about the death penalty for disobedience. However, Satan, an enemy of God and man, sowed the seeds of doubt and rebellion in Adam who became God's first disobedient son.

Jesus says,

"For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and  'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death '" (Matt.15:4 NIV).

Paul says,

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph.6:1-4 NIV).

The expression: "Obey your parents in the Lord" means that children, even adult ones, must obey their parents as Christ obeyed his. This statement also restricts the obedience to those acts that are in harmony with God's will, including a child's conduct with unbelieving and overbearing parents.

There are many examples in the Bible of how to properly honor and obey one's parents. The way Jesus interacted with his Father gives us the perfect example of how to honor our own parents as well as our heavenly Father.

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

Terminating the life of an individual is perhaps the greatest offense that can be committed against a person. If someone steals, it is possible to have the stolen goods returned or provide compensation in place of the item that was taken,  but no man can restore a stolen life. According to Jesus, the greatest gift a man has to give is his life;  therefore, the greatest thing anyone can lose is eternal life. Only God has the authority to kill human beings: "See now that I myself am He. There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal . . ." (Deut.32:39 NIV). Because of this, when God spoke to Israel from Mount Sinai, he said: "You shall not murder" (Ex.20:13 NIV).

God's intention in the sixth commandment is to forbid the taking of life unlawfully. God did not forbid men from killing humans under all circumstances in ancient Israel; he authorized representatives to act as his executioners and take the lives of criminals that he had sentenced to death. God is very clear regarding the difference between 'killing' and 'murdering.'

The sixth commandment has been in effect since creation: "You [Jews] belong to your father, the devil, . . . He [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning . . ." (Jn.8:44 NIV). It clearly was a sin to murder, long before Moses was even born.

Immediately after the great flood, God inspired a reminder not to  murder: "And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. 'Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man'" (Gen.9:5-6 NIV). When a person is guilty of killing  another person unlawfully, the murderer is to be put to death for his crime.

Paul confirms this God-given authorization in men and governments: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  . ,  For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" (Rom.13:1-4 NIV).

After Cain murdered Abel, he feared that he was going to be killed: "And whoever finds me will kill me" (Gen.4:14 NIV).  His fear was based in the knowledge that Abel's family had, by law, the right to execute him. God's patience and purpose allowed Cain the opportunity to live. Therefore, God forbade anyone to kill Cain by promising a sevenfold punishment upon anyone who did.

The Israelites were God's avengers who carried out the execution of heathen nations:

"However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites ,  as the Lord your God has commanded you. Otherwise,  they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the Lord your God" (Deut.20:16-18 NIV).

Because God says "It is I who put to death and give life," it is apparent that Israel had the God-given authority to destroy the pagan nations that he had sentenced to death as well as other nations who became enemies of Israel.

When Jesus came, he expanded the definition of murder past the letter of the law and into the spirit of the law:

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,  and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell" (Matt.5:21-22 NIV).

The Greek word 'raca' and the English word 'fool' in Matthew 5:22 show that murder reaches past the physical act and is a part of a mental process.

The Greek word 'raca' corresponds to a very derogatory Aramaic insult that, in essence, means 'you blockhead' or 'you .' The use of the word 'raca' expressed great displeasure, disregard, anger, or contempt for another person. The English word 'fool' is translated from the Greek word 'moros', which means 'dull' or 'silly.'  Both of these words are meant to insult another person and to show one's utter contempt for the life of another person.

It is clear from the context of what Jesus' says that, if a person has or  express feelings toward another person that are inconsistent with a godly attitude, that person is guilty of a crime against the other person. In the extreme case that person is guilty of murder and worthy of death in the Lake of Fire.

As with every action, the actions that lead to murder have a beginning. Anger and disrespect for another person are steps toward murder. When God did not accept Cain's offering, he became very angry and he transferred this anger to Abel when he murdered him.

Notice what Paul says,

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold" (Eph.4:26-27 NIV).

Jesus Christ came to save mankind, to soften the hardness of hearts, and to change attitudes. God's holy spirit is the spirit of love in which there is no room for uncontrolled anger.

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (Jms.1:19-20 NIV). "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  . . put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator " (Col.3:8-10 NIV).

More is required of one than simply to not murder just because of fear of the penalty. God requires people to control their anger toward each other. In most cases, there is more than one step from anger to murder. Anger leads to judging another  as worthless (raca) so that he is held in contempt. When someone judges his brother in this manner, he is judging the law, according to James 4:11. People who do this are squelching love; thereby, they allow hatred to enter into their heart and mind.

The final step toward murder  is to think of a fellow human as a worthless fool, which is the same as  judging someone as being a sinner and unworthy of life. John said, "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him" (1.Jn.3:15 NIV). A person who hates someone is a murderer even if they do not commit the physical act of murder. According to Jesus, the way to keep from being a murderer is to practice forgiveness and reconciliation (Matt.6:14-15; 5:23-24). All those who have God's holy spirit have the power and ability to love both their brother and their enemy.

At  Jesus' second coming, he will write his Father's laws in the hearts and minds of all those who want to obey God's way of life, and they will practice the laws that God gave to ancient Israel:

"The Lord said to Moses, . . ,  Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the Lord. Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord" (Lev.19:1-18 NIV).

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT

God designed marriage to be a permanent relationship. When God brought Eve to Adam and joined them together in marriage he said:

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Gen.2:24 NIV).

In marriage, each partner has a role that is designed to function in harmony with the other. God forbids the destruction of this union when he said, "You shall not commit adultery" (Ex.20:14 NIV). But when men and women rejected God  and his laws as the standards for living, they began to live by their own rules concerning marriage.

Beginning with Adam, it was a sin to commit adultery. Hundreds of years before the time of Moses, Joseph said it was a sin against God for him to have Potiphar's wife (Gen.39:9).

After God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he revealed the law that was to protect the covenant relationship of  marriage and the family within his nation.

Later, in Christ's time, John the Baptist told Herod Antipas that it was unlawful for him to have Herodius, his brother Philip's wife (Matt.14:4). The lust that Herod and Herodius shared for each other resulted in Herodius leaving her husband to marry Herod.

Because of the hardness of people's hearts, God allowed the Israelites to dissolve a marriage agreement without condemnation by the letter of the law. The reason John the Baptist condemned Herod for marrying Herodius was that, according to the law of God,  it was forbidden for a man to marry the divorced wife of his living brother. Such a marriage was "uncovering your brother's unclothedness" (Lev.18:16). "If a man marries his brother's wife, it is an act of impurity [an impure deed]; he has dishonored his brother. They will be childless" (Lev.20:21 NIV).

Adultery and other intimate immorality are forbidden by God because marriage is to be a permanent, private, pure, and an  intimate relationship between a man and a woman. Jesus says,  " From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. . ." (Lk. 12:47-48 NIV). God required more of Israel than the heathen; furthermore, even more is required of those who have his holy spirit. God commands, upon the penalty of death, that a man cannot have intimate relations with someone else's wife (Deut.22:22). But due to unbridled lusts from an unconverted mind, God allowed a man to divorce his wife under certain conditions. The conditions of divorce that God gave to Israel did not sanction divorce or modify the marriage relationship, but they did protect the spouse who was divorced (See Deut.24:1-4; 21:10-14; Ex, 21:7-11).

Jesus explains  why Moses instructed a man to give his wife a bill of divorce:

"Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because  your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning" (Matt.19:8 NIV).

Jesus Christ as the creator God set the perfect example in marriage by marrying only one nation, Israel. When he divorced Israel he did so because of her spiritual adultery (idolatry), but he did not remarry any other nation. Death frees a person from marriage vows; thus, when Jesus died, it ended his marriage to ancient Israel. After his resurrection,  he was free to marry spiritual Israel. All who will be saved must become spiritual Israelites (Rom.7:1-6; Gal.3:29; Eph.2:11-29; and Heb.10:14-18).

Polygamy

The practice of  polygamy has ancient origins and is not condemned by God. According to God's law, polygamy is not adultery because there is a marriage agreement in place with each partner.

Today's Attitude Toward Sex and Marriage

The New Testament teachings do not forbid multiple wives for one man if a valid marriage agreement is in place with each partner, except in the case of a man who is in the office of an elder (an overseer). However, God's original intent for one man and one woman to be married for life is still the ideal.

Paul's instructions to Timothy are for believers today: "Now the  overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, . . ." (1.Tim.3:2 NIV). Someone serving in the ministry of God must set the example of doing God's will (1.Pet.5:1-3).

Today, the prevailing attitude toward marriage is very similar to the time before the Great Flood. Most people, including many professing Christians, approach marriage for  self-fulfillment, especially regarding intimate relations. This attitude places children and family needs secondary to a persons own intimate desires.

Many psychologists and sociologists who agree with this attitude write books and articles promoting extra-marital affairs as a healthy part of marriage. Such authors  emphasize that society is moving away from a traditional commitment in marriage as a bond involving commitment, and towards marriage as only a good or bad relationship. They believe that intimate fidelity should be removed from the marriage commitment because it unnecessary and unnatural.

It is clear that  people do not want to feel guilty for any of their illicit practices; thus, they cast aside God's laws as being out of date and they substitute their own. Many people blatantly deny God's existence, and others proclaim that the commandments are no longer in effect and they are free to live as they please:

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them" (2.Tim.3:1-5 NIV).

In Matt.5:27-28, Jesus Christ makes it clear how a believer should view the seventh commandment: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Lust begins in the mind. Acts forbidden by God that are lived out in one's mind are sin, even though no overt physical act is committed (Jms.1:13-15). Anyone  who lusts after someone else's mate is committing adultery. The best defense against adultery is loyalty to one's own spouse and love and respect for one's neighbor.

Premarital Sex

God considers premarital sex to be the same as adultery,  because everyone has the potential of becoming someone's mate  (Deut.22:13-14, 20-21). Those who know and obey God also know he made their bodies for his holy use: "Do you not know that he who unites himself with a LovePeddler is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh" (1.Cor.6:16 NIV).   God intends a person's body to be the temple of God; therefore, it is a defilement of God's holy place to join in such a intimate union. See 1.Cor.3:16-17; Eph.2:19-22.

Inbreeding, Homosexuality, and Bestiality

God forbids Inbreeding, homosexuality, and bestiality and denounces all of them as abominations:

"It is actually reported that there is intimate immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife . . . Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male LovePeddlers nor gay offenders" (1.Cor.5:1; 6:9 NIV).   

It is strange that some can see the harm and evil in Inbreeding but not in homosexuality? Inordinate lust blinds people to the penalties of their evil practices. Terrible sexually transmitted diseases that cause blindness, insanity, and death are rampant among those who practice promiscuity and the spread of disease is an indication that something is drastically  wrong with this type of  behavior.

Jesus' Instructions Regarding Divorce

Jesus gives clear instructions to his disciples about divorce:

"It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery" (Matt.5:31-32 NIV).

"He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery" (Mk.10:11-12 NIV).  Jesus points out that divorce was not planned in the beginning and is contrary to God's purpose.

Marriage is more than a intimate union;  it involves a commitment in which both parties agree to belong exclusively to each other and to share their lives in a loving relationship.

Ephesians 5:22-23 teaches that, in order for God to bless a marriage, the  husband must love his wife as much as he loves himself and the wife must recognize that it is God's will that her husband is to lead the family.

Jesus made only one exception in allowing divorce. The Greek word he used for that exception is 'porneia', which is translated into English as 'immorality', 'whoredom', 'harlotry', 'unchastity', 'fornication', 'adultery', 'lewdness', and 'uncleanness.' This includes all unlawful intimate acts such as extramarital sex, premarital sex, homosexuality, and Inbreeding. By extension, it can refer to any act that demonstrates that one partner willfully abandons the precepts of the marriage agreement. Spousal abuse and desertion are examples of this.

The purpose here is to protect the victim whose mate has committed an  immoral act. There are very real dangers and penalties that the victim may not be able to face, such as physical danger, unwanted pregnancy, serious diseases, and mental or emotional damage.

A person who divorces for 'porneia' is not causing the guilty partner to be an adulterer or an adulteress, because the offending mate has already become one. Divorce for 'porneia' is just reflecting the fact that the marriage contract has already been broken (See Deut.22:13-2

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35, NLT

Law and the prophets, Appears (6) times in the (KJV) Bible

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Law and the prophets, Appears (5) times in the (NIV) Bible
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Luke 16:16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.

Acts 13:15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."

Romans 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.

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goshen360 (m)
Bronx, New York, USA

Biblically and speaking the truth, we in this present time do not have anything to do with the laws and pre-law EXCEPT for things such as faith, love and obedience as it is also found in the our new commandment/testament. 1 Cor. 10:11 says, These things happened to them (the Israelites) as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. Heb 8:13,NIV

That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth. Heb 9:1, NLT.

having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14, NIV.

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. Heb 9:15-17, NIV

and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11: 26, NIV

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. (N.I.V)
Leviticus 19:18" 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Proverbs 25:22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Matthew 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

Matthew 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

Matthew 5:41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Matthew 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.


Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans12:19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

Romans12:20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Romans12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew19:19 Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not
give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 22:40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Mark 12:29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

Mark 12:31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Mark 12:33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Luke 10:27 He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' "

Romans 13:9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Galatians 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbour as yourself."

James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.

Love one another by this all men shall know you are my disciples


John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Romans 13:8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

1 Peter 2:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 John 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

1 John 3:23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

2 John 1:5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.

Love as brothers
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

1 Peter 3:11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

(KJV)
Leviticus 25:14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another

Leviticus 25:17 Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God.

Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Acts 19:38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

Acts 19:39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

Acts 19:40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

Acts 19:41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 20:1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

1 Peter 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.


1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.


1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

crossman9:

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goshen360:

Biblically and speaking the truth, we in this present time do not have anything to do with the laws and pre-law EXCEPT for things such as faith, love and obedience as it is also found in the our new commandment/testament. 1 Cor. 10:11 says, These things happened to them (the Israelites) as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Though I understand what you're trying to say, but it's not always a black and white issue.

Does that include the ten commandments? And why did Paul obey the law?

Acts 21:24 Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.

Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. Romans 3:31

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4

Though we're not saved by obeying the law, we're saved to obey the law!

goshen360

i have added you on skype

Chuksxp:
■ This is perhaps one of the most debated topic among Christians. Since we're saved by faith alone and are no longer under the law, should we disregard the law? Did the Apostles obey the law? Since Jesus fulfilled the law, do we still need it? We can argue back and forth, but the best place to get the answer is by going to God's word. Most people who say the we should disregard the law often cite passages from Apostle Paul. They emphasized that Jesus has fulfilled the law and that Paul made it clear in Ephesians 2:8 that we're saved by grace through faith, not of works. While it is true that we're saved by grace alone through faith, and that we're no longer to observe the sacrificial laws and ceremonial laws, God still commands us to obey the moral laws and the Ten Commandments. That's why Paul noted in Romans 3:31 - Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law. Jesus said in John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commands. Even Paul obeyed God's laws as seen below:

The long and short of it all is that Jesus Christ came to give you a New Law and Covenant, different from the Old Law of Moses. And so, when Jesus Christ instructed that you obey His commands — His teachings and commandments — Jesus Christ did not mean the Old Law of Moses but rather the New Covenant which He brought to you.

Walk in the Spirit, and you have fulfilled the law.

Bear fruit of the Spirit, chief of which is Love. Once you love God and your neighbor. You have fulfilled (not necessarily obeyed) the Law.

Obeying the Law and fulfilling the requirements of the Law are not exactly the same thing, key to understand the difference.

Also note that the Law is not made for the righteous.


1 Timothy 1 v 8-10;

8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.

9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine

It's either you're justified by grace or by the law, it can never be by a mixture of both. So choose wisely

You can't be justified by both works and grace because they are direct opposites.

Once you add works to grace, then it's no longer grace. Because, by definition grace means it is unmerited, if you therefore add some works, that means you've done something to deserve and it is no more grace.

If you keep all the law but fail in one you go to hell instead you can just trust in Jesus Christ and go to heaven. So choose wisely.

Depsui:
■ It's either you're justified by grace or by the law, it can never be by a mixture of both. So choose wisely You can't be justified by both works and grace because they are direct opposites.
■ Once you add works to grace, then it's no longer grace. Because, by definition grace means it is unmerited, if you therefore add some works, that means you've done something to deserve and it is no more grace.
■ If you keep all the law but fail in one you go to hell instead you can just trust in Jesus Christ and go to heaven. So choose wisely.

1. How do you become justified by grace?

2. Where exactly did you get this idea from?

3. Can you point to a particular part of scripture from which you get this idea from?

FAITH is LAW. ONCE YOU HAVE FAITH, YOUR OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW IS PERFECTLY GUARANTEED.

crossman9:
■ you are right we keep the law there is more scripture most of the sciptures people quote if they read them in context dont say the law is over salvation come through christ

The reason you undergo water baptism — born of water — in order to become born-again is in order that you entirely abandon following the Old Law in other that you may instead adopt God's New Law and Covenant in the Kingdom of God. That is the essence of the repentance message preached by John the Baptist, and taken up by Jesus Christ after Him. You cannot have one foot in the Old Law(Old wine) and the other in the new Law(New wine); the result of such would be catastrophic for those who do so.

Chuksxp:
Amen! Romans 7:12 - So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

Avoid lifting verses out on context in order to be sure you do not lose the meaning intended by the author.

7 You might think I am saying that sin and the law are the same. That is not true. But the law was the only way I could learn what sin means. I would never have known it is wrong to want something that is not mine. But the law said, “You must not want what belongs to someone else.”
8 And sin found a way to use that command and make me want all kinds of things that weren’t mine. So sin came to me because of the command. But without the law, sin has no power.
9 Before I knew the law, I was alive. But when I heard the law’s command, sin began to live,
10 and I died spiritually. The command was meant to bring life, but for me it brought death.
11 Sin found a way to fool me by using the command to make me die.
12 Now the law is holy, and the command is holy and right and good.
13 Does this mean that something that is good brought death to me? No, it was sin that used the good command to bring me death. This shows how terrible sin really is. It can use a good command to produce a result that shows sin at its very worst. - Romans 7 vs 1 - 13

As you can see from that, Paul was attempting to clear a misconception the people may have had about the need to abandon the Old Law in order to begin following the new Law. So, technically, this passage does not help to answer the OP's question at all.

buzugee:
■ depends on if you want to save your physical body or your spirit. [b]if you want to save only your spirit but you dont care if your physical body gets used and abused and diseased and having a sad nasty wretched life then you can get by with just faith. faith in christ saves your spirit. however if you want a smooth life both in your physical body and your spirit then you have to have both faith and keep the laws. breaking the laws even when your faith is strong means you will get satan on your case all the time. this doesnt a good life make. you know how you see people in the lord who are having a wretched life ? [/b]their faith may be strong but they are not keeping the laws. when you have faith and keep the laws ? the lord will make all your enemies be at peace with you. he will make the world be at peace with you proverbs 16 vs 7

Wetin be this?

■ I think any one who is saved by faith will uphold the law. In a situation where people uphold the law and let me say REJECT faith
and think that they will be save, thatz where the problem lies.I have meet pple who think that their WORKS of RIGHTEOUSNESS will save them,
instead of faith in the Son of God.

Which Law? The Gospel Law in the Kingdom of God? Or the Old Law which was meant to be abandoned when one became born of water?