An Introduction to the 10 Commandments

Notes of Pastor Nick Bibile

(Unedited)

Are the commandments of the law applied to New Testament church today?
There are many churches that say the Old Testament laws does not applied to us today as we are living in the times of grace.  There are other churches like the Seventh Day Adventists say, no we need to obey the laws of the Old Testament and they will not eat certain foods.  Are the laws in the Old Testament prohibited for the church today or no?

 There were certain foods like pork, shrimps and other kinds of foods that were prohibited to eat in the according to the Old Testament Law.  Even when it comes to wearing clothing there were laws given.  "You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you." (Lev. 19:19)  Are these laws applied to us today?  Then in the same chapter verse 11 says, "You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another."  Is this law applied to us today?

Basically the laws in the Old Testament can be divided into two.

1. Ceremonial Law.
2. Moral Law.

Ceremonial Law.

Ceremonial law is the external law.  Rituals.

Let's see an example. .  Lev. 19:9-10, 19, 23, 27

We believe that the ceremonies and symbols of the law ceased at the coming of Christ, and that all the shadows are accomplished; so that the use of them must be abolished among Christians; yet the truth and substance of them remain with us in Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 9:1-10.  So there was a reformation of the burdensome ceremonies and rituals.  The substance and types would be directed to Christ as the perfection is found in him.   The ceremonial law was the schoolmaster giving direction to Christ, leading to Christ.  But when the fullness of the time came no need to be under the schoolmaster.  Galatians 3:1-4; 24-25.

These were all shadow of things to come.  And the substance is of Christ. Col. 2:17.  The word substance comes from sub means under. (Submarine) The underneath of the ceremonial law is Christ, pointing to him who is the perfection.  See Col. 2:14-17. (Sabbaths here is not talking on the Sabbath Day, that is another subject which I will cover when we go through all the commandment in this series)

More scriptures to show that the ceremonial law is abolished in Christ.
Heb. 10:1, 12-14. Eph. 2:15-16; Acts 10:9-16.

So in the Old Testament the worship of the Lord was in one country, one place and one altar.  With the coming of the Christ this was abolished. (Isa. 11:10,  John 4:20-24)    The Old Ceremonial Covenant, shadows of things were ceased in Christ and the Old Testament foretold of the New Covenant. Jer. 31:31-34. (Heb 8)

Moral Law

What is the meaning of moral? Means to distinguish between right and wrong in our daily practical life. Who can be absolutely sure what is right or wrong? All peoples have different opinions when it comes to right and wrong.  For example for some it is okay to be involved in sexual immorality, in abortion, to lie etc.  But to the others it is not right.  The answer is that God is the king, governor and the ruler of the Universe and his moral law never ceased.  So the moral law of the Old Testament still continues.

What is the moral law to us today? The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind.  The moral law is the obedience to Him. I Thess. 5:23

"The law of the Lord," says he, "is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes," (Psalm 19: 1-9.)

Psalm 93:5 "Your testimonies are very sure; Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord forever."

The summary of the moral law is found in the Ten Commandments.

Let us turn to Exodus 20:1

"And God spoke all these words, saying;  I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."

•  First of all we see the author being God. (And God)
•  We see the Word of God here. His Word. (Spoke)
•  We see his Name here. (The Lord)
• Then we see God's relationship with man. (Your God)
•  Lastly we see God's salvation to man. (Brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.)

The modern evangelical church is not teaching the Old Testament moral laws anymore, not explaining to the people and as a result they do not even know where the 10 Commandments are, and totally ignorant in them.  Now what is the result?  The children do not obey their parents anymore.  People have no fear for God; there is violence, crime, abortion, drugs, alcohol and lawlessness everywhere.

In Deuteronomy chapter five we see the 10 Commandments and at the end it says, " Deuteronomy 5:29 'Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!