Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today?
Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today? While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation, the Ten Commandments reveal God's moral character and remain the foundation for understanding sin and righteousness.
Key verse: Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation, the Ten Commandments reveal God's moral character and remain the foundation for understanding sin and righteousness.
While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation, the Ten Commandments reveal God's moral character and remain the foundation for understanding sin and righteousness.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." — Matthew 5:17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) express God's unchanging moral will. Jesus did not abolish them but deepened them — teaching that anger equals murder in the heart and lust equals adultery (Matthew 5:21-28). He summarized all ten in two: love God supremely and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). Paul quoted specific commandments in his letters (Romans 13:9, Ephesians 6:2) and taught that the law's purpose is to reveal sin: 'I had not known sin, but by the law' (Romans 7:7). The law cannot save (Galatians 2:16), but it serves as a 'schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ' (Galatians 3:24). The moral law — as distinct from Israel's ceremonial and civil laws — reflects God's eternal character. Believers are empowered by the Spirit to fulfill 'the righteousness of the law' through love (Romans 8:4, 13:10). The commandments remain a mirror showing God's standards, a guide for grateful living, and a guardrail against destruction.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
What the Bible teaches about resisting temptation and overcoming sin's allure.
Key Scripture References
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
"I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God's moral law given to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing fundamental principles for humanity's relationship with God and others.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Is the New Covenant?
The New Covenant is God's promise, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, to write His law on believers' hearts, forgive sins permanently, and establish a personal relationship with His people.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Matthew 22:37-39 Commentary
In-depth study • Love & Commandments
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Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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