The Ten Commandments
God’s Moral Law for Human Flourishing
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God’s moral law revealed to Moses in the Old Testament.
They express fundamental truths about loving God and loving our neighbor.
Far from being arbitrary rules, the commandments show us how to live according to God’s design.
“If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” — Matthew 19:17
Why Did God Give the Commandments?
God gave the commandments because He loves His people.
Just as a good parent provides guidance for a child, God provides moral truth to guide us toward freedom, holiness, and happiness.
The commandments help us recognize what is good, avoid what is harmful, and live in right relationship with God and others.
The Two Great Commandments
Jesus summarized the entire moral law in two commandments:
- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
Every one of the Ten Commandments flows from these two great commandments of love.
The First Three Commandments
The first three commandments concern our relationship with God.
- You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
These commandments teach us to worship God alone, honor His holy name, and dedicate time to Him.
The Remaining Seven Commandments
The remaining commandments concern our relationships with others.
- Honor your father and mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
These commandments protect human dignity, family life, truth, justice, and love.
Jesus and the Commandments
Jesus did not abolish the commandments.
He fulfilled them and revealed their deeper meaning.
Christ teaches that morality is not merely external behavior but also concerns the heart.
For example, hatred violates the spirit of the commandment against murder, and lust violates the spirit of the commandment against adultery.
The Commandments and Freedom
Many people think freedom means doing whatever they want.
Christianity teaches that true freedom is the ability to choose what is good.
The commandments are not obstacles to freedom. They are guides that help us live according to our God-given purpose.
The Commandments Today
The Ten Commandments remain relevant because human nature has not changed.
People still struggle with idolatry, dishonesty, greed, anger, and selfishness.
God’s moral law continues to guide individuals, families, and societies toward what is good and true.
Why the Ten Commandments Matter
The commandments are not merely prohibitions.
They teach us how to love.
By following God’s commandments, we learn to love Him more fully and serve our neighbors more faithfully.
Key Truths About the Ten Commandments
- God revealed the Ten Commandments to guide His people.
- The commandments express moral truths that remain valid today.
- The first three commandments concern love of God.
- The remaining seven concern love of neighbor.
- Jesus fulfilled and deepened the commandments.
- The commandments help us grow in freedom and holiness.
- God’s law is given for our good.
- The commandments lead us toward authentic love.
What Does This Mean For Me?
God’s commandments are not burdens meant to restrict your happiness.
They are gifts that reveal how to live well, love rightly, and follow Christ faithfully.
Every day, the commandments invite us to choose God, practice virtue, and grow in holiness.
Explore the Moral Life
Continue Learning
Now that you understand God’s moral law, the next step is: Virtues
Learn how good habits help us live according to God’s will.