Grace in the Command

We’ve been studying the 10 Commandments for two weeks on Sunday mornings.  It is something that I have done in every one of the 3 churches I have pastored now.  But this is fresh, a new study with new perspective.  And it has been revelatory to me in many ways, no doubt having to do with my own spiritual journey.  I’d like to share with you how…

There is grace in the commandments. 

I had been taught that, but had never seen it.  Not like this anyway.  In verse 2 of Exodus chapter 20, God says, ““I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”  The language is important because it implies relationship.  God identifies Himself as the Redeemer of Israel, and designates Israel as the redeemed. 

Here is where grace comes in. 

Israel was not redeemed by keeping these laws, or any other for that matter.  These laws were given to them because they had been redeemed and they belonged to the God who ransomed them out of slavery in Egypt.  It is a blessing peculiar to Israel, but also applicable to those of us who live in the age of grace.

Our Heavenly Father relates to us in the same way.  Sin’s ransom has been paid upon the Cross of Christ.  “…It was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ…” (1 Peter 1:18 – 19)

We therefore belong to Him.  And we reveal we belong to Him by doing what He asks.  In 1st John 5:3 scripture says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome (grievous – KJV).”  Jesus put it this way in John 14:15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”   

If there is grace on the commandments, then there is also relationship.  It is forged in the fires of redemption and it enables us to enjoy God the most as we are most satisfied in Him.