Q 16: Of what use are the Ten Commandments?

A 16: The Ten Commandments instruct us in the general principles for practicing love for God and for our neighbors. (Matt. 22.34-40)

Jesus explained that all the Law and the Prophets “depend” on the two great commandments of love for God and neighbors. It seems to me that the word, “depend,” is crucial to understanding Jesus’ sense of how the Law of God is to be used. All the Law and the Prophets, and, we may assume, all subsequent revelation in the New Testament, “depend” on loving God and neighbors. We cannot make sense of the Scriptures unless we understand that they come from love – for God is love (1 Jn. 4.8) – and for love. God reveals His will out of love for Himself and His creatures. We receive, understand, assimilate, and apply God’s Law, and all His Word, unto love for Him and our neighbors. Scripture, including the Law of God, accomplishes its purpose when we are effective and fruitful in loving God and our neighbors.

This is true for the great doctrines of the Law and all Scripture as well. These only accomplish their purpose when they equip us to live in love for God and neighbors. We will not truly learn the Law of God, or any of His Word, until we study it with a view to increasing in love. The Scriptures will only engage us with the power of the Spirit, open the way to the glory of God, transform us into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, and equip us for every good work when our motive, aim, quest, and deep desire are to increase in love for God and neighbors.

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