The (law) was a parenthesis in salvation history. Jesus fulfilled the law and put an end to the 1500 year parenthesis. Why the Ten Commandments then? Because of Israel's transgressions---to protect Israel from themselves.  These laws were so complete that they haven't been improved upon in 3,000 years. Yet, they are inferior to what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus showed how the Holy Spirit can outclass the Law. The commandments cannot change the heart, just the outward behavior.

Our model in the Old Testament is not the Ten Commandments but is Abraham who believed God's promise before there were such commandments. The commandments were given to a redeemed people, bought back [and brought out], having experienced the first Passover. The plan of salvation was in place regardless of the Law. Jesus said, "Abraham saw my day and was glad."  The Ten Commandments are a backdrop by which we can partly see if we are living by the Spirit. They help any nation live in order and protect its people. Once we trust in what Jesus did for us on the cross—when the Law was fulfilled—we are in effect put back into Abraham’s position. He believed God’s promise and was saved before there was such a thing as the Ten Commandments.

Loving God is foremost; the first three commandments tell us to exalt God. As for the Fourth Commandment, we Sabbath-keepers are more than Baptists who are a little different. Mark 2:27 tells us that the Sabbath was made for man; avoiding legalism does not negate this fact. The Sabbath creates a "religion-freeing" lifestyle. The spiritual fulfillment of the Sabbath is internal, rest for the soul. God created the Sabbath for us to rest just as He did after creation.

Fifth:  Honor your father and mother, a commandment with a promise. There is importance in "family." Satan hates families.  Much of our nation's problems began with the breakdown of family. Obedience to parents pleases the Lord (Eph. 6:2,3 and Col.3:20).  Jesus honored his parents. Through His righteousness— put on us when we accept Him as Savior—we too honor our parents.

Sixth: "You shall not murder." Murder is the result of hateful anger. "Anyone who is angry is subject to judgment and your sin will find you out." Forgiveness is the choice God wants you to make. God says, "I will repay." God detests injustice. If we wait for His timing, He will right the wrong. Breaking Commandment 6 invites Satan into the action.

Seventh: The commandment that everybody talks about.  "Thou shalt not commit adultery." While Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, Ted Kennedy had everyone talking about Chappaquiddick.  Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer in the world today has the sports world all abuzz, but not about his golf game, rather the buzz is all about his extramarital affairs. According to Jesus, if you lust in your heart, you are already guilty of adultery.  Sex was not created in Hollywood but at the throne of grace. When a person chooses to marry you; that is affirming. It is degrading when adultery occurs both to the adulterer and to the spouse. Family is the foundation of the nation.

Eighth: "Thou shalt not steal." "My God shall supply all your needs...." Stealing tells God that a person is not happy with what He provides.

Ninth:  Lying can do irreparable damage, causing us to lose our integrity. "You don't have to have such a good memory if you tell the truth," said Mark Twain.  "It is impossible for God to lie" (Hebrews 6:18). If we walk in the Holy Spirit, we are convicted to tell the truth. 

The Tenth Commandment, "Thou shalt not covet," unveils our hearts.  The other nine commandments tell us not to sin. The tenth commandment says we must not want to sin. It convicts us and shows us that we really haven't kept the other nine. It puts the finger on pride, envy, greed, laziness.... Coveting is a type of idolatry. Like peeling off layers of an onion, we need to peel covetousness from our hearts so that once again we will give God first place.