The Ten Commandments - Are They Required Today?

Section 8

The Last Six Commandments - Loving our Neighbor
          As stated earlier, numbers have symbolic meaning in the scriptures. Six is the number of man. For example, Adam was created on the sixth day of creation. There are six days of the week for man to do all his work, and 666 is the epitome of the worst that a man can be. Therefore, it is appropriate that the last six Commandments deal with love toward our fellow man.
          These describe the way we are to treat one another with love and respect. As Jesus pointed out earlier, these six laws all fit under the umbrella of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mt. 22:39). Notice how the apostle Paul reiterates this truth as he writes to the brethren in Rome:

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:8-10).

          Many people have their own ideas of what love for others is. For this reason, our society is filled with liberal and ungodly ideas about love toward each other.
          For example, we think that it is love not to punish our children when they misbehave. As a result we have created a self centered, rebellious youth that oppress their elders and harbor disrespect for authority. As the prophet Isaiah foretold of our generation:

As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths (Isaiah 3:12).

          In a similar manner, we seem to believe that we are showing compassion by not strictly punishing criminals. However, by our lax approach to justice, we penalize the victims and cause crime rates to escalate.
          We also conclude that it is love to reduce the requirements for certain segments of society to qualify for various positions. As a result, we undermine the very people we wish to help. We disable them by limiting their prerequisites and end up causing further resentments within our society.
          We are no longer the law abiding people we once were. Instead, we are looking more and more like the people Paul prophesied would be living in the last days:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

          These verses describe a large portion of our society today. People are more concerned with how much money they have, and the comfort they enjoy, than having love for God and one another. How did we become like this? The answer is plain and simple. We refuse to submit to the power of God. We don’t obey Him!
          The state of our world makes this one truth absolutely clear. Mankind does not have the innate moral capacity to decide what love is. Only God Almighty can define it. Only He has the divine wisdom and knowledge necessary to know what will produce long lasting peace and prosperity in His physical creation. Therefore, to help mankind, the Eternal has graciously given us the following six commandments.

V

Honour thy father and thy mother:
that thy days may be long upon the land
which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
(Exodus 20:12)

          The fifth commandment tells us to honor our father and mother; however, in large measure, our present society dishonors them. Our public schools teach students that there are many different lifestyles to choose from and they are all acceptable. Therefore, any difference between right and wrong which parents might try to instill in their children ends up being just another opinion in the child’s mind.

          In addition to the influence of public schools, young people are under more pressure than ever to conform to the degrading values of our crumbling society. This too turns their behavior against parental teaching. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found:

Teens between 12 and 17... (find it) easier to get marijuana than buy cigarettes, beer or prescription drugs… at least one-fourth of all U.S. teenage girls are suffering from self-mutilation, eating disorders, significant depression, consideration of suicide—or are perpetrating acts of physical violence (http://parentingmyteen.com/2009/some-teen-statistics-that-may-shock-you/).

          In addition, over seventy percent of teens have experienced intercourse and/or oral sex by the age of 19. (http://www.familyfirstaid.org/sexually-active-teens.html). Thirty four percent of young women become pregnant at least once before the age of 20 (http://www.familyfirstaid.org/teen-pregnancy.html).
          Another major influence on youth today is music. Consider that much of the music young people listen to today has changed radically in our modern age. At one time the air waves rang with what were primarily the words of love songs. Today, much of the music contains lyrics expressing emotions of hatred and promiscuity.
          For example, in decades past we sang songs whose lyrics said, “Oh my papa, to me he was so wonderful” (Eddie Fisher, Oh My Papa, LP Thinking of You, 1950). Today millionaire rap artists like Eminem pound out lyrics of raging hatred that fantasize of raping and strangling his own mother (Kill You, Marshall Mathers LP, 2001). Shockingly, respected music industry professionals gave this album of filth a Grammy award in 2001 for the best rap album of the year. Another rebellious band named, No Cash, has produced one song whose chorus states, “Kill your parents, burn their bodies, bury the ashes, find out what you want” (Team Spider, 2002). Many others have words that are too obscene to print here. Tragically many of these “musicians” have more influence over young people today than their own parents.

          Children are confused, and as a result of rearing them without biblical standards, they tend to rely on the values of their peers. They grow up feeling that their parents are out touch with the real world. Later, these youth become adults and many further dishonor their parents by abandoning them to nursing homes during what can be the most difficult time of their lives!

VI

Thou shalt not kill
(Exodus 20:13)

          In this commandment God instructs us not to murder the innocent. However, we glorify such acts in our movies and we watch them repeatedly on our television sets every night. Whether people want to believe it or not, the evidence is clear. The media is actually leading many to perform these wicked acts.
          The United States Bureau of Justice states that in 2008, law enforcement agencies reported that 14,180 known murders and 1,382,012 violent crimes occurred in the U.S. (http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2008/offenses/expanded_information/homicide.html). In the larger cities, 3-5 murders are committed every day. These statistics do not include thousands of deaths in which homicide cannot be proven.
          Today there are children that go on killing sprees in our schools. We read of deranged adults who abduct adolescents in order to fulfill their sick pleasures and then leave them for dead.
          Perhaps the highest insult to God and those who suffer violent crime is when we allow these criminals to live out their lives as they go through years of appeal in our so-called justice system. Then, in many cases, we set them free because of “good behavior” exhibited while behind bars.  Ironically, their victims were often given only minutes to live with no chance of any pardon.
          By this process, we are sending criminals a clear message that they can commit murder and our government will protect them! Consequently, we repeatedly see these profound words of God played out in our court rooms:

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

          If we would take swift and just action against the lawless, many would think twice before doing wrong. But, because we allow them to receive the equivalent of a mere slap on the wrist, evildoers take little thought before inflicting great harm on the innocent.
          In addition to breaking the letter of the sixth commandment, today we live in a world that is seething with hatred. Jesus warned us that these emotions break the spirit of the sixth commandment, saying:

You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire (ESV, Matthew 5:21-22).

          The reason our Savior gives us this warning is because hatred is spiritual murder. It often leads to the fulfillment of unlawful actions against others. It may start as unkind words, but untamed we will eventually cause harm to our believed enemy as we seek to discredit, defame, and pass judgment on another.
          Resentment and anger have led to hatred which has caused conflicts and violence that have been passed down through generations. Today, we see first hand how the animosity between the children of Esau and Isaac is still being exhibited in the Middle East. Even in America we are no longer the melting pot this country once was. It seems that every nationality feels that they are superior to others and they will work to establish their own ideas and culture within our “free” society. Because of this we are now more divided and filled with violence than ever before.

VII

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
(Exodus 20:14)

          Because of our twisted perspective of freedom today, promiscuous behavior has spun completely out of control. For many, adultery has almost become a way of life. There are literally millions of adults, teenagers, and even children, breaking the spirit of this commandment every day by their acts of fornication.
          In addition, married couples are cheating on their spouses in extraordinary numbers. In a survey of more than 70,000 men and women conducted by MSNBC, nearly half stated that they have previously cheated, or are currently cheating, on their spouses (Lust, Love & Loyalty survey, 4/19/2007, msnbc.msn.com/id/18055526/ns/health-sexual_health/).
          Of those who may not have not have had sexual relations outside of marriage, millions are still breaking the seventh commandment through the modern technology of pornographic fantasy. Jesus made it clear that this spiritual form of adultery is absolutely wrong, stating:

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28).

          Despite God’s instruction, a monstrous pornography industry has grown up in America. We accept this virtual adultery, and many have become addicted to it. In fact, many consider it healthy to have sexual fantasies involving any person, of any gender, or even with any thing one might wish. This sick and twisted view is expressed by Psychology Today in an article regarding a “healthy” sex life where they state:

The association between fantasies and a healthy sex life is so strong, in fact, that it's now considered pathological not to have sexual fantasies… Your fantasy partner can be a celebrity, the guy who works down the hall, or your best friend's mate. You enjoy complete choice of venue: a tropical island, an elevator, a tree swing. And the activity in question can range from romantic, longing glances to sexual gymnastics that would strain a circus contortionist (Peter Doskoch, published on September 01, 1995, http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199509/the-safest-sex).

          Harboring images and fantasizing about pornography are the first steps in committing adultery. Such thoughts lead to a desire for actual fulfillment (Jas. 1:13-15). This is why Christ warned us against such thinking. We do not have to commit the physical act in order to transgress this law. It is not the act alone, but the intention of the heart that also defines sin. When our mind focuses on, and finds pleasure in, that which is unlawful, we have broken the commandment.

VIII

Thou shalt not steal
(Exodus 20:15)

          When it comes to stealing, our society excels at it as a way of life. In 2008, U.S. crime rates climbed to 10,209,770 cases of robbery, car theft, larceny, and burglary (http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/uscrime.htm). However, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the spirit of this Commandment.
          Besides the blatant acts of theft, there are millions who break the 8th commandment on a regular basis not considering that their behavior is by any means wrong. In fact, many people believe their transgression to be good and just because it is in their best interest.
          For example, we always strive to get the better deal from others. We want to pay the least for someone else’s product or services while charging top dollar for ours. Many will take things from their employers without giving it a thought. Further, we don’t always give a full day of work for our pay. Today, people expect to be paid—even if their work is not up to par.
          File “sharing” on the World Wide Web has become a common practice. This cyber thievery boasts an army of participants who exchange illegal copies of music, movies and computer programs without paying a cent to the rightful distributors. Even many churchgoers have no problem copying CDs or DVDs from their friends.  Others repeatedly cheat on the taxes and tithes.
          Dishonest businessmen devise schemes to deceive the elderly and take what little money they might have. Even high profile corporations bend the rules and corrupt the market so that they can squeeze every possible dollar from the public.
At the same time, identity theft has left thousands in ruin. Fraud is at an all time high. Ponzi schemes have utterly destroyed the financial future of countless numbers. Tragically, we have twisted our moral reasoning in order to justify ourselves for such abominations.

IX

Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbour.
(Exodus 20:16)

          When it comes to the ninth commandment, we have again reached new heights in breaking God’s law. Our “justice” system rarely prosecutes perjury, but lawyers who spend vast amounts of their time in court are acutely aware that it is a constant issue. Andrew Chivinski, an associate lawyer at offices of Neil Dymott, writes:

As a practical matter, civil attorneys should not really need statistical data to convince them of perjury in civil proceedings. Our experiences likely speak for themselves, and there are no doubt few among us who have not come across their fair share of false testimony. After all, much of what we do in the litigation arena is related to impeaching the credibility and veracity of adverse witnesses with prior inconsistent statements or contradictory testimony. We are by nature distrusting, and rightfully so. With few real remedies, and faced with a burdensome “materiality” element in criminal prosecutions, it would seem perjury is a problem we must simply accept (http://www.neil-dymott.com/NewsPage.aspx?NewsId=102).

          It is common knowledge that the courts can be swayed by high cost lawyers. In addition, supposed professional witnesses are paid to for their so-called “expertise” so that the guilty can be set free.
          Misrepresentation and deceit have evolved into a marketing science. Lying is so common that we now expect advertisers to stretch the truth about their product.
We also anticipate dishonesty among our politicians. We accept the fact that most promises made during elections are simply hyperbole and will never be realized. Even when we find that the president of the United States has lied under oath, we casually dismiss it.

          We have witnessed numerous public cases where ministers have taught their congregations to tell the truth and then these members of the clergy have found themselves in court on criminal charges. Caught in lies, they attempt to avoid prosecution.
          While many may consider all of this to be wrong, instead of being horrified and correcting the evil, we teach our children that an occasional “white” is not only acceptable, but in some cases it is even good to lie.
          By such abominable practices we condone and promote breaking the ninth commandment, all the while, wondering why the world is so corrupt.

X

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's
(Exodus 20:17)

          When it comes to coveting we have created an enormous advertising industry that virtually feeds on this sin. Men and women study intently in order to receive degrees in sociology and psychology. They learn all about our human needs and desires. Then they carefully craft ways to make the public feel dissatisfied with what they have.
          As masters of discontent, these men and women have contributed greatly to the creation of our current materialistic culture. They infuse our citizenry with a message of dissatisfaction and envy that fills most advertisements. In every form of media, this theme is constantly repeated with the intent of driving us to covet and ultimately purchase as many products as possible.

          Ironically, with all of our modern conveniences, most people live better than the kings of ancient times, and yet we are still not satisfied with all that we have. Instead, we feel that we need more—newer, bigger, and better things.

          Coveting is a primary source of evil. In fact, breaking this law is the first step that leads to the breaking of every other commandment. Allowed to fester in the human mind, envy can lead to lying, stealing, adultery and even murder. It can cause children to dishonor their parents and has led some to live a life of crime—all to fulfill their lust to acquire what others have. This is also an act of idolatry (Col. 3:5).

Living in a World that does not Obey God
          God and His law no longer seem real to most people, and as a result, while we might possess an unprecedented amount of modern conveniences, we are still unhappy. Millions lack a sense of real purpose and fulfillment in their lives. There is a continual increase in stress as we are encouraged to strive to attain more material possessions while having less regard for the welfare of others.
It seems that nothing shocks us, and little is morally unacceptable anymore. There has become a tragic breakdown in the family as the wonderful, loving, wholesome institution that God created is being redefined to include same sex marriage. Shockingly, some in Europe are even setting the stage for legalizing pedophilia.
          Booklets from a subsidiary of the German government’s Ministry for Family Affairs encourage parents to sexually massage their children as young as 1 to 3 years old and to teach children the movements of copulation. The two 40-page booklets entitled, Love, Body and Playing Doctor advises fathers to pay more attention to their daughter’s genitalia and suggests that parents permit unlimited masturbation, except where physical injury can occur (http://todayperhaps.com/2009/06/17/eu-and-germany-to-legalize-pedophilia/). They have also produced a songbook for children entitled Nose, Belly and Bum in which they ask the kids to sing along as they indicate pleasant feelings while touching their genitalia.

          Where will this perversion end? There seems to be an almost pervasive movement toward more and more deviancy, and with it there comes an accompanying escalation of violence, sickness, disaster, and suffering.
          We face enormous corruption in politics. Corporate scandals have become commonplace. Appalling pollution is absolutely ruining our planet. Mankind’s history has become a long parade of terrible abuses against the earth and the people who inhabit it.
          In every aspect of our society, this phenomenon is occurring. Throughout the nation, we are thoughtlessly breaking God’s Ten Commandments and we are beginning to reap dire consequences for doing so.
          We are nearing a pinnacle of self destructive debauchery from which there is no where to go but down. For example, notice the following list of headlines from Fox News on just one day out of the year. Ironically, this one day a year is marketed as a day of “peace on earth and good will towards men.”

Fox News
December 25, 2008

          These headlines represent what the world looks like without God as its moral authority. It is absolutely shocking that, in the light of these kinds of headlines, the religious world would still try to tell us that the Ten Commandments are no longer required. Do not let such false teachers fool you. The vast problems in the world are a direct result of the fact that we have abandoned God’s law. It could not be said any better than the psalmist who wrote:

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes… Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward (Psalm 19:7-8, 11).

          We would be so much healthier, safer, happier, and prosperous if we were to live God’s way. If we obeyed His law, the Almighty would bless us immeasurably. In fact, the Eternal states that His blessing is a direct result of keeping the Commandments (Dt. 5:29). However, because we have abandoned Him, He will ultimately abandon us!
          We are going to suffer a bed of our own making. Devastating wrath and punishment will soon come as a result of our disobedience. Millions of professing Christians will be terribly shocked to find that they have worshiped God in vain by not keeping His law. As Christ’s words reveal:

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men… (Matthew 15:8-9)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:21-23).

          The people that Jesus speaks of in these verses call Him Lord, but they work iniquity. The word translated “iniquity” is the Greek word anomia, connoting a violation of the law. This means they did not keep the Ten Commandments! They were deceived into believing the lie that these laws of God no longer apply.
          Don’t let this happen to you! If you claim to be a Christian you must realize that the Bible repeatedly tells us that we must keep the Commandments. Those who teach otherwise are false teachers—liars! As the apostle John writes:

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3-4).

Section 9

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