The new commandments of Jesus include love for God and for fellow human beings (neighbors). However, the two new commandments do not cancel the previous 10 commandments of Moses. These are neither abolished nor replaced by the love commandments, but describe the character of the laws and thus also the character of God.
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The moral imperatives remain unchanged
The 10 commandments are still valid, even if this is denied by many evangelicals. With His sacrifice, the LORD Jesus Christ actually abolished the laws on sacrifices and other rituals (ceremonial laws), but by no means the 10 laws written in stone, which Moses received on Mount Sinai (moral laws). The explanation of one or more of these (genuine!) 10 commandments as a ceremonial law is purely arbitrary and cannot be justified with anything. In fact, man was freed from the curse of the laws with Jesus’ work of redemption, but Paul explained it more than clearly in his letter to the Romans that these 10 laws were by no means abolished, but even confirmed. There are more hints about valid commandments in New Testament. Sin can only be recognized by these commandments. More information about the validity of the 10 commandments are here.
The new commandment of Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ gave a new commandment (s. Luke 10:27):
Is it really a new commandment?
The love commandments formulated by Jesus Christ are not that new. In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says:
And Leviticus 19:18 says:
This means nothing other than that Jesus Christ did not formulate a new commandment, but rather repeated a connection that has long existed but was not recognized.
However, this commandment to love is not a replacement for the 10 commandments, but these summarize the laws that are still valid, according to Paul in Romans 13:9-10:
Commandments 5 through 10 relate to people
In other words: Whoever loves God and his neighbor as described, also keeps the commandments quite logically. Anyone who (really) loves his neighbor will neither steal, rob, defame, let alone kill him, nor envy him for his belongings. Also, he will neither cheat on his spouse, nor will he betray his neighbor with his or her partner. The parents are also among the (very) close ones. Love and respect for father and mother should be a matter of course. This all includes commandments five through ten.
Commandments 1 through 4 stand for relationship with God
Commandments one through four concern our Lord. Here, too, it goes without saying that these laws are observed of one’s own desire if the love for our God is sincere. Why exactly the fourth commandment, i.e. the Sabbath, could be excluded is completely illogical. This commandment has neither been omitted nor is it explicitly Jewish. The Sabbath (7th day) is set up for all people. The Bible gives not the slightest hint that this commandment should be dropped. One is amazed that even the Catholic Church emphasized the Sabbath as biblical and valid.
Just as the commandments for the relationship to fellow human beings are easy to understand, the same applies to the first three commandments for the relationship to God. The fourth commandment, however, plays a “special role”. The Sabbath (7th day, Saturday) stands for the community between God and man. Not only did God establish this day immediately after creation, but it is actually a part of creation. The following analogy might give a better understanding of the importance of this highlighted day.
One could simply imagine that the first four commandments concern the relationship with the spouse. After all, Jesus Christ also called His people His bride and He is the bridegroom. So this analogy is not that far-fetched.
Comparison to the 1st commandment
If you really love your partner, you will not have a (secret) relationship with someone else, and you will have another partner in addition to your partner. That would correspond to commandment 1, you shall have no other gods before me.
Comparison to the 2nd commandment
Anyone who really loves their partner will not have nude photos of anyone on their cell phone, PC or anywhere else and may even adore them. That would correspond to commandment 2, you should not serve or worship idols or images.
Comparison to the 3rd commandment
If you really love your partner, you will neither speak badly of them to third parties, nor use your partner’s name to gain personal advantage if the partner is an influential person. That would correspond to commandment 3, you shall not misuse the name of God.
Comparison to the 4th commandment
If you really love your partner and your partner wishes for a time in which you can be together in peace and quiet without work, without the daily routine and without hobbies, then of course you organize your everyday life in such a way that you can fulfill the wishes of your partner. If the beloved partner would like the period between Friday evening and Saturday evening, for example, then he even looks forward to it and does not simply let this time pass just to sit around alone on Sunday and only think a little more intensively about his partner. That would correspond to commandment 4, remember the Sabbath.
True love leads to keeping the commandments
Logically, genuine love for God also leads to observance of the first four commandments. Because one wants to keep the commandments of one’s own will and not because of a compulsion against one’s own will. Therefore, observance of all 10 commandments is also proof of genuine love for God and for one’s fellow human beings. Conversely, love is the summary or fulfillment of the commandments. In addition, the 10 commandments describe the character of God and this is pure love.
John briefly summarized the love commandment for the 10 commandments in 1 John 2:4-5:
Love isn’t “feeling sentimental
However, the love for God and for his fellow human beings does not describe “feeling sentimental” and “fainting”. At this point, the charismatic churches in particular, including the Pentecostals and some Baptist churches, are very vulnerable. Love is not about “emotional refreshment” (experience-belief), but primarily about a decision and then also about an attitude. Many believers simply confuse love with lust (Info).
Bible verses from King James Version
