Playlist:

playlist Go to the Commandments, Breaking (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

The Ten Commandments

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The spiritual law of God, much like the unyielding laws of the universe, is always in effect. When we adhere to it, God blesses us; when we break it, we incur its penalty. The Ten Commandments have been binding since creation and remain so today, serving as the very code of conduct of our God. Sin is defined as the transgression of God's law, and its consequence is death. Sin has been a factor in human existence from the beginning, as law defines sin, and without law, there is no sin. Since Adam sinned, God must have given him His law, which included the Ten Commandments. Thus, breaking any of them was sin even before the time of Moses. Examples from early history show that people were guilty of sin, including idolatry and other violations, long before Moses received the law. Abraham, the father of the faithful, kept God's commandments, as did David, a man after God's own heart, who was deeply concerned with obedience. Jesus Christ Himself kept the Ten Commandments and taught others to do the same, emphasizing that to enter eternal life, one must keep them. He elaborated on their depth, showing that even thoughts and intentions matter in upholding them. The apostles, including Paul, frequently mentioned the commandments in their teachings, summarizing the last six as a way to love our neighbor. Breaking any commandment, whether showing love toward man or toward God, is sin. A true sign of God's church is the keeping of the Ten Commandments, and any church that does not teach and keep them is not of God. Love does not nullify God's law; rather, keeping the commandments perfects the love of God in us. Even in the future, when God's Kingdom is established, His law will remain the standard. No lawbreaker will be allowed in New Jerusalem, proving that obedience to God's law will be the central issue for all eternity.

Were the Ten Commandments in Force Before Moses?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

The troubles and chaos in our world today stem directly from our rejection and transgression of the spiritual laws set in motion by God Almighty for our happiness and good. These laws, embodied in the Ten Commandments, have been in full force since human life began on this earth, separate from the ritualistic law of Moses. Breaking these commandments is sin, defined as the transgression of the law, and it brings suffering, sorrow, and curses upon us. The original sin in the Garden of Eden involved breaking multiple commandments. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, placing another god before Him, thus violating the first commandment. They dishonored their Creator, their only Parent, and succumbed to lust and vanity, breaking the tenth commandment. By taking what was not theirs, they violated the eighth commandment against stealing. In this act, every one of the Ten Commandments was broken in some way. Cain, their first son, also sinned by breaking commandments. He murdered his brother Abel, violating the sixth commandment, and lied about it, breaking the ninth commandment. Idolatry was a sin long before Abraham, as his ancestors served other gods, showing a violation of the second commandment. Profaning the name of God was a sin before Moses, as seen in the abominations committed by earlier generations, breaking the third commandment. The fourth commandment, concerning the Sabbath, was observed weeks before the law of Moses was given, as God tested the Israelites to see if they would walk in His law by resting on the seventh day. Dishonoring a parent, breaking the fifth commandment, was a sin in Noah's time, as seen when Ham's actions led to a curse upon Canaan. Adultery, violating the seventh commandment, was recognized as a sin by Joseph in Egypt, long before Moses. Stealing, breaking the eighth commandment, was a sin in Jacob's dealings with Laban. Lying, against the ninth commandment, was a sin when Abraham misled Abimelech about Sarah. Coveting, breaking the tenth commandment, was a sin when men took wives based on lustful desires, grieving God's heart. Every one of the Ten Commandments was in existence from creation, and it was sin to break any of them from Adam to Moses. Our suffering today is the result of choosing to live contrary to these laws, which were designed to produce happiness and a full, enjoyable life.

The First Commandment (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Ten Commandments open with the most important, the one that puts our relationship with God in its proper perspective. It is a simple but vital command.

The Seventh Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Seventh Commandment—prohibiting adultery—covers the subject of faithfulness. Unfaithfulness devastates many aspects of family and society life.

The Ninth Commandment

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We must embody truth as did Jesus Christ, absolutely refusing to bear false witness in our words, our behavior, and our cumulative reputation.

The Ninth Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The world is so full of lying and other forms of deceit that 'bearing false witness' has become a way of life for the vast majority of humanity.

Works of Faith (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Many think works and faith are incompatible, but the Bible tells us to do works of faith. What are they? These are things we must do during the salvation process.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The doctrinal changes made by the leaders in the Worldwide Church of God worked to destroy the vision of God's purpose through obscuring the real reason for works.

God's Merciful Course Correction

Sermonette by David F. Maas

Because of Israel's sinful heart, God has made a course correction, namely crafting a new and improved Covenant with a lengthy heart transplant operation.

First Do No Harm

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The physician's code attributed to Hippocrates was designed to inspire trust on the part of the patients, especially on behalf of the most vulnerable.

Murder by Degrees

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

God's called-out ones must curtail 'installment plan' serial sins which carry them to a fatal point of no return.

Searching for Israel (Part Twelve): The Sign

Article by Charles Whitaker

Most Israelites are blind to their origins, thinking that only Jews are Israelites. Here is why Israel has forgotten its identity.

The God of the Old Testament

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

Many believe that the God of the Old Testament was a cruel, angry God, while Jesus, the God of the New Testament, is kind and loving. Here's what Scripture shows.

What Does God Really Want? (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we want to be like our Savior, then we will live the way He lived, keeping God's commandments — which exemplify the highest form of love.