Feb 4, 2023 by Pastor Andrew Marttinen
People heard thunder, saw a dark cloud and were terrified. They were given the Ten Commandments.
SDA fundamental belief #18. The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness.
SDA Fundamental belief # 13. The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness.
Exodus 2. What is more important? The image of the 10 commandments or the words? Commandments 1 to 3 are about a relationship with God. 4 to 10 are about human relationships.
People put their own words with the 10 commandments.
- 7th day to keep holy. People have added how to keep the day holy, what to do and what not to do. People have changed the 7th day to the Sabbath choosing the day to worship.
- Do not take the name of the Lord you God in vain. People say don't swear.
- Honour your father and mother. People say obey your parents or you are sinning. What about honouring your parents when they become seniors?
The 10 commandments have been recognized as a symbol of a moral and upright society, found in court houses. Yet, a survey in the US showed that there was a higher percentage of people who knew the ingredients of a famous fast food burger, then knew the words of the 10 commandments, even among Christians. Some assumed that other moral codes were in the 10 commandments such as the golden rule.
How practical are the 1o commandments? What would a society based on the 10 commandments look like? Who are the implied subjects of the 10 commandments? Does our understanding of the 10 commandments speak to everyone? Does it speak to children, elderly and servants?
Fundamental Belief 19: The great principles of God’s law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness.
Our mission is to announce the soon arrival of the 2nd advent. We have tried many ways to do this. What works the most effectively?
- Repose rather than impose. Matthew 11
- Celebrate salvation rather than earn it. We are given grace, truth and the freedom to choose.
- Show rather than tell. Diligence in following God's will. Walk the walk. Consistently do by example.
- Shine not whine. Let your light shine. Do instead of complaining what needs to be done. Motivate with love rather than the law.
John 14:15 Best motivator is love rather than the law. The law helps us have healthy relationships with the Lord and others. Seeking a relationship is the motivator.
Have a healthy relationship with the Lord and others. See the law through love.