First Baptist Church

The Ten Commandments have received a lot of attention in recent years. There have been local, state, and national battles over where, how, and if they can be displayed. Whether those opposing their display realize it or not, The Ten Commandments form the basis for modern law. Mankind certainly did not invent the concepts of “Thou shall not murder, steal, etc.” These came from God. They were meant to be simple, straightforward, and clear. Although they were impossible to fully keep, they were God’s standard. Paul, writing to the Galatian church called God’s law our “schoolmaster” or “tutor” to bring us to Christ. Living up to the standards set forth in God’s law was impossible, however His standards as presented in the law gives us great insight into His impeccable and unimpeachable character.

In his recent book, Words from the Fire: Hearing the Voice of God in the 10 Commandments, Albert Mohler gives a chapter of treatment to each of the commandments with fresh and helpful insight. He first, in expository fashion, explores what the commandments meant in the immediate context in which they were given. He then gives some history concerning their interpretation and application down through time. Finally he gives considerable modern application to each.

The basis behind preaching itself is that God has spoken. Mankind has nothing really to say beyond his own opinions apart from the revelation of God. It may seem to us that God spoke often to the people of the Bible, but it was relatively rare. Only a few times in history did God speak in an unusual or unique way. Most generally the people had to rely on what God had already said and hoped He would speak again. The intertestemental period of 400 years saw several generations come and go with no new revelation from God. It was only when the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, arrived that God’s silence was broken.

The fact that God gave His people The Ten Commandments is indescribably special, but the fact that they were written in His own hand makes them even more so. The fact that God gave us standards or reference points is essential. Had He not done so then we would have been left to figure out our own path. Even that is something of a fallacy because, human beings are made in the image and likeness of God and His law is written upon the human heart.

Mankind has certainly been in active rebellion against it’s maker since the fall in the garden, but nevertheless His law remains on their hearts. Consider how various forms of sinful or destructive behavior is justified by people. As we are being told the dangers of obesity there are those claiming “fat is beautiful.” Further, while there has been a campaign for years to stem drug use in America, now there is the biggest push ever to legalize marijuana! No matter how hard any form of sin tries to be justified by those who love the particular sin, it is never justifiable to God.

Mankind’s active rebellion against God continues and people engage in more and more forms of sin and with greater degree. They often do so at the expense of their own health, their own happiness, their families or relationships, their own freedom, etc. but the “natural” man has such an animosity toward God that He would rather grovel in the consequences of his sin than turn lose and let God take control. Man suffers from a condition known as “depravity” which puts him at strong odds with his maker. The 10 Commandments have become a symbol of hatred for those who hate God. There is nothing about them which should really offend anyone, but because these are deemed as “religious,” some fanatics squeal for their all-out ban from the public square, all the while failing to realize that the essence of God’s law goes as deep as their own hearts. Banning tablets, plaques, monuments, and the like will not take away what they so desperately seek to get away from – God Himself!

In Christ

Pastor Allen Raynor