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I have noticed that many Christians are debating with SDA’s (and myself) that the Ten Commandment Law is “invalid” or “for the Jews only”, and some say, “nailed to the cross”.
And I wonder if that is something that their church (and denomination) actually teaches? That God has NO definite law, no standard of judgment in the judgment of this world (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14; Daniel 7:9,10 ; Revelation 20:11,12; Acts 17:31, Romans 3:6).
I will be posting some of the more influential Christian voices (past and present) to see what they teach about whether there is a valid Ten Commandment law or not. Then in my second part will be posting what evangelical Christian denominations believe whether the Ten Commandments are valid or not.
*Please remember: we are not questioning the Laws ability to save and provide justification. It does not. We are discussing its “existence” and “validity” for Christians.
This is an answer from Billy Graham -if the Ten Commandments are still “valid” question:
God gave the Ten Commandments to us, and the reason is because He wants us to live good lives—lives that are peaceful and happy and productive. God isn’t a harsh, angry judge just waiting for us to get out of line so He can punish us. He is our loving Heavenly Father, who knows what is best for us.
I can’t help but wonder if you’ve ever actually read the Ten Commandments (you’ll find them in the Old Testament, in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). If so, which would you throw out? Would you abandon the commandments against murder, or stealing, or lying, or unfaithfulness? Would you toss out the command to take care of our health and our environment by allowing for sufficient rest? Would you omit the commands against greed or the neglect of the elderly (especially our parents)? I seriously doubt if you’d abandon any of them, because the alternative is chaos.
However, I suspect your real problem with the Ten Commandments (or any other moral law in the Bible) is that you simply want to run your own life, apart from God. But is that wise? God made you, and He knows what is best for you. Why deceive yourself by thinking you’re wiser than God? The first commandment declares, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
Face honestly your need for God’s forgiveness and wisdom—and then by faith commit your life to Jesus Christ. Jesus’ command is for you: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19).
Another answer from Billy Graham:
While there is an aggressive campaign to do away with the Ten Commandments, they are just as valid today as they were when God gave them. They reflect the moral character of God, and they also provide the foundation of right living with others.
Jesus said, “Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). Just what is a tittle? Something as small as a dot.
The Old Testament may not seem relevant to us today—but it is, because it is God’s holy word, and He has much to teach us through its every page.
Jesus quoted frequently from the Old Testament. He knew it well—He “was the Word.” He said, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). The apostles often quoted the Old Testament Scriptures.
Many people get their belief about the Bible from secondhand sources. A smattering of Biblical movie epics, some television reruns, hearsay, and courses on comparative religion give man’s view of Scripture. In high school or college classes students take courses in “the Bible as literature.” Many times these classes are used to undermine the faith of young people unless there is a teacher who understands the Bible and has a strong faith in God.
It is man and not the Bible that needs correcting. We must make the entire Bible part of our daily lives. God blesses those who read and believe.
From Billy Graham’s son, Franklin:
“God gave US Ten Commandments. Have you read them? Or maybe it’s been awhile since you have. I’ve posted them here as a reminder to all of us of His STANDARDS”
-posted on Facebook, emphasis mine
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