1. When the temple of God was opened in heaven, what was seen in His temple? Revelation 11:19
2. What was written on tables of stone in the ark of the testament? Deuteronomy 10:3-5
The ark containing the commandments is depicted in Revelation as being in the sanctuary in heaven. God’s commandments constitute the law of His universal government. The Psalmist declares that God’s kingdom “ruleth over all,” and that all the angels “do his commandments.” Psalm 103:19, 20. The Ten Commandments are recorded in Exodus 20:3-17.
3. What dishonors God? Romans 2:23
4. Why does this subject call for special attention today? Psalm 119:126
5. How do we show our love for God? John 14:15
6. What is the evidence that we know God? 1 John 2:3
“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4.
“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:2, 3.
7. According to the words of Jesus, what are we to do with even the least of the commandments? Matthew 5:19
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17, 18.
As an example to us, Jesus was careful to “fulfil all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15.
8. What did Isaiah prophesy that Jesus would do? Isaiah 42:21
Notice how Jesus magnified the sixth and seventh commandments:
“Ye have heard that it was said…, Thou shalt not kill.” “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Matthew 5:21, 22.
“Ye have heard that it was said…, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:27, 28.
9. In His flesh, Christ abolished the law of commandments which were contained in what? Ephesians 2:15
10. What was the Passover called? Exodus 12:43
In Old Testament times God’s people performed ceremonial ordinances involving burnt offerings and the sprinkling of blood (Ezekiel 43:18). While it was not the blood of bulls and goats which took away their sins (Hebrews 10:4), such ordinances were a means of demonstrating their faith in Christ and obtaining His righteousness by faith (Hebrews 11:4, 28). Since they served only as a foreshadowing of Christ, those provisional laws were no longer needed after His death.
11. Christ nailed to the cross and blotted out the handwriting of what which was against us? Colossians 2:14
12. Yet what thing will God not alter? Psalm 89:34
13. Did the Ten Commandments come from His lips? Exodus 20:1
We must not confuse the ceremonial ordinances with the moral law which is summarized in the Ten Commandments. As God does not change (James 1:17), neither do His commandments. God’s commandments are His righteousness (Psalm 119:172) which He puts in us when He justifies us (Compare Romans 3:22 with Hebrews 10:16, 17).
14. What law is it that has real significance for the Christian? 1 Corinthians 7:19
15. How did Paul describe God’s commandments? Romans 7:12
16. Looking into the law is like unto a man doing what? James 1:23-25
17. When we look into the law as a mirror, what does it show us? Romans 3:20 (last part)
18. Would we know what sin is if there was no law? Romans 7:7
19. To what else are God’s commandments compared? Proverbs 6:23
20. Because God’s law reveals to us the sin in our lives, it plays an important role in doing what for the soul?Psalm 19:7
21. Once the law has shown us our sin, does it have the power to justify us? Romans 3:20 (first part)
22. Who only can save us? Acts 4:10, 12
23. Do we then make void the law? Romans 3:31
“I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8.
“These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:8.
“For the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
24. What is sin? 1 John 3:4
25. Is sin counted when there is no law? Romans 5:13
“The strength of sin is the law.” 1 Corinthians 15:56.
26. So if the law was abolished, there would be no more sin? Romans 4:15
Jesus then could have eliminated sin without having to suffer. All He would have to do is change the law. Rewrite the law, and there would be no more violation, no need for anyone to pay the penalty. Christ would not have had to die.
The very fact that Christ died is the strongest proof that He would not change His law. For “it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17.
27. While justifying those who believe in Jesus, God must at the same time be what? Romans 3:26
28. How long will all God’s commandments stand? Psalm 111:7, 8
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11
For further study on this subject see the Information Booklet “E” entitled, What the Bible Says About Being Under the Law.
In the Light of God’s Word…
I understand that the Ten Commandment Law of God is His supreme moral standard, and I choose by His grace to obey it.
I understand that God’s law defines sin and righteousness, and cannot be changed.
I understand that the ordinances which symbolized Christ’s atoning work were the only laws which His death affected.