Why the Ten Commandments Still Matter

If believers are saved by grace, do the Ten Commandments still matter?

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw looks at Matthew 5:17 and explains how Jesus fulfilled the law without discarding it. The commandments were never meant to earn salvation but to reveal God’s character and expose our need for Christ.

When understood through the lens of grace, the commandments become a guide for living in ways that honor God and love others.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Some people say the Ten Commandments don't apply anymore. But is that really what Jesus taught? I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. There's a lot of confusion about the law in the Christian life. Are believers still responsible for the Ten Commandments? Or did grace make them irrelevant? Some assume that because we're saved by faith, the commandments no longer have a place. Well, Jesus addressed that directly. In Matthew 5.17, Jesus said, Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. Jesus didn't cancel the law, he fulfilled it. The Ten Commandments were never given as a ladder to climb your way into heaven. They were given to reveal God's character and his design for human life. They show us what love looks like. They also show us something else. Romans 3 20 says, For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. The commandments expose our need for Christ, don't they? They reveal that we fall short, but they also guide us. Romans thirteen tells us that loving others fulfills the law. When you honor God, tell the truth, respect life, protect marriage, refuse to steal, refuse to covet, you're reflecting his heart. Obedience isn't about earning salvation. It flows from salvation. We don't keep commandments to gain God's love. We keep them because we already have it. And when viewed that way, the Ten Commandments aren't a burden, they're a gift. They show us what it looks like to live in a way that honors God and blesses others. Grace doesn't remove the moral truth of the law, it gives us the power and desire to live it out. Heavenly Father, thank you that salvation is by grace alone. Help us live in a way that reflects your character. Give us hearts that desire to honor you, not out of fear, but out of love. Shape our lives so that they reflect the truth of your word. In Jesus' name. Amen. If this spoke to you today, consider sharing it with someone who might appreciate the reminder. And follow the Faith Fuel with Bob Shaw podcast wherever you listen for biblical encouragement you can carry into your day. Until next time, peace and joy.