The question is sometimes asked, “If the old law was nailed to the
cross, including the Ten Commandments, wouldn’t that mean that it is
now alright to murder or steal (etc.)?” Certainly not! Though some
may see this as the only logical conclusion, the simple fact is that the
old covenant (the law of Moses) was not just nailed to the cross (Col.
2:14), it was replaced with a new and better covenant (in Christ –
Heb. 8); which was promised to Abraham 430 years before the law of
Moses was given (Gal. 3:15-18). And since nine of the “ten
commandments” are also supported in the new covenant, we are not
left with any dilemma whatsoever:
Old Covenant New Covenant
1. No other Gods (Exod. 20:3) – – – -(1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:5)
2. No graven images (v. 4) – – – – – – (Gal. 5:19-21; Acts 17:29)
3. Not God’s name in vain (v. 7)- – -(cf. Mt 5:33-37; Jas 5:12)
4. Remember Sabbath (v. 8) – – – – -NOT COMMANDED!!!
5. Honor father & mother (v. 12) – – (Eph 6:1-3; Col. 3:20)
6. Do not murder (v. 13) – – – – – – – -(Gal 5:19-21; 1 Pet 4:15)
7. Do not commit adultery (v. 14)- -(1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21)
8. Do not steal (v. 15) – – – – – – – – – -(1 Cor 6:9-10; 1 Pt. 4:15)
9. Don’t bear false witness (v. 16) – (Eph. 4:25, 31; Mt 15:19)
10. Do not covet (v. 17) – – – – – – – – -(1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:5)
It is important to understand that the Ten Commandments are a part
of the “law of Moses” (Rom. 7:4, 7; 2 Cor. 3:2-11); also called the “law
of God” (Neh. 8:1-8, 18; Lk. 2:22-24). Christ fulfilled that law (Matt. 5:
17-18; Rom. 10:4) – thus making it obsolete (Heb. 8:6-7, 13) by
nailing it to the cross (Eph. 2:15; Gal. 3:13; Col. 2:14). Yet, by God’s
design, the moral integrity of many expired commandments is echoed
in Christ’s “new covenant.” Which covenant do you embrace?