Are Christians Still Bound by the Ten Commandments?

Direct Answer

No, Christians are not bound by the Ten Commandments as law, but they still live under their moral code.

Les Feldick explains that believers are under grace, not law. However, the Ten Commandments remain the perfect, holy, and eternal mind of God, serving as a guide for Christian living. He emphasizes that while we are not under its demands, we are not free to break it.

Key Scriptures

Romans 7:4 — Paul says believers are dead to the law through Christ, showing we are no longer bound to it.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible teaches that Christians are not under the Law but under grace (Romans 6:14). Paul explains that we are dead to the Law through the body of Christ so that we might belong to another, even to Him who was raised from the dead (Romans 7:4). Furthermore, the Law is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12), and it was given to Israel (Exodus 20).

What Does Les Feldick Teach About the Ten Commandments?

Les teaches that the Ten Commandments are not a criteria of doctrine but a moral fabric for society. They are the mind of God for mankind's good. Believers are not under the law's demands because of grace, but the law's moral principles still apply. Paul repeats nine of the ten commandments, omitting the Sabbath, which was part of the law. The law of Christ is more than the Ten Commandments but never flies in the face of them. The Ten Commandments are still hanging over the unsaved as a standard of judgment.

Why Are Christians Not Under the Law?

Les explains that we are under grace, not law. Since the law demands perfect obedience, we cannot be justified by it. Through Christ's death, we are dead to the law and married to Christ, so we are no longer bound to its demands.

What Role Do the Ten Commandments Play Today?

Les teaches that the Ten Commandments are still the criteria for social behavior, whether Christian or non-Christian. They are not a religious doctrine but the mind of God for mankind's good. They are perfect, righteous, holy, and eternal. Believers are not free to break the law, but we are not under its demands.

Does Paul Repeat All Ten Commandments?

Les points out that Paul repeats nine of the Ten Commandments in his letters, but he never mentions the Sabbath. This is because the Sabbath was a specific sign to Israel and part of the law. The other nine commandments are reiterated as moral principles for believers.

What Is the Law of Christ?

Les explains that the law of Christ is the complete liberty we now have as believers. It will never fly in the face of the Ten Commandments, but it is more than just the Ten Commandments. It encompasses all of God's principles.

From the Teaching

The Law Degenerated to 613 Rules

Les shows that by Christ's time, Judaism had added 613 rules, showing the law became a burden, not a blessing.

Ten Commandments as Social Criteria

Les teaches that the Ten Commandments are not doctrine but the mind of God for mankind's good, applicable to all.

Dead to the Law

Les explains that believers are dead to the law in Christ, but the law remains perfect, holy, and eternal, still judging the unsaved.

Paul Never Mentions the Sabbath

Les points out that Paul repeats nine commandments but never the Sabbath, indicating it was part of the law, not for the church.

Love Fulfills the Law

Les shows that when love operates, believers naturally obey the moral commands, fulfilling the law's intent.

The Law Given to Israel

Les notes that the law was given specifically to Israel, yet its principles are a fabric for all societies.

The Law of Christ

Les explains that the law of Christ is more than the Ten Commandments but never contradicts them.

The Law as a Guideline

Les uses the marriage illustration to show that we are not under the law's demands but its moral principles guide us.

Bible Verses

Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Shows believers are not under the law's authority.

Romans 7:4: Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Explains our death to the law and union with Christ.

Romans 13:9: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Paul repeats the moral commandments, showing their continued application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Les Feldick say we should keep the Sabbath?

No, Les says that the Sabbath was part of the law and is not repeated by Paul for the church. He affirms that we are not under the law's demands, including the Sabbath.

Are the Ten Commandments still binding on unbelievers?

Les teaches that the Ten Commandments are still hanging over the unsaved, and they will be judged according to that law at the great white throne.

How can we fulfill the law without being under it?

Les explains that when love operates in the believer's life, it naturally fulfills the moral requirements of the law, as love is the fulfilling of the law.

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Source Video

Watch the Teaching: What the Bible Really Says About Grace vs. Law — Galatians Chapter 2