Biblical Law & Ethics (Class 02)

Class Notes:

Introduction to Biblical Law and Ethics

Class 02: The Ten Commandments

Why Are the Ten Commandments Important? 

The Ten Commandments are widely viewed as a summary of God’s moral law—a foundation for ethics, justice, and personal conduct.

PART 1: Universal Moral Principles:
The commandments reflect God’s holy nature. Jesus summarized the law as:

• Love God (1st–4th commandments)
• Love Neighbor (5th–10th commandments) See: Matthew 22:37–40

The Ten Commandments are the covenant document between God and Israel:

• Exodus 34:28: “The Ten Commandments” = “the words of the covenant”
• Deuteronomy 4:13, 9:10–11: Written by God on tablets of stone
• Hebrews 9:4: Placed in the Ark of the Covenant

PART 2: The Sabbath Commandment: Eternal or Temporary?

Key Question: Is the Sabbath an eternal moral law?

• Some believe the Sabbath was given creation (thus becoming a “Creation Ordinance” similar to marriage). 
• The Sabbath is not described in practice prior to Exodus 16:22-30 in conjunction with the giving of manna. 

Things to Consider: 

• The Sabbath is given at Sinai as a sign of the Mosaic Covenant — See: Exodus 31:13–17, Nehemiah 9:13–14
• No New Testament command to observe the Sabbath
• Sabbath-breaking not listed among NT sins
• The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to rest in Christ — See: Colossians 2:16–17

Analogy: Just as circumcision gave way to baptism, and Passover to the Lord’s Supper, the Sabbath gives way to the Lord’s Day under the New Covenant.

PART 3: Continuity vs. Discontinuity

• The Ten Commandments continue as moral truths, not as covenant law.
• The law is now written on the heart — See: Jeremiah 31:33
• Moral commands like murder, theft, and adultery remain binding.

Conclusion:
The Ten Commandments are a summary of eternal moral principles rooted in God’s character—but they must be interpreted through the lens of covenantal fulfillment in Christ.

Key Verse to Reflect On: “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” — Colossians 2:17