If someone places their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, does it still matter whether or not they keep God’s Ten Commandments? It’s a reasonable question in light of verses stating salvation comes through grace rather than works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This article provides the biblical evidence that while commandment-keeping can’t secure salvation, obedience remains crucial for followers of Christ.
The Vital Role of God’s Law
In both Old and New Testaments, Scripture upholds the enduring importance of God’s “law of liberty” (Psalm 119:44-45, James 1:25). Notice how the biblical authors inspire delight – not dread – in God’s instructions:
- “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” (Psalm 19:7)
- “Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)
- “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
These passages reveal that obedience flows from love rather than legalism. What Jesus accomplishes for us never nullifies how the law guides us.
The Ten Commandments: God’s Moral Code
The Ten Commandments constitute the ethical foundation of God’s Word, revealing His perfect standards for human thought and behavior.
Exodus 20 provides God’s direct quote of the 10 guidelines for thriving within relationships with Him and others. The first four laws focus on connecting intimately with our Creator. The final six govern nurturing community.
Salvation Comes Through Grace
The gospel confirms that no one merits salvation bydeeds like commandment-keeping. Mere rule-following can’t undo past wrongs or achieve sinlessness now.
- “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” (Titus 3:5)
- “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
So obedience plays no role in justifying us before God. Righteousness is imputed – not achieved – through trusting in Christ’s finished work.
Commandment-Keeping: Evidence of Salvation
Does this erase the importance of obedience for Christ-followers? Absolutely not! While the Ten Commandments can’t secure salvation, they remain binding as the lifestyle of those saved by grace through faith.
Notice how Scripture stresses the obedience that inevitably results from genuine conversion:
- “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” (1 John 5:3)
- “Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” (1 John 2:4-5)
In other words, Christians filled with God’s love through the indwelling Holy Spirit naturally bear the fruit of obedience. Though far from sinless perfection, they increasingly manifest Christlike character as evidence of salvation.
Blessings for Those Who Obey
Not only do Christ-followers keep God’s commands in response to lavish grace – Scripture urges obedience to keep experiencing that grace!
Notice the conditional blessing attached to heeding God’s guidelines:
- “Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:18)
- “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days.” (Deuteronomy 5:33)
While forgiveness never depends on merit, the joy of intimacy with Jesus does hinge on submission to His loving leadership.
Our Flawed Obedience Points to Christ
Even Spirit-empowered obedience always falls short of God’s flawless standards. But Jesus lived that perfect law-keeping life on our behalf so God could declare us righteous!
So rather than erasing the commandments’ relevance, the gospel magnifies their purpose – driving us to desperately depend on Christ as Savior and His Spirit as enabler of obedience.
May we cherish the instructions that show us how to love God and others while anchoring all hope in grace alone. The Spirit then awakens true delight in walking the way of liberation found in God’s commands.
Relevant Scripture
These additional verses affirm the integral connection between salvation, love and obedience for believers:
- “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
- “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
- “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezekiel 36:27)
I pray this overview encourages you to wholeheartedly embrace every dimension of the abundant life Christ earned for you! May deep gladness in Him compel your steps to align with the Father’s precepts each day through the Spirit’s power.
