Introduction.

God has created and sustained the universe with hundreds of billions of galaxies, each consisting of hundreds of millions of stars. Every movement of celestial bodies within these galaxies adheres to the laws of physics and chemistry. From the forces that bind atomic nuclei to the principles that govern these great star systems, God’s laws regulate everything. From the fullness of the earth to the vastness of space, from the breathtaking beauty of the creation to the minds that can comprehend it, all testify to God’s majesty and boundless creative forethought.

The brilliant scientist Albert Einstein observed the order, laws and forethought that God put into His creation. While he doubted the Bible’s authority, he was convinced of the existence of a superior intelligence at work in the universe. Einstein believed there was a “god” who is revealed in the order and harmony of what existed. He was amazed at the harmony of natural laws, which revealed an intelligence of such superiority that the collective thinking of human beings was utterly insignificant (from Out of My Later Years, 1950).

The physical creation of Earth and the universe reflects order due to perfect interaction, balance and harmony with natural laws. Likewise, there exist spiritual laws, which, if obeyed, would ensure peace, harmony and fulfilment among men and nations. But the masses have not understood those laws.

God has allowed humanity to exercise free moral agency. After having violated God’s spiritual laws throughout the course of human history, man will be forced to realize and appreciate that God’s ways infinitely exceed his own. Six thousand years of agony stand in stark testimony to man’s track record in living contrary to the laws of God, set in motion for man’s own good.

The Ultimate Standard

The Ten Commandments are the core of the laws of God. Many scriptures expand upon them, and in great detail. God’s commands are the universal standard that enables us to know when we are on course and when we have drifted from it.

The Bible—which defines every crucial principle and law governing life—is the standard in directing our paths. Psalm 119:9 states, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Your word.” Psa 119:105 adds, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Throughout history, navigators sailing the high seas have used the Big Dipper to locate the North Star. Once located, it revealed their orientation and heading. Other navigational instruments provided more details and assistance. In the same way, the Ten Commandments are the standard by which all human beings establish and maintain their bearing. They define the boundaries that people require in order to build and develop godly character.

Law Like No Other

But the Law of God is much more than a navigational instrument, and the Old Testament presents many verses with God’s view of a Law that many believe to have become null and void in the New Testament “dispensation.” Let’s look at just a few passages, and as you read them ask yourself if they sound like a law that God would later render obsolete—one kept for people—fulfilled on their behalf by Christ—as many so willingly believe.

First, also consider Psa 119:172 in which the psalmist recorded, “For all Your commandments are righteousness.” Psa 119:18 adds this: “Open you mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

Now notice these almost never-mentioned statements of David in Psalm 19:1-14: “The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting[restoring] the soul” (Psa 19:7) and “the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psa 19:8).

How can anyone think that God would discard such a marvellous law? Those who believe the law is “done away,” or “nailed to the cross,” have a great deal of trouble trying to explain why God would abandon a law described in such glowing terms. The problem of “spiritualizing away” God’s Law grows even more difficult when one considers just a few other statements.

For instance, let’s place a couple of passages side by side, the first from the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon concluded twelve fascinating, insightful chapters about life with what is of central importance for every human being: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole…man” (Ec 12:13). Ask: Recognizing this could only be referencing the Ten Commandments because it is recorded in the Old Testament, how could such a powerful, comprehensive and conclusive statement no longer have application? Notice that the very next verse warns, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ec 12:14).

Why, with such obvious connection to the Law of God in context, are not more people concerned with such sobering warnings?

Now look at an almost identical statement to Solomon’s, reflecting what God wished from—and for—His people, the nation of Israel: “O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!” (Deut. 5:29).

Now further ask: Why do not more Bible students recognize the seriousness of what is recorded in Proverbs 28:9?: “He that turns away his ear from hearing the law [again, this can only be referencing the Ten Commandments], even his prayer shall be abomination.” This is a most serious statement.

Many other passages could be added to this briefest of lists. (A chapter near the end of the book will look closely at various New Testament scriptures about law and sin.) Like the physical laws governing the universe, making all things run smoothly, the Ten Commandments are laws that govern a Christian’s life, producing the true peace, real happiness, and ultimate success that all seek.