The Heidelberg & the 10 Commandments

Many Christians wonder how the 10 commandments apply to them. That's a big question, and we aren't really going to address it right here right now. We do though want to think (with the Heidelberg) about a related question. The question we're pondering is: "Why would God give Israel the 10 commandments, if He knew they couldn't (and wouldn't) obey them?" Is God just a ogre, giving His creatures more heavy loads than they can carry?


The Heidelberg Catechism wrestles with these questions in Question # 115.

Q115: Why [assuming no one can keep the ten commandments], then does God so strictly enjoin upon us the ten commandments, since in this life no one can keep them?

A. First, that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. Second, that we may be zealous for good deeds and constantly pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that He may more and more renew us after God's image, until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.

Why does God require His children to obey the 10 commandments... that we may know of our sinfulness. It wouldn't be a bad habit to everyday read the 10 commandments and meditate on how far we fall short of God's perfect standard. We were created display His glory in our lives, and the 10 commandments show us how we "fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). We need the 10 commandments (and all of God's law) to show us our rebellion. Why does God require His children to obey the 10 commandments... that they may run to Him for forgiveness in Christ AND righteousness in Christ. The 10 commandments remind us that we can never match up to God's standard. We are never going to be righteous enough. We need an "alien" righteousness. We need a righteous substitute to take the wrath of God we deserve and in whom/through whom we too can be righteous (1 Cor 5:21). The 10 commandments point us to Jesus Christ - the perfect substitute. Lastly the 10 commandments drive us to beg God for the grace needed to pursue holiness. Christians ought to seek daily to be more conformed to the image of Christ. The 10 commandments give us a good summary of what Christlikeness looks like. Jesus always worshiped God alone. Jesus never worshiped idols. Jesus never took God's name in vain, etc. The commandments should cause the Christian to fervently pray for more grace, and then encourage the Christian to work hard to put off old habits of thinking and acting and put on new. The commandments remind us that we are to be "zealous for good works" (Titus 3:14).