Ephesians 2:14,15
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace”.
I want to focus on what it means that He abolished in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. Paul talks about the law in Romans 7:10, "and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me". God knew this would happen, but Israel had to live with the law so the problem of sin and payment would be highlighted.
The law made a relationship with God possible, but it was distant, awkward and temporary. Jesus came and paid for sin with His life. We now are rid of the law when it comes to the sacrificial system and relating to God.
What's not abolished is the Ten Commandments. This points out that there were two laws, the Ten Commandments and the sacrificial system. They had two different purposes. The sacrificial system was a temporary method of dealing with sin so God and His people could have a relationship. The Ten Commandments are God's rules for everyone here on earth.
As we review some of those commandments, it will make sense. "I am the Lord, thy God, You will have none before Me." That still stands. Idolatry is something everyone wrestles with. In some cultures there are actual idols, but with most idolatry is an interest or passion that has taken first place in our lives. This interest could be good in itself, but because it has replaced God it becomes evil.
The Ten Commandments are still in effect today. We will break some. It doesn't mean we have lost our salvation. We would need to repent and receive His forgiveness. They are a group of rules God has given that remain.
These commands are good for us individually. By them being present is an ever present reminder of God. Four of them are about God. Have no God's before me, do not have idols, go to church, don't use His name in vain. Whenever we brush up against violating any, we are reminded by them.
The commandments are good for society. Six of them deal with our relationship to others. Do not covet your neighbors goods, do not covet your neighbors wife, so not steal, do not bear false witness against our neighbor, don't murder and honor your mother and father. Most crimes could fit under these categories.
Families would be much healthier with these commands. Many of them apply to it: the couple being faithful to one another, no one steals from the other, bear no false witness against a sibling and honor the parents. The New Testament tells parents not to exasperate their children. This could fit under stealing their dignity.
Jesus raised the bar in keeping commandments. They don't have to be broken for them to be broken. It could be transgressed in one's heart. In Matthew 5, He compares being angry with one's brother is close to murdering him.
Jesus goes back a step and begins to examine our hearts. This is our thought life. God knows our thoughts and cares about them (Hebrews 4:13). We tend to go straight to guilt. But God cares for us and wants to help us with our thoughts, worries and concerns.
These commandments are good for society. Government addresses authority. People agree upon a set of laws to be accountable to. Being part of a family brings authority into the house. Children are accountable to their parents. What the commandments do is make everyone accountable before God. If all of us followed them, many of the laws wouldn't be broken. Atleast less frequently. Authority is brought down to the individual.
God, thank You for the Ten Commandments. They help us in our relationship with You and with others. They also bring order to our world. You enter our hearts and give us that accountability. Help us to have that open relationship with You. Thank You for being so caring with all of that.