10 Commandments FAQ | What Do They Mean for Christians for Today?
The Ten Commandments are some of the most familiar words in the Bible—and also some of the most misunderstood. Are they still relevant today? Are they just rules? How do they relate to grace?
This page answers common questions about the Ten Commandments and helps you understand how God’s law leads us to Christ and shapes our lives as His people.
What are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are God’s moral law, given in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. They summarize how we are to love God and love our neighbor.
They reflect God’s character and show us what a faithful life looks like.
Are the Ten Commandments still relevant today?
Yes.
They express God’s unchanging moral will. Jesus affirmed them and showed their full depth.
As Christians, we are not saved by keeping them—but we are called to live in light of them. Watch the sermon.
Do the Ten Commandments save us?
No.
The law shows us our sin—it doesn’t remove it. It reveals how far we fall short of God’s standard.
The law points us to Christ, who fulfills what we could never do.
Why did God give the law if it can’t save us?
The law shows us who God is, who we are, and how we are to live.
It prepares us for grace and guides us in it. Watch the sermon.
What does “You shall have no other gods before me” mean?
This command calls for exclusive worship—no rivals, no divided loyalty.
Anything that takes God’s place becomes a false god. Watch the sermon.
What counts as idolatry today?
Idolatry is anything we trust, love, or depend on more than God.
Modern idols often include success, control, security, or approval.
What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain?
It includes careless speech, irreverence, or claiming God’s name while living contrary to Him.
God’s name represents His character, so we honor it in both word and life. Watch the sermon.
Do Christians still need to keep the Sabbath?
The principle of Sabbath—rest and worship—remains, though fulfilled in Christ.
Christians gather on the Lord’s Day and find their rest in Him. Watch the sermon.
What does it mean to honor your father and mother?
It means recognizing God-given authority with respect, obedience (for children), and care (for adults).
It extends to how we relate to authority more broadly.
Does “You shall not murder” only apply to physical killing?
No.
Jesus teaches that anger and hatred also violate this command.
God cares about the heart behind our actions. Watch the sermon.
What does the command against adultery really include?
It includes more than physical unfaithfulness—lust also violates this command.
God’s design for sexuality is faithful, covenantal, and pure.
What does it mean to steal?
Stealing includes dishonesty, cheating, and withholding what is right.
This command calls us to integrity and generosity.
What does it mean to bear false witness?
It includes lying, gossip, slander, and twisting the truth.
God calls His people to be people of truth.
What is coveting?
Coveting is a restless desire for what God has not given you.
It reveals the condition of the heart and often leads to other sins.
How do the Ten Commandments point us to Christ?
The commandments show us God’s standard—and our failure to meet it.
Jesus perfectly obeyed the law and bore the penalty for our sin.
The law leads us to the gospel. Watch the sermon.
Continue Learning the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments are not just rules—they reveal who God is and how we are called to live as His people.
If you’d like to go deeper, you can explore the full sermon series or begin learning and memorizing the commandments for yourself.
▶ Explore the God Spoke Sermon Series
👉 https://www.edgertonfrc.org/god-spoke-the-ten-commandments
▶ Learn and Memorize the Commandments
👉 https://knowthe10.com