FAQs Monday: How Do the Ten Commandments Begin?

Last week, we answered the question: "Where can we find a summary of the moral law?".  This week, we will begin an in-depth look at that summary, the Ten Commandments.  We'll start by looking at the preface.

What is the preface to the Ten Commandments?

The preface to the Ten Commandments is, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Exod. 20:2).

 What does the preface of the Ten Commandments teach us?

 The preface of the Ten Commandments teaches us because God is the LORD, and our gracious Redeemer, his commands are for our good and he does not will for us to depend on ourselves in keeping them, but to trust his grace and power.  It is written,

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? . . .  Circumcise therefore the foreskin of you heart, and be no longer stubborn" (Deut. 10:12-13, 16).

Deuteronomy 30:6 states, "And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live."

Summary

The preface of the Ten Commandments reminds us that the Lord our God has delivered us from bondage.  By his grace he delivers his people from bondage, both physical and spiritual.  These commandments are not meant to enslave his people, but to liberate them to live in a way that pleases him.  Next week, we will answer the question: "What is the first commandment?".