In Exodus 20:1-17 is a section which in many Bibles is headed The Ten Commandments. That heading is something slipped in by the printer and not part of scripture although in Exodus 34:28 the phrase The Ten Commandments is used synonymously with the phrase The Words of the Covenent.
However, today I was reminded that in Christ (Matthew 5:17) this Exodus 20 passage can be read as the 10 promises fulfilled in Christ. Promises that will characterise my life in Christ. A promise all those born again, born from above, baptised in the Spirit, bearing fruit of the Spirit will inherit. Not commands I have to strive to achieve, but fruit that will grow as a natural consequence of being in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Ten Commandments can be paraphrased as the following God's Ten Promises:
- You do not have to live in constant disappointment anymore.
- You can be free from rituals and religion and trust in a relationship.
- You can trust in a Name that is above every Name.
- You can rest.
- Your family does not have to fall apart.
- You do not have to live in a constant state of anger because you will be motivated by love and not hate.
- You do not have to live a life dominated by the guilt, pain and shame associated with sexual sin.
- I will provide.
- You do not have to pretend.
- I will be enough.