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Lesson 15 The Law of God: the Ten Commandments (continued) Lord's Days 39 - 44 The six commandments of the second table Introduction Love Thy Neighbor On the second table are the six commandments which tell us how to associate with our neighbor. The Lord Jesus summarized them with the command, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39). These commandments can only be kept when love to our neighbor rules our thoughts, will and deeds. We do not possess this love of ourselves, but the Holy Spirit works this in the hearts of regenerated ones. It is an affectionate thankfulness for the deliverance received through Christ. Six commandments The first commandment of the second table is the commandment to love our parents. Then follows the commandments against killing, committing adultery, stealing, bearing false witness or slandering, and coveting the wife or possessions of our neighbor. The last commandment actually is the most extensive and at the same time intensifies the prior commandments. It not only makes it clear that the deed can be sinful, but that the root of evil lies in the sinful desires of our heart. Forbidden and commanded These commandments are not troublesome prohibitions, but in the first place are good commandments. They apply to all people and they reveal God's good care for all His creatures. In these commandments, protection is commanded for all of society: the protection of the social order by maintaining all forms of authority, the protection of marriage and the family, the protection of our lives, our possessions, and our good name; indeed, even the protection of our heart as the spiritual center of our deeds, words, thoughts, and desires: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). Lord's Day 39
Q. 104. What doth God require in the fifth commandment?
(a) Ephesians 6:1,2,5, Colossians 3:18,20,22, Ephesians 5:22, Proverbs 1:8, 4:1, 15:20, 20:20, Exodus 21:17, Romans 13:1; Honoring parents A commandment which is most closely involved with our natural inclinations is the commandment to honor, love, and show fidelity to our parents. There is a natural bond of affection between parents and children. In a family where love prevails, the children are educated to be good citizens of society. Honor How and why must we honor our parents? We must honor our parents as persons who are above us and are entitled to our respect, for God has given them authority over us and they represent God's authority over us. It pleases God to rule us by them. Parental authority, when exercised properly, benefits us greatly. In honoring them, we learn to honor God. When they teach us to listen with respect to them, to obey them, and to treat our potential brothers and sisters with respect, they also teach us how we should later on associate with proper respect with our superiors and equals. Therefore our parents are also worthy of our honor. This honor is not only evidenced by obedience, because obedience can still be by compulsion and performed with aversion. It also reveals itself in the way we speak to them and about them. The honoring of our parents will show in our entire attitude to them. Love However, God demands more. God also demands that we love our parents. In creation He gave us the command to love. This command has also remained after the fall. Then should we not in the first place love our parents, who have done so much for us? What a blessed family it is where love is present. There the Lord commands His blessing. The family is rightly called the cornerstone of a good society. Conversely, many wrongdoings and crimes, committed by adults, can be traced back to a bad family situation in their youth! Obedience The Lord requires us to submit ourselves obediently to the good instruction of our parents and all those who are set over us. Good instruction means that parents must teach their children what God requires of us in His holy law. We must submit ourselves to this instruction: we must do that which our parents ask of us on the basis of God's law. Conversely, this command therefore also requires much from parents: they must guide their children in a way that they are able to show respect, love, and fidelity. Parents who require blind obedience bring their children up as fearful creatures who, later in life, rather abruptly break with the oppressing restrictions of their homes. The true service of the Lord is a labor of love, and this parents must impress upon their children. To this end, with the help and blessing of the Lord, they must bring up their children. We should fully realize that the impression which children obtain from their parents, especially from their father, influences the impression which they gradually develop of God. We must submit ourselves with proper and suitable obedience to our parents; however, there is a limit to the obedience which is due to our parents. We may never obey our parents when they want to enforce views or behaviors which are inconsistent with the Word of God; and we may not follow their wrong example. This does not mean that children are not to obey their parents when their parents require what they, being children, find to be wrong. This is only the case if parents require something that clearly and directly goes against God's commandment. The very worst situation is when a parent sexually abuses a child. This happens, regrettably, sometimes even with an appeal to the obedience which God requires of children. Then children are severely damaged for the rest of their lives. And worse yet, the image that children visualize of God as Father can be damaged by it. Punishment Parents have the right and even the duty to punish their children when they are disobedient. We must also submit ourselves to such punishment. If it is proper punishment, it is to our benefit: "The rod and reproof give wisdom" (Proverbs 29:15). It concerns proper punishment: punishment which is meted out in love serves for improvement. There can also be wrong punishment, which stems only from anger and envy. Then punishment becomes aligned with aggression. Aggression only worsens the situation and the behavior of children. The Lord says, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Fidelity and parental shortcomings Fidelity is still higher than honor and love. Fidelity has the connotation of perseverance. Also when honor and love are no longer naturally present, we must show fidelity to our parents by maintaining contact with them, by helping them when needed, and by listening to their good advice. Fidelity towards our parents shows especially when, for whatever reason, it costs inner struggles to have a good attitude towards our parents. For instance, this may be when they appear to be moody and crabby, or when we ourselves become adults and discover more and more shortcomings in our parents. It can also be when they, for whatever reason, do not treat us well, or when they have become old and infirm so that they, from their side, cannot offer us much any more, or if they because of dementia cannot respond to our love anymore. Then we should bear with them and have patience with their shortcomings and weaknesses, because we are also people with shortcomings and weaknesses, but particularly because also ailing parents are set over us by God. Also here it must be said that only grace can bring us to that true love, which this commandment demands of us. He, who is in the Lord, that is, through a lively faith is united with Him in love, receives strength for this. Paul wrote, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right" (Ephesians 6:1). Authority in society and marriage Any form of social life, in the family, church, and society, rests on three fundamentals: honor, love, and fidelity. The honor, love, and fidelity which we owe to our parents, are also due to everyone whom the Lord has set over us in all aspects of authority. Authority is acquired from derived from whom or what is behind us. God stands behind our parents, but also behind other persons of authority, in school or in society. We read that Paul said, "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). In our early childhood years, only our parents (and grandparents, for instance) are set over us. However, as we grow up, according to God's plan, part of our parental authority is taken over by others. God has set them over us, even if they are hard masters. This applies to all social relationships, such as in schools, at work, in the political realm. This commandment applies also to the relationship between husband and wife in marriage: the woman is obliged to submit herself respectfully to her husband (Colossians 3:18). Society will fall into disorder if good relations with authority are lacking. We will then see external and internal chaos instead of good order, which is a requirement for a healthy society. To mention just one real example, this also means that we have to strictly obey the laws and rules of a non-christian government, for instance, in regard to traffic laws and in paying taxes. The duty of those in authority It can be said of all persons having authority that they should exercise their authority in the context of the general commandment of love to their neighbor. They are obliged to deal justly with all those who are set under them, and in the event of need, to offer good help. Parents and teachers must do so to children and young people, employers must do so to employees, and the governments must do so to its subjects. Men are also required to love their wives and to surround them with tender care. Each person having authority must realize that he or she is accountable to God for the performance of their authority. The blessing of obedience The Lord declares that the honoring of parents is such a fundamental and important commandment that He promises a long life in His favor as a reward upon obedience of this commandment. Therefore Paul said, "Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:2-3). There is much blessing resting upon obeying this commandment. What is promised here does not mean that an early death gives proof that the person did not keep God's commandment: an early death in the Lord is a far greater blessing!
Q. 105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?
(a) Matthew 5:21-22, 26:52, Genesis 9:6; To love our neighbor The contents of the sixth commandment requires little explanation. The words of explanation in the Catechism are very clear. In this commandment God protects the life of our neighbor. Why? It is because man was created after God's image. First of all it must be repeated that the neighbor is not only a family member or somebody with whom we are friendly, but is every person with whom we come in contact. It is even those who are hostile towards us or behave in enmity against us. Christ has said so plainly, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Further, it should be emphatically pointed out that not only wrongdoing toward our neighbor is here condemned, but also angry gestures and words, and even malicious thoughts. These are the thoughts, words, and gestures which so often proceed from hatred, malice, and jealousy. Here the word of the psalmist is certainly applicable: "Thy commandment is exceeding broad" (Psalm 119:96). Would it ever happen in our lives that there is not a single hour that we do not sin against this commandment? Also when we in thought wish the death of our neighbor, this is murder in the sight of God! It could very well happen, that we, rightly or wrongly, become angry with someone. However, Paul said, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26). What is man? He, who by the light of God's Spirit, recognizes the reality of his heart will acknowledge how foul and unholy his heart is. The true image of man is pictured for us by Paul: "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known" (Romans 3:13-17). And this is the picture of each person, although, for us, blinded as we are because of self-love, this is difficult to acknowledge. It is especially applicable here that God in His goodness restrains evil. He still restrains many from harming others to a serious degree. Would He not do this, society would totally disintegrate. We can see this sometimes in an individual or in people to whom God gives, as it were, free rein. Then it is possible that people, who before were decent and right-minded, can at times become worse than animals. We daily see and hear examples of this in the life of individuals and of entire communities. To this restraint belongs the God-given authority of the government to punish. Paul wrote, "For he (the government) is the minister of God to thee for good" (Romans 13:4). The government must, if needs be, punish with the sword, that is, with the death penalty. Murder and intentional manslaughter must, according to God's ordinances, be punished with the death penalty. After the flood, at the beginning of the new human race, God told Noah that which is applicable for the entire human race, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man" (Genesis 9:6). The new man In principle, we will again obey the sixth commandment when we in conversion put off the old man and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). Then we look onto Christ, "who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:22 -23). Christ desires to strengthen us in the battle, because we must often engage in a bitter struggle against ourselves. We are called to cast off all vengeance. We must even banish all desire for vengeance out of our heart when someone has ill-treated us. People can - sometimes for years, yes, even for their entire life - be consumed by revengeful thoughts. What a blessing when God sets one free from such a distressing snare. This does not mean that the wrong somebody inflicts on us or on somebody else should not be punished. However, then we give it over to those who are called and authorized to punish. Then we also give it over to God. Paul admonishes, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19). We may not do any harm to our neighbor. This also clearly means that we should refrain from all hateful remarks and bad treatments of foreigners, for they also are our neighbors, who were created after God's image, even though they may perhaps serve other gods. Harming ourselves The Lord forbids also the harm we can do to ourselves. I may not injure or do damage to myself, by an unhealthy lifestyle, which shortens our life: overeating, smoking, use of drugs, or drinking too much alcohol. We can do this also by reckless dealings in our work or in traffic, or by inflicting injuries to ourselves and by suicide, because also then we violate the image of God. Abortion and euthanasia This prohibition also includes abortion and euthanasia. God gave each one of us the spirit of life. He is the "God of the spirits of all flesh" (Numbers 16:22). Only He is authorized to take back this spirit. Abortion is murder forbidden by God. The child in the mother's womb is a living, although yet unborn creature, to whom God gave the spirit of life. While expecting the birth of John the Baptist, Elizabeth said to Mary, the future mother of Jesus, "For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy" (Luke 1:44). Naturally, we may and must try to alleviate or to take away suffering through palliative medical care. However, relief from suffering by euthanasia is never a deed of charity. God's children will desire to bear the suffering, since it is never worse than the suffering of their Master, Christ. Moreover, God is able, by His grace, to miraculously relieve the suffering when He gives a foretaste of the salvation that is awaiting them. For those who are not a child of God, euthanasia is never a deliverance from suffering. On the contrary! A worse suffering will follow in hell!
Q. 106. But this commandment seems only to speak of murder?
(a) Ecclesiastes 14:30, Romans 1:29; Gestures, words, and thoughts The explanation of the Catechism raises an objection. Does not the commandment speaks only about murder? Does it then not go too far by also condemning all malicious gestures, words, and even thoughts? The answer is short and clear: these gestures, words, and thoughts stem from envy, hatred, wrath, and revenge, and these are the root of manslaughter. Murder issues forth from these evils. Therefore they are put on the same level as murder. It is the same evil. Only one goes further than the other. What is the beginning of murder? How did it begin with the first murderer, Cain? An evil, envious thought arose in Cain's heart when he saw that God accepted the offering of his brother, but not his offering. That thought drove him to murder his brother (Genesis 4). We think of the Lord Jesus, who in his sermon on the mount said, "Whosoever shall say to his brother, (бн) Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire" (Matthew 5:22). God, in His goodness, warns us against envy and hatred in the heart. He said to Cain, who was envious of his brother Abel and therefore wanted to slay him, "Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door" (Genesis 4:6-7).
Q. 107. But is it enough that we do not kill any man in the manner
mentioned above?
(a) Matthew 22:39, 7:12, Romans 12:10; The demand to love God's command is first of all positive: it demands love. God asks us in His commandment to love our neighbor. Therefore in the sixth commandment we also are called to do good to our neighbor, as much as we are able. To do this, a loving disposition is necessary. This will become evident by showing patience, peacefulness, meekness, and all friendliness. These are Christian virtues. Many people laugh at these virtues. Then you are not hard enough and you will perish in this cruel world. You have to stand up for yourself, for someone else will not do that for you. Charity begins at home. If you are too meek, you are unworldly and do not fit in this modern world. Then you will soon be trampled underfoot. However, the Lord Jesus said in the sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). That means all the earth. Hard-hearted people can, in this life, sometimes through force of word and deed gather a lot of money, power, and respect, but at the end, if they do not repent, God will cast them, into eternal damnation. The meek will inherit the new earth. Meekness Meekness is not a weak kind-heartedness and spinelessness or cowardliness, which always stays clear of difficulties. Meekness is proof of a good disposition toward our fellow man. It manifests itself first of all in being able to endure injustice that has been inflicted on us. A meek person does not fight for himself, but suffers for Christ's sake, "Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself" (Hebrews 12:3). Meekness and forbearance go together. Paul said, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1-2). Meekness is not the same as the much vaunted tolerance. Many people who argue in favor of tolerance say that everybody should know for himself what he wants to do or say. However, this very often does not stem from love for one's neighbor, but from indifference for the well-being of his neighbor. Love must be in evidence The good disposition which is required of us must also be shown in deeds. Wherever we are able, we must do well to our neighbor, and also our enemies. We must help them and support them by word and deed in order to assist them in all things which are truly good for them according to God's law. We may also not be indifferent towards them if something evil comes upon them or threatens them. We must, if at all possible, help to avert anything that could inflict damage on them. This is at odds with the egoism and individualism of the modern Western society. There we can see to what the abandonment of God's good commandments lead: many are victims of that individualism and live a cold and lonely life. Happily there also are still many people who through God's goodness feel the call to offer help to their neighbor in need, whether close by or far away. This shows the blessing of this commandment. Lord's Day 41
Q. 108. What doth the seventh commandment teach us?
(a) Leviticus 18:28;
Holy matrimony In a good marriage, love between man and wife can grow to a very rich and tender meaning. That is a wonderful comfort in all the difficulties of life. God repeatedly and correctly uses marriage as a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. The Song of Solomon, from the Old Testament, describes married life, also in the affectionate and tender physical communion of man and wife, with a view of the affectionate relationship between God and His people. Paul wrote, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mistery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5: 31-32). And to John on Patmos heavenly bliss is described as the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). On the other hand, God compares unfaithful desertion of Him and the serving of idols to adultery and fornication (Jeremiah 3:1). These pictures clearly show how highly God esteems marriage. The Catechism therefore speaks appropriately of holy wedlock. This holiness applies to everything pertaining to man and wife living together in their family. The family ought to be holy; that is, to be kept separated from sin. But this holiness extends itself also to living together intimately. Paul said, "Marriage is honorable (this means virtuous) in all, and the bed undefiled." (Hebrews 13:4). Sanctified by prayer, the marital union can be enjoyed as an expression of deepest mutual love, as a tender, holy gift of God. Sexuality as such is a holy gift of God, who created man as male and female, also in their physical distinction: "Male and female created He them" (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, marriage is called an institution of creation. Marriage threatened Marriage is being threatened. By what? First of all, by all forms of indecency. The images mentioned in the books of Jeremiah and of Revelation make it clear that adultery is a very serious sin, which leads to much disruption. Therefore God in His holy law has condemned adultery as a violation of the married state. With this we must not think only of the act of adultery. Christ said: "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). Therefore God condemns all uncleanness in thoughts, words, gestures, and deeds. We must be enemies of this sin and are called to live in a chaste and modest manner. This chastity or modesty does not mean prudishness, where all thoughts and talk about sexuality are unmentionable or forbidden. No, the word "chaste" or "modest" is an indication of a pure, clean life, also in the enjoyment of love, after the principle of God's law. The physical aspect in marriage The intimate, affectionate union of man and wife is, according to God's institution, only allowed within the marriage state of husband and wife: "Thy desire shall be to thy husband" (Genesis 3:16). All other forms of sexual expression are thereby condemned as sin against God's law. This applies to all sexual relations before marriage and outside of marriage, as well as sexual relations between men together or woman together. To the worst degeneration of the heathen people in Canaan were the extra-marital and homosexual relationships, which were even encouraged in worshipping their idol Astarte, the goddess of fertility, during their religious festivities in and around their temples. These abominable sins were a temptation for the people of Israel. Therefore God gave the command that all those people must be destroyed. The country was to be a holy country, in which the people of God must live holily, separated from sin and from the temptation to sin. Homophile and homosexuality Paul condemns all forms of homosexuality as a sign of complete degeneration in a culture in which God has been abandoned, a degeneration which has very serious consequences in regard to health. He even states that sins in this particular area are a punishment for abandoning God. The man who continues to refuse to serve Him, God delivers over to sin, with all its devastating results. Here we think of venereal diseases and, in our time, of AIDS. Paul writes: "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. (...) For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their woman did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet" (Romans 1:24, 26-27). In connection with this, it is necessary to point out the difference between homophile (feelings by which a person has an erotic attraction to for people of the same gender) and homosexuality (expressing these feelings in sinful deeds). The first situation could be a matter of disposition or the result of disorders in the psychical development; although it must also be said here that this development can be the result of the influence of a degenerate culture, which in the name of extreme tolerance accepts all manner of sin. God did not create man in this way: "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them" (Genesis 1:27). The homophile disposition is a serious psychical handicap, just as other psychical and bodily handicaps. It may not be viewed as a punishment upon a personal sin, but must be seen as a result of the fall in Paradise, by which the image of God has been violated. Each of us carries the scars of the fall in Paradise. The homophile and the heterosexual are called upon to fight against their sinful inclinations. Also in view of their situation, Christ says to them: "Take up the cross and follow Me" (Mark 10:21). He, who in faith, by grace, seeks refuge in the all-atoning blood of Christ and to the Spirit of God, who renews the heart, receives strength for this warfare.. For such a homophile, there is room in kingdom of God and one day he will be delivered from all his sinful inclinations and will again perfectly fulfill the image of God. However, in God's Kingdom, there is no room for the homophile and heterosexual who do not repent. Unchastity within marriage There can also be made mention of unchastity within married life. This happens when intimate marital intercourse is no longer an expression of a tender mutual love, but only serves to gratify one's own sexual lusts. It is a form of unchastity, not outside but inside of the marriage, which destroys many marriages, often without the outside world noticing that anything is wrong. The wife is then often the victim of her husband, who misuses his authority over his wife, which God gave him. Then this authority is not used to lovingly protect the woman as God commanded: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel" (1 Peter 3:7). The authority of the man over the woman is then being misused in an egoistic self-love and lust. What a hidden grief this can be, especially for many married women! Intercourse before marriage and cohabitation Intercourse before marriage is also in conflict with God's commandment. Marriage is a God-given form of social life which can only be dissolved by death. God wants to protect this marriage through His commandments. He wills that there be place only within marriage for the most tender and intimate communion between one man and one woman. This is not to take place within a relationship which can still be dissolved because there is not yet any sort of legal bond of matrimony which obligates to unbreakable faithfulness. Any form of living together before marriage is therefore also in conflict with God's law, even though the government sanctions this form of living together as being legal. God also protects marriage and marital bliss with this commandment. Christian sexual instruction Of great importance is Christian instruction where questions and problems in this area can be discussed in an open and honest way. Parents who are uncomfortable with this can make good use of Christian literature about the perception of sexuality. Reading this material together as parent and child can sometimes create an opportunity for good conversations. An upbringing is inadequate in which these questions and discussions are unmentionables. Forbidden fruit always tastes good. It titillates the senses to an unhealthy curiosity, that leads to seeking gratification in a way and through means which are not in accordance to God's holy law, such as: experimenting with one's own body in the form of self-gratification, sinful contacts, even in secret or open conversations with others and unwarranted literature. An open, honest, and healthy sexual instruction, in which God's Word and prayer together have a place, can prevent, with God's blessing, much sin and psychological damage. The same applies to the reading of Scripture, praying and open discussion together of young couples in the days of courting and engagement. By these means young couples can be strengthened in the struggle against sin and learn to wait for the time God gives them to express their most tender feelings in marital union. Celibacy The conception in the Roman Catholic church, which led to celibacy, the abstaining from marriage for the clergy (priests, nuns, and monks), is in conflict with Holy Scripture. This conception often led to very unhealthy situations and dangerous sexual excesses. The background of this was that there was an old heretical concept which infected the church: the concept that the sinfulness of man is particularly contained in the body with its physical lusts, which must be suppressed in order to deliver the soul. Also here we must repeat that sexuality as such is not a result of the fall, but it is a creation-gift from God, "Male and female created He them" (Genesis 1:27). It is a gift which is also given to those who are called to a spiritual office. This is shown by the fact that all the apostles except Paul were married and also that Paul said that it was permitted for him to take a wife, "Have we not the power to lead about a sister, a wife (this means: a sister in the Lord, a fellow-believer) as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?" (1 Corinthians 9:5). Dissolving of marriage Marriage can only be dissolved through death or adultery. Paul wrote, "The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:39). An illegal divorce and a second marriage after an illegal divorce are adultery and forbidden by God in the seventh commandment. However, sin also harmed marriage, so that a situation can arise where one of the married couple is not to blame for the divorce. where the other party committed adultery or where a man leaves his wife or a wife her husband because of the fact that the latter became a Christian and the first one refuses to live any longer with him or her. Then the adulterer and deserter is guilty and not the other, and therefore the non-guilty spouse is free to marry again. Paul says, "If any brother have a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which has an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. (...) But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases" (1 Corinthians 7: 12-13, 15). Marriage with an unbeliever If one of the two married persons becomes a Christian and the other remains a heathen, they are permitted to live together as a married couple. However, this does not imply that it is permissible to marry a non-Christian! In His Word, God says in no uncertain terms, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). As a motive for such a marriage, it is said that possibly in this way an unbeliever can be brought to conversion. However, then they underestimate the power of unbelief and they willingly and knowingly make themselves open for temptation to sin and unbelief. Practice also teaches that such marriages often fail or lead to apostasy. Paul said, "God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shallt save thy wife?" (1 Corinthians 7:15-16). The church may never an illegal marriage. She may also not confirm a marriage ecclesiastically that has been confirmed by the civil government but which is not allowed by Scripture. However, if such a marriage is nevertheless confirmed by the legal authorities, the church is not required (unless it is a same-sex marriage) to press for dissolution and renewal of the original marriage, because such a separation is also adultery. Then such a marriage must be acknowledged after confession of guilt is made.
Q. 109. Doth God forbid in this commandment, only adultery, and
such like gross sins?
(a) Ephesians 5:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:18-19; All impurity forbidden God judges us according to the principles of His holy law and not according to our principles, which are so often tarnished by sin. What we do not consider to be adultery, God can consider as adultery. Christ said, "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). God created us after His image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness (see Lord's Day 3). We lost that image by the fall, but it will be restored in Christ if we are washed in His blood and are renewed by the Holy Spirit. Then our soul and body will again become a temple of the Holy Ghost. Then He dwells in us, to lead us in the way of God's commandments and to protect us against sin. This also brings with it a responsibility: we are called to preserve body and soul, in which the Holy Spirit will live as in a temple, pure and holy, so that He also can live in there. Then we are called to refrain from sinful deeds and to strive against the sinful lusts in us, praying in faith for the power of the Holy Spirit. However, we must also refrain from and resist all sinful thoughts, words, and gestures. A lifelong struggle For a Christian this can mean a lifelong struggle. It is a difficult struggle, because the temptation from outside is so great, and because our own heart is still inclined to all sins, even after having received grace. Blessed Paul said, "I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me" (Romans 7:21). It is a strife which has defeats and victories. However, because of the latter, it is still a glorious strife, for the victory gained in God's strength gives peace and joy in the heart. "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man," said Paul (Romans 7:22). Defeat does not need to make us downhearted, but it should compel us to continually take refuge in the blood of Christ in order to seek forgiveness and righteousness in Him, and to pray for the grace of the Holy Ghost, who will renew the heart without ceasing. Holy baptism points out that we should not despair, nor continue in sin, because God seals His grace unto us in Holy baptism and promises His help through the Holy Spirit in whose Name we are also baptized. John writes, "And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous; and He is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1). A degenerate culture Many Christians live in a culture that is becoming more and more degenerate. The seventh commandment is being transgressed in so many ways. It is done by tolerating all sorts of sin, but also by an arousing to sin, for example, in the modern communication media, in movies, music, literature, dress, advertising, and all forms of recreation. And how many conversations in the workplace and in social settings are poisoned by filthy and lewd talk and suggestive humor. Paul said of this, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks" (Ephesians 5:3-4). The Christian is different and acts differently. He does not take part in the sinful excesses of the world. Resisting and fleeing from sin We are called to preserve our body and soul pure and holy as the temple of the Holy Ghost. This must be done passively, by refraining from sin. But this must also be done actively, by resisting sin. We must resist everything that can tempt us to sin. We must keep media and literature which entices us to sin out of our house. And, as much as possible, we must avoid company where God's commandments are transgressed in conversation. For example, this also means that it is not enough when we ourselves do not use obscene words. We must also refrain from secretly listening to others who do use them. Then we ought to admonish the other in love. We also may not entice others to sinful thoughts, lusts, or deeds, through dress, for instance. Our clothing may be elegant, but at the same time, it must be modest. Paul said, "That woman adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety" (1 Timothy 2:9). Shamefacedness means chaste or modest. A woman's attitude should be that she would be ashamed of herself if the way she dresses provokes others to lustful thoughts and desires. The Christian a stranger The commandment to resist sin and to refrain from everything that can tempt to sin, means a certain forbearance in diverse spheres of cultural and social life. The Christian is a stranger in this world, because he became a citizen of another country: a heavenly country. That will determine his conduct here on earth. Paul refers to this when he said, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). Being strangers and pilgrims on earth does not entail being poor or not developing one's abilities or talents. On the contrary, Christ has said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). God is not a stingy God, who does not want give us much to enjoy. He is a God, Paul said to his spiritual son Timothy, "Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). However, these gifts must be used in a holy way through the Word, which is to be obeyed by faith and by prayer. To Timothy, Paul said, "For every creature of God (this means: everything that has been created) is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer" (1Timothy 4:4-5). Not indulging in sinful pleasures can have very positive results: It can give time and opportunities for other meaningful and pleasurable activities - for instance, in recreation, music and literature, which truly can refresh and enrich body and spirit. Thus, a life without television offers many opportunities for which there is otherwise no time. And it offers the family many good opportunities for activities and conversations which stimulate mutual contact between family members. Fading boundaries In this context, the great danger must be noted with the use of alcohol. The use of alcohol often causes boundaries to fade, also the boundary between what is good and decent. The writer of Proverbs said, "Thine eyes shall behold strange woman, and thine heart shall utter perverse things" (Proverbs 23:33). In 1 Timothy 3:3, Paul said that we should "not be given to wine" and in Titus 2:3 that we should "not be given to much wine." To arm oneself against temptation We should not only resist temptation, but we must also arm ourselves against it. An excellent example of this, which calls us to imitate, was given us by Job. He did not tolerate anything that could entice him to sin. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" (Job 31:1). Love is the fulfilling of the law "Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law," said Paul (Romans 13:10). To obey all the commandments of God's holy law is for God's child not a burden, but a delight. Do we not do everything possible for somebody we truly love? What is more, God's child experiences that all these commandments are good commandments. Obeying them is for the good of ourselves and of our neighbor. It also produces peace and rest in the heart. Alas, some people seriously misuse the saying that love is the fulfilling of the law, for instance, by speaking well of a sinful relationship - be it homosexual or heterosexual - by saying that this resulted from mutual love. Because of this love, they consider this relationship acceptable. They forget, however, that feelings of love which are inconsistent with God's ordinances and commandments are sinful, no matter how tender and intimate. Ultimately, they seek the fulfillment of their own lusts and wants, not the fulfillment of God's holy law.
Q. 110. What doth God forbid in the eighth commandment?
(a) 1 Corinthians 6:10; All forms of theft forbidden In the eighth commandment, God forbids all forms of theft. God desires to protect our possessions through His good commandments. First of all, any form of theft and robbery which the authorities also punish is forbidden. Theft is still seen as illegal by most people, but this also includes all efforts by sinful methods to make ourselves richer at the expense of others. This is done sometimes under the appearance of right, for instance, if we, in going against what the law intended, make use of loopholes in the law. Honesty in business
In addition to theft, the above answer sums up a few dealings in doing business which are
forbidden:: - Unjust ells and measures: in earlier years, textiles were measured by the ell, and liquid substances by the liter, which all must have a legally prescribed length or capacity. However, often the ell was shortened, or liquid measures were used with less content, so that the buyer received less than that to which he was entitled. - Fraudulent merchandise: this is when we sell merchandise to a customer which is inferior, but tell the him that it is a good product, or when we, for instance, do not tell the customer about hidden faults of the product we want to sell to him. - False coins: coins were to have a certain prescribed amount of silver or gold or other metal, which gave the coin its value. But it often happened that coins of less weight were used, or of a different alloy, so that the buyer received less than that to which he was entitled. Paul said, "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such" (1 Thessalonians 4:6). - Usury: usury is also mentioned as a form of theft. In banking, but also in lending money to others, usury did and does occur, which is to ask more interest than what is reasonable. This happened especially when people had financial problems and had no other option but to borrow money from the usurer. Money may be borrowed, and interest asked for it, because the lender can also use that money to buy goods and make a profit. However, lending money to others may not only serve self-interest; it should also give the other a real chance to resolve his needs. This can also apply to unusually high rent. In old times, lending money was seen as a form of charity and charging interest was seen as making improper use of the need of others. The rich person who was able to lend money was looked upon as someone who was endowed by God with talents with which he could and must help his fellow man in time of need. In the Israel of the Old Testament, asking interest from their own people was forbidden: "Take thou no usury of him, or increase (interest): but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee" (Leviticus 25:36). They were only allowed to charge interest to strangers (merchants from other countries, for instance). Lending money was then seen as a business transaction. - We find this commandment of charity also in the New Testament, although there asking interest is not forbidden. In the sermon on the Mount, Christ pointed to the example of His heavenly Father, "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil" (Luke 6:35). The commandment to help our neighbor Paul urges the believer to work, "that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). The talents, also the talent to work, which we have received from God, we received to provide for ourselves and our family, but also to help our neighbor with what is left. This includes our neighbor within the congregation but also those outside and afar off. Paul said, "Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; being enriched in everything to all bountifulness" (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). Therefore all miserliness and greed is forbidden. We may freely make use of the goods given us, but we are not permitted to let our neighbor, whether close by or far away, who does not have enough to live reasonably, to suffer. The same applies to misuse and wastefulness of gifts we have been given. If we use the gifts God has given us solely for our own enjoyment, so that we are not able to adequately help others, we are misusing these gifts. James pronounces judgment over such a use of riches: "Your riches are corrupted" (James 5:2). Notably the Old Testament gives evidence of God's care for the poor by all kinds of rules and laws for society, which forbid extortion of the poor and employees, but which also sharply condemns the failure to help a neighbor in need. However, the New Testament also points out what we are required to do for our neighbor. Therefore in the first Christian congregations collections were taken on Sunday for the poor in their own congregation and those outside of the congregation. No stealing from the government or from employers In connection with the eighth commandment other forms of stealing must also be mentioned, which are detrimental to the government or our employer, such as an inaccurate report of our income and wealth for tax purposes; declarations of costs which we did not make; laziness in the work we are to do or wasting of working hours by talking and telephone conversations without any concern for our employer; a reporting of hours worked in excess of those we actually worked; the unlawful use of facilities which the employer extended to us; and stealing of the goods of our employer. Unlawful self-enrichment Also to be mentioned here as a form of theft is unlawful self-enrichment, which at times involves great risks: pursuing financial gain by participating in pyramid games, lotteries, and the like. We are allowed to increase our possessions in a lawful way, but on the other hand we must be content with what we received. Christ said in the sermon on the Mount, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,... for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). The true treasure is the knowledge and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. That treasure we must seek or try to increase.
Q. 111. But what doth God require in this commandment?
(a) Matthew 7:12; Care for our neighbor commanded The eighth commandment does not only forbid, but also commands. As much as we are able and for which the means are lawful, we must try to help our neighbor with the given talents of head and hand. We should not be stingy, but generous. Here the golden rule of Christ applies: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is (what is written in) the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This positive rule goes further than the negative rule which the world implies: What you do not want done to you, do not do to others. Care for our neighbor can be expressed in many ways. We can give our neighbor money to help in his financial need, but we can also give a portion of our time in all kinds of works of mercy, and in the consideration of our neighbor in being in contact with them. In addition to this, the Christian is called to a faithful fulfillment of his duty to work, "that he may have to give to him that needeth" (Ephesians 4:28). Also employers are obliged to give their employees a decent remuneration for their work. They are not permitted to enrich themselves at the cost of their employees.
Q. 112. What is required in the ninth commandment?
(a) Proverbs 19: 5, 9, 21:28; Speaking about our neighbor The ninth commandment commands that we bear no false witness. This includes that we are called to give an honest testimony, if the court of justice asks us to give evidence, even if it would be incriminating testimony. On the other hand, we may not give false evidence, slandering our neighbor if he is innocent. We are also not permitted to rely on unfounded rumors, but are obligated to first personally listen to the person who is accused of wrongdoing. However, in this commandment, all talk is forbidden that will harm our neighbor (except for requested incriminating evidence before the judge). Causing harm to life, to possessions, or to his good name are all forbidden. Included are offending, insulting, and mocking others, in or outside of their presence, all forms of teasing and nagging, but also all so-called jokes which are so popular and which are made at the expense of others. What pain that can often cause, sometimes without we being aware of it. Many a noted comedian does more damage than he realizes. The forbidding of gossip also falls under this commandment. Gossip is not only speaking evil of somebody who did no evil, but it is also a speaking about the evil someone has done, without a compelling need to do so. Gossip often serves to fill time or to enjoy the evil of someone who is not our friend. That is slander and backbiting. Paul said, "Thinketh (love) no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, (...) beareth all things" (1 Corinthians 13:5-7). On the other hand, we may not, of course, use "the cloak of love" to cover up iniquity and to permit it to spread. Then we cause our neighbor harm. Reproving our neighbor This commandment also forbids many forms of criticism. We may and are obliged to, if it is necessary and justified, and if it does not unnecessarily harm our neighbor, honestly express our opinion to each other and about each other's work. This must never be done behind his back! Criticism should always serve the purpose of helping the other to improve that which is wrong. To that end, our criticism should be charitable and discreet, and include directions for improvement, not arrogantly as one who "knows-it-all-better." It must be done kindly and humbly, conscious of the fact that the gifts which we possess are only received of God's undeserved goodness, and with the awareness of our own weaknesses and shortcomings. If necessary, in order to temper our criticism, we may point the other to our own weaknesses and shortcomings. That will make the criticism more bearable, and it will give the other more desire to work toward improvement. Paul said, "Admonish him as a brother" (2 Thessalonians 3:15). Always speaking the truth? However, sometimes it can happen that speaking the truth about another's activities or omissions can bring that person into great trouble, for example, during wartime by speaking we could betray someone to the enemy. Then in order to show love to another person, the commandment commands us at such times to keep silent or to hide something that we know is true. However, this silence may never stem from laxity or apathy. We may never be lax or indifferent if it involves God's law or His Name, or the genuine wellbeing of our neighbor. It can be that we see and hear our neighbor transgress God's commandment, or that some danger threatens him or her. If we do not then admonish or warn them, our silence is no more than a sinful form of self-love. In the epistle to the Hebrews we read, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). If we would desire to be warned or admonished in such situations, then we must also speak to others who are in danger of falling into sin or into something that could harm them. Christ said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). Admonishing in love It goes without saying that admonishing or warning others needs to be done with love and tact. Solomon said, "A wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment" (Ecclesiastes 8:5); and James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God...and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). Of course, this does not mean that our admonishment should always be gentle. It can sometimes be necessary to sharply admonish our child or our neighbor if they are not willing to listen to gentle words. The sons of Eli were admonished, but continued in their sins. Therefore a terrible judgment came over them. Their father Eli was also severely condemned by the Lord, because although he exhorted his sons (1 Samuel 2:23-25), he did not do so severely; he did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13). The white lie One very difficult area is the white lie. According to some people, all lying is from the evil one, since he is called "a liar and the father of it" (John 8:44). Yet we should be careful here. The devil never lies unless it to bring to ruin; it is never done out of love, but always out of hatred. However, sometimes there can be extraordinary situations, for example, during times of war, when innocent refugees must be kept hidden. The biblical understanding of "to be truthful" implies that justice must be done to man. The Greek understanding of "truth" signifies that justice be done according to the facts. Therefore in very special circumstances it can be necessary to alter the facts to protect the lives of our neighbors. However, then we ought to be well aware that only love to our neighbor guides us, and not sinful self-love! The Bible gives us an example: the Egyptian midwives who lied to Pharaoh to protect the life of the children of Israel. Without any reference to any disapproval of their actions, it is said that therefore God dealt well with them, "Therefore God dealt well with the midwives.... And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that He made them houses" (Exodus 1:20-21). Promoting the good name of our neighbor That love is the fulfillment of the law also applies to the ninth commandment. And love is not passive, but active. God commands us, as much as we are able, to defend and promote the good character, that is the good name, of our neighbor. This implies that we, wherever possible and when it is justified, speak well of our neighbor, and that we resist, as much as possible, backbiting and gossip. The name of our neighbor must be held in high esteem by us, whether or not he is friendly towards us. We should not cause or permit his name be put down. The well-known example of Monica, the mother of the fourth century church father Augustine, is worthy of imitation. When in company and there was any gossiping about somebone, she admonished those people to refrain from doing so. If that did not help, she then proceeded to say as many good things as possible of the person about whom there was gossiping. Often, the result was that the gossipmonger was shamefully silenced. That is what Paul meant, "She (love) rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). The heavy wrath of God Let us consider that all of us probably transgress the ninth commandment the most easily and the most readily, but that the Catechism correctly says that by transgressing this commandment we bring down the heavy wrath of God upon us! This is according to the Word of God, "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 12:22).
Q. 113. What doth the tenth commandment require of us? (a) Romans 7:7. The root of evil The tenth commandment is simple, but it goes very deep and touches the core of all the commandments. It not only sets forth that an evil deed is sin, but states that also all wrong thoughts and even all wrong desires are sin, even if the desire, thought, or intention never materializes. God not only observes our mouth and hands, but also observes our heart, for that is the center of our lives, the station from where everything departs. Paul, pious and very zealous for the Jewish law, thought that prior to his conversion he complied with the law in every aspect because he had never done any shameful deeds. The Jews taught that the desire to sin was not sin as long as it did not come to fruition. This can also be true of us: we have never cursed, lied, stolen, murdered, or committed adultery, and always served God and not idols, always kept His day and service, and honored our parents. Christ's judgment is severe - "Hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27). By the light which God caused to shine in Paul's heart, he taught the true depth of the law. God showed him that also each desire to sin is a heinous sin before God. Paul wrote, "Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shallt not covet.... For I was alive without the law (that is: without knowing the true depth of the law) once, but when the commandment came (the depth became clear to him), sin revived, and I died" (Romans 7:7, 9). The tenth commandment requires of us that we do not let the least, the smallest sinful thought or desire enter our hearts. We must wholeheartedly be an enemy of all sin and of everything that entices us to sin. God requires our heart. In a positive sense, we should have a desire and a delight in all righteousness and in keeping all God's commandments. The first Psalm gives us an example of someone who lives this way, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:2). Q. 114. But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these ommandments? A. No: but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small beginning of this obedience (a); yet so, that with a sincere resolution they begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commandments of God (b).
(a) 1 John 1:8, Romans 7:14-15, Ecclesiastes 7:20, 1 Corinthians 13:9; Perfectionists After dealing with the Ten Commandments, two more questions come up for discussion. It has become clear what God requires of us in His law. It goes very far. We may not do any sinful deeds, not even have a single sinful thought and desire in our heart. We must, every moment of our life, live in perfect love to God and our neighbor. We must even love our enemy and do well to him. Then a question arises. No, not the question if unconverted ones, people without a new heart, can keep these commandments. That is clear: it is impossible. We see this every day around us. But the question is: Can believers, those, who are converted to God, keep these commandments perfectly? There are people who say: Yes; that is possible! One must strive for perfect sanctification, and the Holy Spirit can enable you to achieve that perfection already in this life. These people who think that Christians here on earth in this life can achieve perfection are called perfectionists. These people erroneously refer to expressions of the Bible, such as: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14); and: "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 John 5:18). However, we may never play off one scriptural text against another. We must always compare Scripture with Scripture, considering one statement in context with the other. Only then do we know what the biblical teaching is. The Catechism answers the question as to whether we can keep God's commandments perfectly: even the holiest man has in this life only a small beginning of this obedience which God requires. That is the biblical answer. The old Preacher already said, "For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not" (Ecclesiastes 7:20). And Paul, a converted one (1) said, "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I" (Romans 7:14-15). Paul called the law spiritual, because it not only requires an outward obedience, which is sufficient in the eyes of men, but also an inner perfection, which is good in God's eyes. When he said of himself that he was carnal, he did not mean that he had a body, but that he still had a sinful nature. He could not yet completely stamp out all the sinful desires and thoughts he had in himself. In one of his letters, old John agreed with Paul. He wrote to believers, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). He who by the light of the Holy Spirit sees the depth and extensiveness of God's commandments knows what God requires, namely. a perfect love every moment to God and to our neighbor. And then the holiest child of God knows, "Oh, I have only a very little beginning of this." We can only be perfectionists if we look alone at the outside and view sin according to what sin is in the eyes of men. A small beginning Nevertheless in the Bible we as believers are called "saints." How can that go together with what the Catechism says, namely, that even the holiest men have only a small beginning of perfect obedience? It speaks here of a beginning. In the first place it is a new principle which lies within them. In is on the basis of that principle that they are called "saints." Why? First of all, it is because they are viewed by God Christ, as being clothed with His righteousness. They are holy because Christ is holy. This holiness does not lie in us, but in Christ. Paul said, "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ has in our stead and for us bore the punishment for sin. This is imputed to us and in this way we are again seen as righteous in God's eyes. However, Christ also lived in perfect holiness. He only! Now His perfect holiness is also imputed to us; His obedience is placed on our account. From this new principle, the birth of the new man, there also arises the beginning of a new life. Thankfulness for the great grace brings God's children to the desire of also themselves living holily before the Lord. The Holy Ghost has renewed their heart, and they received a new will and new desires. Out of that desire they also begin to live according to God's commandments, even though it is only a small beginning, because the old man (the sinful lusts) has not yet died and is sometimes still so strong. The same Paul who said, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do" (Romans 7:19), also said that God's children "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). And this he said, for instance, about God-fearing servants or slaves doing the will of God from the heart (Ephesians 6:6). That new life springs forth from the root of regeneration which God worked. That new life is still imperfect in this life. Perfection will only be there when God's child at his death is delivered from all sinful desires and sinful deeds. Antinomians Precisely opposed to perfectionism is the error of the antinomians (the Greek word anti = opposed; nomos = law). These are people who are against the law. They say: "Alone in Christ we are holy, and therefore we do not need to obey the law anymore." There have even been those who have said that the more sins one commits, the greater will grace be experienced. Jezebel the prophetess was apparently such a person, about whom the old apostle John had to write in the letter to Thyatira (Revelation 2:20). No matter how opposed they appear to be, perfectionists and antinomians actually resemble each other somewhat. Perfectionists do not know how deeply sin is rooted in us, and the anti-nomians do not know how serious sin is. Neither of them has ever been shown the seriousness of sin by the Holy Spirit. They also know nothing of the miracle of the gracious forgiveness of sins. However, there are many Christians who are slightly antinomian, Christians, even believing Christians, who in reality do not consider sin to be so terrible. Sometimes they hide themselves behind Paul, who also said that he was still sold under sin. They say, "Nobody is perfect anyway." However, also this attitude is very unbiblical. Then we grieve God. Then, if we are true believers, we grieve the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Then we bring a spiritual darkness over us. Paul's warning is serious when he said, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). This same Paul, who said that he was sold under sin, also said that he did not walk after the desires of the flesh, but after the Spirit; that he desires to do with all diligence what the Holy Spirit wills (Romans 8:1). He wrote in another epistle: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12). It is for that reason that the Catechism says that already here in this life, with a sincere resolution, God's children begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commandments of God. Through the Holy Spirit who dwells in them there is a beginning of that entirely new obedience. Their deepest desire is to live holily before the Lord already here on earth. They say with the Psalmist, "And I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved" (Psalm 119:47). Therefore they long for heaven, where they can and will eternally and perfectly serve the Lord. Q. 115. Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them? A. First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know our sinful nature (a), and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of sin, and righteousness in Christ (b); likewise, that we constantly endeavor and pray to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God, till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us, in a life to come (c).
(a) Romans 3:20, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:5; The purpose of preaching the law strictly The last question continues the discussion from the previous questions. If we, even as believers, cannot really keep God's commandments in this life, why does God then confront us with these commandments each time in the preaching, and then even so very strictly. Every Sunday morning, the ten commandments are read to the congregation. Does God then not know that we cannot keep those commandments? Indeed He does, but God does this for two reasons. In the first place, He wants to make provision that by the continual preaching of the commandments we will, by looking into the mirror of the law, in this way learn more and more to discover how sinful our nature, our character, really is. Why? It is because without a thorough knowledge of our sins, we will never seek after Christ. The intention of the continual preaching of the law is that we become increasingly desirous for the forgiveness of our sins through Christ and for the righteousness which He merited through His holy life. This is what we will seek more and more with Him. Then we ill also not become arrogant, but humble, meek Christians. In the second place, God purposes by the preaching of His holy law that we fervently and without ceasing always pray for the grace of the Holy Ghost. Then we begin to ask Him to renew us more and more, for then it is our desire that God's image becomes more and more evident in us. God created man after His image: in true knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. In Paradise Adam could do God's will perfectly. We lost the image of God through the fall, and because of our spiritual death we no longer know the will of God and also no longer desire to do the will of God. However, through regeneration by the Holy Spirit, the image of God will again be restored in us. Then we desire to be renewed more and more, in order to again show forth, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, the image of God. Then we look forward to the time, after this our life, that we will again be a perfect image bearer of God in eternal glory. Therefore here on earth it is already applicable to the believer: " Questions for Lesson 16. (Lord's Days 39-44)
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