Yes, the Ten Commandments remain relevant today. Though Christians are not under the Mosaic Covenant for salvation, the moral principles expressed in the Ten Commandments continue to reflect God’s holy standards and serve as a foundation for righteous living.
Jesus affirmed the law’s enduring truth:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
The Ten Commandments were written by the finger of God and given directly to Israel as part of the covenant at Sinai. They include commands concerning loyalty to God, reverence, the Sabbath, honoring parents, and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false witness, and covetousness (Exodus 20:1–17).
Paul explained that the law reveals sin:
“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20)
The law does not save, but it convicts and leads us to Christ:
“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)
While the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic Law were specific to Israel and are no longer binding, the moral law expressed in the Ten Commandments is reaffirmed throughout the New Testament. Jesus summarized the essence of the law:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37–40)
This does not replace the Ten Commandments but reveals their underlying principle: love. Paul reiterates this:
“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:10)
The commandments continue to guide believers in sanctification, not for justification but as a pattern of obedience flowing from a regenerated heart.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
“Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” (Romans 3:31)
Christians obey not out of obligation but out of love and reverence for God, who saved them by grace. The Ten Commandments stand as timeless truths reflecting God’s unchanging righteousness.
