I’ve Tried to Live the Ten Commandments, So Why Would I Need Anything Else?

Dr. Craig von BuseckBy Dr. Craig von Buseck6 Minutes

If you boil down all the moral law of God down to a set of guidelines, you will come up with the Ten Commandments. These moral codes are recognized – though not always followed – by every major civilization and culture around the world.

The Ten Commandments originated after God led the Children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. During their time in the wilderness, God gave His law to Moses on Mt. Sinai. He summed up that law in a series of ten general laws, which He himself inscribed on two stone tablets.

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”

You shall not make for yourself a carved image…”

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain…”

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

“Honor your father and your mother…”

“You shall not murder.”

“You shall not commit adultery.”

“You shall not steal.”

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

“You shall not covet…anything that is your neighbor’s.”

If everyone lived their lives according to the Ten Commandments, the world would be a much better place.

Now you may tell yourself, “I’ve tried to live the Ten Commandments, so why do I need anything else? As important as this moral law is to the peace and stability of mankind, following these laws is not enough to gain salvation or entrance into heaven. No matter how many good or religious works we do, they will never be enough to give us entrance to heaven.

Not By Works

If you believe that you can be good enough to earn your salvation, then why did Jesus have to die on the cross? The fact of the matter is that no human being can ever be good enough to earn salvation. Just one sin – just one mistake – disqualifies you from entry into heaven. The Bible makes it clear.

“…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NASB)

That is why Jesus had to die on the cross. No human being can be good enough to earn salvation. No human being could become the substitute for the sins of all mankind. Only Jesus – fully man and fully God – could qualify to die for the sins of the world.

There are basically two approaches to religion in the world. The first is a religion that is based on your own good works – and nearly every religion in the world is based on this premise. The second is a religion that acknowledges that no one can be good enough to gain salvation, and so God must somehow provide it – Christianity is the only religion based on this premise.

The first time you did something that you knew was wrong, you were disqualified from heaven. The Apostle Paul explains the fallen and hopeless state of mankind when he declares:

As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one…’ (Romans 3:10, ESV)

In contrast to all other religions, the Bible teaches that due to mankind’s sin nature, not only do we commit sin, but it is our character to do so. This inherited sin nature separates each of us from God and results in being under God’s judgment, rather than in relationship with God.

Jesus is our only hope for salvation. When someone asks the question, “Why can’t I get to God through the Ten Commandments,” the answer is this:

  1. Mankind is sinful.
  2. No one with sin can achieve salvation.
  3. There must be a bridge between sinful man and a holy, or perfect God.
  4. Mankind is helpless to gain salvation through any kind of good work.
  5. Mankind needs a Savior.
  6. God loved the people of this world so much, that he sent Jesus to live as a man so that He could die on the cross to pay the debt for man’s sin.
  7. The only thing you have to ‘do’ to receive this gift of salvation is to believe that Jesus is God and that He died for you.

It is this personal, loving God, who desires to be in your life – to care for, guide, protect, and empower – that makes the Bible different from any other religious book. Jesus is not only the God of all the world, but He desires to be a personal God in your life as well. Would you like to know how to invite Jesus into your life?

Pray this prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending your Son to die in my place. I ask you to forgive me for my sins. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that you raised Him from the dead. Come into my life and make me new. Help me to live for you. Thank you for your love, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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