Christianity, the biggest religion in the world, is the faith of over 2 billion people. With its global presence, Christianity has over 2,000 years of history and has had a profound impact on society, politics and culture. Christianity is based on the Bible, which is divided into two main books: The Old and The New Testament. The Ten Commandments, found in the Old Testament, are perhaps the most well-known Biblical edicts and have shaped countless laws and regulations throughout the world. But how many commandments can be found in Christianity?
The Ten Commandments are found in the Bible’s book of Exodus. These commandments draw a sharp line between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and are considered the apex of morality and ethics in Christianity. In Christianity, the Ten Commandments or “Decalogue,” as they are also known, are seen as the foundations of God’s law. Each of the commands focuses on a different area such as honoring one’s parents, respecting God’s name, setting aside the Sabbath day, and not engaging in adultery, theft, or murder.
In addition to the Ten Commandments, there are three other sets of biblical teachings known as the Great Commandments, the Lesser Commandments, and the Commandments of Jesus. The Great Commandments, which focus on loving God, are found within the book of Mark. The Lesser Commandments can be found in the book of Leviticus, and the Commandments of Jesus can be found in the book of Matthew. In total, there are over 600 commandments that Christians are expected to follow.
The Ten Commandments are the foundation of Christianity, but often the other commandments are neglected or misunderstood. This can lead to confusion when trying to live a godly life. Religious scholars and theologians note that God wants his people to uphold all of the commandments, not just the Ten Commandments. This includes the way we act, think and speak.
Religious experts also highlight how Jesus wanted us to live an even higher standard that surpasses just legalism and following the laws of scripture. They note that Jesus was trying to lead by example by teaching people how to live an empowered and loving life beyond the Ten Commandments. Jesus taught acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, which is considered to hold equal importance as the other commandments.
The importance of all of God’s commandments cannot be overstated. They provide guidance for moral living and have provided a foundation for law and justice for centuries. Through the understanding and living out of all the commandments, believers have the opportunity to become closer to God and allow the Spirit of God to direct their lives.
The Great Commandments
The Great Commandments are found within the book of Mark, chapter 12 verse 30. The Great Commandments are considered to be the summary of all biblical law and as such, they often represent God’s law within a unified framework. These commandments are known as the same two that Jesus used to explain the unique relationship between faith and love. They are to love God with all of one’s heart, mind and strength and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. According to Jesus, these two commands are the most important laws that one should abide by.
Religious scholars and theologians note that these two commandments go beyond just legalism and that they embody the idea of humans loving God and loving each other. They remind believers that morality is more than just a strict legal interpretation of Scripture, but rather something that revolves around a loving relationship with God and each other. These commands are more than just moral teachings – they are a way to help us lead a life of devotion and service to others, in order to bring honor to God.
The Lesser Commandments
The Lesser Commandments are found in the book of Leviticus and are considered to be the rules and guidelines for worshipping and engaging with God in everyday life. These commands mainly deal with the societal laws and regulations, emphasizing how people should view and treat each other in their daily lives. They focus on how to care for one another, how to live in harmony with each other, and how to maintain justice and equity in society.
The Lesser Commandments are also known as “ethical” commands, as they represent the moral and ethical teachings of God that should be adhered to by everyone. These commands focus on just and honorable behavior, emphasize peace and kindness, and respect for the dignity of all people regardless of their station in life.
The Lesser Commandments are viewed as being essential for sustaining living in a peaceful and healthy way. They provide boundaries for how to treat others and serve as a reminder to maintain loving and compassionate relationships with one another.
The Commandment of Jesus
The Commandment of Jesus is found in the book of Matthew, chapter 7 verse 12. Also known as the Golden Rule, this particular commandment is centered around how to treat other people. Jesus stated that people should treat others as they would want to be treated. This commandment goes beyond the Ten Commandments and Lesser Commandments, emphasizing the significance of treating others with respect and kindness even if it is not reciprocal.
This commandment is what all Christians should abide by and it serves to remind Christians that we should strive to love and treat others the way Jesus did. Religious scholars and theologians note that this commandment is a call to unconditional love and that we are to love even those we disagree and those who view life differently than we do. Jesus’ teaching also encompasses more than just our behavior, but it emphasizes how we interact with others and encourage them to do the same.
Obedience to the Commandments
Obedience to all of God’s commandments is a key element of the Christian faith. Believers strive to live a life that is honoring and pleasing to God, and following God’s commandments is a crucial part of that. All of God’s commandments are important and when someone wishes to fully follow Jesus, they must be obedient to all of His commands and teachings.
The greatest rewards may come with following the Ten Commandments, but Christians should strive to live the other parts of God’s law as well. The commandments are a call to a higher standard of living, one where Christians consider the needs of others before their own desires. By adhering to the commandments, believers have the opportunity to bring glory to God and lead a life of service to him and to each other.
Education on the Commandments
At times, Christians may stray from the commandments, either by ignoring them or by making decisions that are contrary to God’s law. Religious experts emphasize the importance of education and understanding of the commandments in order to ensure obedience and holiness. This begins with the recognition of the Ten Commandments, but it also extends to the Great Commandments, the Lesser Commandments, and the Commandments of Jesus.
Educating yourself on all of the commandments is critical to understanding and living out your faith. When all commandments are viewed together, believers can recognize the full extent and importance of God’s law. Through education and understanding, believers will better know how to follow God’s will and how to live a life that pleases Him.
Impact of the Commandments
Christianity, and in extension the commandments, have had a huge influence on the world today. The Ten Commandments, in particular, have had a major impact on society’s moral and ethical frameworks. Scholars note that each successive generation attempts to reinterpret the commandments according to their own values, but many of the core teachings remain relevant and powerful today.
The commandments have been used in a variety of ways such as creating laws and establishing standards of behavior. From both religious and secular perspectives, the commands have acted to bring order, justice and peace to our cities and countries. The importance of the commandments lies in their timeless relevance, as each generation must interpret and apply them within the current context and culture.
Application of the Commandments
Christianity is a faith that is based on action and one of the most important aspects of living this faith is living out the commandments. Believers must strive to place God and others above themselves, treat everyone with respect and kindness, and live with a humble attitude. This means understanding and actively practicing the commands in all areas of one’s life.
In addition, believers must strive to be obedient to the will of God. This requires understanding the commandments in their full context and applying them in a way that is relevant. As believers come to know more about their faith and its commandments, they have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and become more like Him.
Social Justice and the Commandments
Many of the commandments, particularly the Great Commandments, Lesser Commandments, and the Commandments of Jesus, focus on social justice. This means recognizing the inherent dignity of all people and confronting injustice and inequality wherever it is found. Social justice encompasses enacting laws and practices that ensure that everyone is given the same rights and opportunities regardless of class, race, gender, or any other factor.
Christians should be in solidarity with those who are marginalized, supporting their rights and championing their causes. Religious experts note that this kind of justice goes beyond just legalism, but must also be centered around love, mercy and compassion. Through this kind of justice, believers will enact the power of the commandments in society, bringing order and peace to cultures and communities all around the world.
Conclusion of the Commandments
In short, Christianity has a multitude of commandments that go beyond just the Ten Commandments. Through understanding and living out all of the commandments, believers have the opportunity to become closer to God and lead the lives he desires. As we strive to live our lives in accordance with the commandments, society will see the light of God reflected in our interactions and our words.
