The Ten Commandments

Q86. Since we have been delivered from our misery by grace alone through Christ, without any merit of our own, why must we yet do good works?

Because Christ, having redeemed us by His blood, also renews us by His Holy Spirit to be His image, so …

Q87. Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent walk of life?

By no means. Scripture says that no unchaste person, idolater, adulterer, thief, greedy person, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like …

Q88. What is the true repentance or conversion of man?

It is the dying of the old nature and the coming to life of the new.

Q89. What is the dying of the old nature?

It is to grieve with heartfelt sorrow that we have offended God by our sin, and more and more to …

Q90. What is the coming to life of the new nature?

It is a heartfelt joy in God through Christ, and a love and delight to live according to the will …

Q91. But what are good works?

Only those which are done out of true faith, in accordance with the law of God, and to His glory, …

Q92. What is the law of the LORD?

God spoke all these words, saying: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of …

Q93. How are these commandments divided?

Into two parts. The first teaches us how to live in relation to God; the second, what duties we owe …

Q94. What does the LORD require in the first commandment?

That for the sake of my very salvation I avoid and flee all idolatry, witchcraft, superstition, and prayer to saints …

Q95. What is idolatry?

Idolatry is having or inventing something in which to put our trust instead of, or in addition to, the only …

Q96. What does God require in the second commandment?

We are not to make an image of God in any way, nor to worship Him in any other manner …

Q97. May we then not make any image at all?

God cannot and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Creatures may be portrayed, but God forbids us to …

Q98. But may images not be tolerated in the churches as "books for the laity"?

No, for we should not be wiser than God. He wants His people to be taught not by means of …

Q99. What is required in the third commandment?

We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor to …

Q100. Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?

Certainly, for no sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His Name. That is why …

Q101. But may we swear an oath by the Name of God in a godly manner?

Yes, when the government demands it of its subjects, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote …

Q102. May we also swear by saints or other creatures?

No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, …

Q103. What does God require in the fourth commandment?

First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained and that, especially on the day of rest, …

Q104. What does God require in the fifth commandment?

That I show all honour, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over …

Q105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

I am not to dishonour, hate, injure, or kill my neighbour by thoughts, words, or gestures, and much less by …

Q106. But does this commandment speak only of killing?

By forbidding murder God teaches us that He hates the root of murder, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire …

Q107. Is it enough, then, that we do not kill our neighbour in any such way?

No. When God condemns envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves, to show patience, …

Q108. What does the seventh commandment teach us?

That all unchastity is cursed by God. We must therefore detest it from the heart and live chaste and disciplined …

Q109. Does God in this commandment forbid nothing more than adultery and similar shameful sins?

Since we, body and soul, are temples of the Holy Spirit, it is God's will that we keep ourselves pure …

Q110. What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

God forbids not only outright theft and robbery but also such wicked schemes and devices as false weights and measures, …

Q111. What does God require of you in this commandment?

I must promote my neighbour's good wherever I can and may, deal with him as I would like others to …

Q112. What is required in the ninth commandment?

I must not give false testimony against anyone, twist no one's words, not gossip or slander, nor condemn or join …

Q113. What does the tenth commandment require of us?

That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God's commandments should ever arise in our heart. …

Q114. But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they …

Q115. If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly?

First, that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, and therefore seek more …