This sermon examines the teaching of the Scriptures on the right interpretation and application of the moral law as expressed in the Ten Commandments, an explanation of Westminster Larger Catechism, questions 91-152 (which is, in my opinion, the best short work on the moral law ever done, a condensed encyclopedia of Biblical knowledge and application). The moral law is "summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments." But how does God intend for them to be understood? Q. 99. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the ten commandments?
Answer: For the right understanding of the ten commandments, these rules are to be observed:
(1) That the law is perfect, and binds everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin.
(2) That it is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures.
(3) That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments.
(4) That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded: so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included.
(5) That: What God forbids, is at no time to... |
