Can Following the Ten Commandments Make Anyone Righteous?

For many, the Ten Commandments are seen as stringent guidelines for a righteous life. However, this perspective may not align with the teachings found in the New Testament.

Galatians 5:14-26 - The Power of Love Over Law

Galatians 5:14 states, 'For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ' This verse underscores that the core of the law lies in loving one's neighbor. The subsequent verses provide context:

Galatians 5:15: "But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another." This warns against the destructive nature of self-righteousness and selfishness. Galatians 5:16-18: The tension between the flesh and the Spirit is highlighted here, and it is emphasized that being led by the Spirit means not being under the law. Galatians 5:19-21: The works of the flesh are listed, providing a stark contrast to the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These fruits are presented as evidence of the Holy Spirit working within a person. Galatians 5:24: We have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts, indicating our need to die to the old self and be alive in Christ. Galatians 5:26: The exhortation to avoid desiring vain glory, provoking one another, and envying one another further suggests the importance of living in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25-26: This passage poses a challenge, but it is a challenge that can only be overcome with God's help. Jesus ultimately declares that with God, all things are possible.

The essence of the law, according to this passage, is not legalistic adherence but a heart-oriented love. The works of the flesh are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit is emphasized.

Matthew 19:16-30 - The Question of Perfection

Matthew 19:16-22 presents a scenario where a wealthy man asks Jesus how to achieve eternal life. His answer reveals the societal and religious pressures of the time:

Matthew 19:16-18: Jesus states that the man needs to keep the commandments, including loving the neighbor. Matthew 19:19-22: The man claims to have kept all the commandments, but his desire to retain his wealth indicates that he has not truly followed the heart of the law.

Jesus then directs the man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, a path that the wealthy man is unwilling to follow. This scenario illustrates the inherent difficulty for humans to achieve righteousness on their own, as the heart is set on material possessions.

A Contrast of Faith and Perfection

Matthew 19:23-26 further explores this idea:

Matthew 19:23-24: Jesus uses the metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle to illustrate the difficulty of the affluent reaching heaven. Matthew 19:25-26: This statement emphasizes that with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

The disciples, hearing this, are astonished and ask who can be saved. Jesus replies that it is only possible through God's grace, not through human effort. This highlights the gap between human capability and divine need.

Promise and Hope in Christ

Matthew 19:27-30 offers a promise to those who follow Christ:

Matthew 19:27-29: Those who follow Christ will be rewarded with great treasures and judgment, and those who sacrifice for His sake will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:30: Jesus prophesies a reversal of fortune, where many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first.

Data points to Jesus' message that true righteousness comes not from human effort or adherence to law but from a relationship with God and Christ. Our hearts must be transformed by the Holy Spirit, and our actions must reflect genuine love and altruism.

Conclusion

In summary, the scriptures teach us that the path to true righteousness is not through self-effort or commandment-keeping alone. It is through surrendering to God's grace, loving others, and trusting in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, it is through faith in Jesus, which fulfills the law, that one finds true righteousness.