Part IV Becoming Like Christ
Becoming Like Christ
Jesus Christ calls his disciples to respond to God in three basic ways: by believing in Jesus and God’s revealed truth about him, by belonging to Jesus and communing with God through him, and by becoming like Jesus in doing God’s will. The Holy Spirit enables us to respond to God in these ways.
God wants us to have fullness of life in a relationship of loving obedience to him. He teaches us his will for our lives through the Law, and most fully through the teaching and example of Jesus (John 12:49–50; Hebrews 1:1–2). God’s Law is outlined and distilled for us in the Ten Commandments, and displayed for us in Jesus’ sinless life and atoning death.
Because God has created human beings in his image, the principles and standards of his Law are, to some degree, impressed upon the consciences of all people (Romans 2:15). However, God gave his Law in a clear and direct way to his chosen people, Israel. Having delivered them from slavery in Egypt, he established a covenant relationship with them at Mount Sinai, giving them his Law through Moses with the Ten Commandments at its heart. God promised to bless Israel, and Israel vowed to worship and serve God only, by living as his holy people in grateful obedience to his will (Exodus 19:5–6; 24:3).
Israel failed to keep God’s Law, as do all human beings. However, God’s Law was perfectly fulfilled in the sinless life and sacrificial death of his Son, Jesus, the Messiah. Through Jesus, God delivers us from slavery to sin and death, adopts us as his children, and establishes a new covenant with us. Thus, the Christian life of holiness is rooted in the gracious union that believers have with the Father, through the Son, and by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus summarizes the Law for us in his command to love God and our neighbor. His moral teaching unfolds the Law and applies it to the human heart. His teaching is universal, authoritative, and final. His ultimate goal is to conform us to his own likeness, that we too will be radiant with the holiness of God. Therefore, grateful obedience to the commandments of Jesus is an essential part of the life we have received through faith in him (Matthew 28:20; John 14:15).
God’s purpose for our new life in Christ is to make us like Jesus (Romans 8:28–29). Scripture teaches that our actions are pleasing to God only if the attitudes of our minds and hearts are also godly. God sees our behavior as the “fruit” of our hearts and character, not as something external or separate from our inner being. Thus, the goal of our life in Christ is that we become like Christ—not only in our actions, but also in our thoughts and attitudes.
A Prayer for Spiritual Provision and Protection
Heavenly Father, you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look upon the heartfelt desires of your humble servants, and stretch forth the strong hand of your Majesty to be our defense against our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
256. Recite the Ten Commandments.
1. I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods but me.
2. You shall not make for yourself any idol.
3. You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.
(Book of Common Prayer 2019 version from Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:6–21)
257. What are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are a summary and outline of God’s Law. (Exodus 20:18–21; Deuteronomy 5:28–33; Psalm 78:5–8)
258. What is God’s Law?
God’s Law (Hebrew, torah: “instruction”) is God’s direct pronouncement of his will, both for our good and for his glory. (Deuteronomy 30; Psalms 19:7–11; 119:89–104; Galatians 3:15–24)
259. When did God give his Law?
After delivering his people Israel from slavery in Egypt, God established a covenant with them by giving them his Law through Moses. (Exodus 19:1–6; Deuteronomy 5:1–5; Nehemiah 9:13–14; Acts 7:35–38)
260. How did Jesus summarize God’s Law?
Jesus summarized God’s Law by saying: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37–40; see also Deuteronomy 6:1–9; Leviticus 19:9–18; Psalm 31:23–24; John 15:7–17; 1 John 4:16–5:3)
261. How did Jesus fulfill God’s Law?
For our sake, Jesus fulfilled God’s Law by teaching it perfectly, submitting to it wholly, and dying as an atoning sacrifice for our disobedience. (Psalm 119:49–72; Isaiah 53:4–12; Matthew 5:17–20; Romans 8:1–4; Hebrews 10:1–18)
262. How can you obey God’s Law?
As I trust in Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law for me and live in the power of the Holy Spirit, God grants me grace to love and obey his Law. (2 Kings 18:1–8; Proverbs 3:1–12; John 15:3–11; Romans 6:15–23; 1 John 5:2–5)
263. Why are you not able to do this perfectly?
Sin has corrupted human nature, inclining me to resist God, to ignore his will, and to care more for myself than for my neighbors. However, God has begun and will continue his transforming work in me, and will fully conform me to Christ at the end of the age. (Psalm 14; Jeremiah 17:1–13; Romans 3:9–23; 7:21–25; Philippians 1:3–11)
264. How should you understand the Ten Commandments?
I should understand them as God’s righteous rules for life in his kingdom: basic standards for loving God and my neighbor. In upholding them, I bear witness with the Church to God’s righteousness and his will for a just society. (Deuteronomy 4:1–8; Psalm 119:137–44, 160; Matthew 5:17–48; Romans 7:7–12; 13:8–10)
265. How do the Ten Commandments help you to resist evil?
They teach me that God judges the corrupt affections of this fallen world, the cruel strategies of the devil, and the sinful desires of my own heart; and they teach me to renounce them. (Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 19:7–14; John 16:7–15; Romans 2:1–16)
266. How do the Ten Commandments help you to grow in likeness to Christ?
They reveal my sin in the light of God’s righteousness, guide me to Christ, and teach me what is pleasing to God. (Deuteronomy 4:32–40; Psalms 19; 119:127–35, 169–76; Galatians 3:19–26; James 1:21–25; 2:8–13)
267. How should you keep the Ten Commandments?
Because they both contain God’s prohibitions against evil and direct me toward his good will, I should both repent when I disobey them and seek by his grace to live according to them. (Psalm 25:11–18; Romans 6; Colossians 3:5–17)
The First Commandment
268. What is the first commandment?
The first commandment is “I am the Lord your God. . . . You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2–3; Deuteronomy 5:6–7; see also Psalm 97; Luke 4:5–8; 1 Corinthians 8:1–6)
269. What does it mean that the Lord is your God?
It means that I have faith that the God of the Bible is the only true God and that I entrust myself to him wholly. (Exodus 3:1–15; Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Psalm 86:8–13; Mark 12:29–34; Revelation 15:3–4)
270. What does it mean to have no other gods?
It means that there should be nothing in my life more important than God and obeying his will. I should worship him only and love, revere, and trust him above all else. (Psalm 95; Jeremiah 10:6–10; Luke 16:10–15; 1 John 2:15–17)
271. Why are you tempted to worship other things instead of God?
I am tempted because my sinful heart seeks my own desires above all else and pursues those things which falsely promise to fulfill them. (Deuteronomy 29:16–19; Psalm 10:2–7; Acts 19:23–27; James 4:1–10)
272. How are you tempted to worship other gods?
I am tempted to trust in myself, my pleasures, my possessions, my relationships, and my success, wrongly believing that they will bring me happiness, security, and meaning. I am also tempted to believe superstitions and false religious claims, and to reject God’s call to worship him alone. (1 Kings 11:1–8; Psalm 73:1–17; Matthew 26:14–16; 27:1–5; Romans 1:18–32)
273. Can you worship and serve God perfectly?
No. Only our Lord Jesus Christ worshiped and served God perfectly; but I can seek to imitate Christ, knowing that my worship and service are acceptable to God through him. (1 Kings 15:9–14; Psalm 53:1–3; Luke 4:1–13; Ephesians 5:1–2; Hebrews 7:23–28)
The Second Commandment
274. What is the second commandment?
The second commandment is “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them.” (Exodus 20:4–6; 34:17; Deuteronomy 5:8–10)
275. What does the second commandment mean?
God’s people are neither to worship man-made images of God or of other gods nor to make such images for the purpose of worshiping them. (Exodus 20:23; 34:17; Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 4:15–20; 27:15; Psalm 97:6–9; Acts 17:22–29; 2 Corinthians 6:16–18)
276. How did Israel break the first two commandments?
Israel neglected God’s Law, worshiped the gods of the nations around them, and brought images of these gods (idols) into God’s temple, thus corrupting his worship. (Exodus 32; Judges 10:6; 1 Kings 12:28–33; 2 Kings 21:1–9; Psalm 106:19–43; Hosea 13:2; 1 Corinthians 10:1–14)
277. Why did the nations make such images?
Israel’s neighbors worshiped and served false gods by means of idols, believing they could manipulate these counterfeit gods for their own benefit. (Psalm 115:2–8; Isaiah 44:9–20; Jeremiah 10:2–15; Habakkuk 2:18–19; Revelation 2:18–29)
278. Are all images wrong?
No. God forbade the making of idols and the worship of images, yet commanded carvings and pictures for the tabernacle depicting creation. Christians are free to make images—including images of Jesus and the saints—as long as they do not worship them or use them superstitiously. (Exodus 37:1–9; Numbers 21:4–9; 1 Kings 6:23–35; 7:23–26; John 3:9–15)
279. Are idols always images?
No. Anything can become an idol if I look to it for salvation from my sin or comfort amid my circumstances. If I place my ultimate hope in anything but God, it is an idol. (1 Samuel 15:23; Ezekiel 14:3–5; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5)
280. What does the second commandment teach you about hope?
It teaches me that my ultimate hope is in God alone, for he alone is God and he made me. I must not look for salvation and fulfillment in myself, another person, my wealth or occupation or status, or any created thing. Only in God will I find perfect love and fulfillment. (Psalm 62; Isaiah 45:20–25; Matthew 6:19–24; 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10)
281. How was Jesus tempted to break the first two commandments?
Satan tempted Jesus to bow down and worship him, promising him an earthly kingdom without the pain of the Cross. Instead, Jesus served and worshiped God faithfully and perfectly all his life, and calls us to do the same. (Matthew 4:1–11; 16:24; Luke 22:41–44; Philippians 2:8)
282. How will idolatry affect you?
If I worship and serve idols, I will become like them, empty and alienated from God, who alone can make me whole. (Psalm 115:4–8; Jeremiah 2:11–19; Jonah 2:7–9; Romans 1:18–25)
The Third Commandment
283. What is the third commandment?
The third commandment is “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11; see also Leviticus 22:32; see questions 172–77)
284. Why is God’s Name sacred?
God’s Name reveals who he is—his nature, his character, his power, and his purposes. All forms of God’s Name are holy. (Exodus 3:1–15; 34:5–7; Psalms 8; 54:1; 79:9; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 1:46–49)
285. What does it mean to take God’s Name “in vain”?
“Vain” means empty, meaningless, and of no account. To take God’s Name in vain is to treat it as such. (Leviticus 24:10–16; Romans 2:23–24)
286. How can you avoid taking God’s Name in vain?
Because I love him, I should use God’s Name with reverence, not carelessly or profanely. (Deuteronomy 28:58–59; Psalms 86:11–12; 99:1–5; Revelation 15:2–4)
287. How might you use God’s Name profanely?
By the unholy use of God’s holy Name, especially through perjury, blasphemy, and attributing to God any falsehood, heresy, or evil deed, as if he had authorized or approved them. (Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Proverbs 30:7–9; Jeremiah 34:15–16; Ezekiel 36:16–23; Amos 2:6–7; Jude 5–13)
288. How might you use God’s Name carelessly?
Cursing, magic, broken vows, false piety, manipulation of others, and hypocrisy all cheapen God’s Name. These treat God’s Name as empty of the reality for which it stands. (Leviticus 5:4–6; 19:26b, 31; Psalm 10:2–7; Malachi 1:6–14; Matthew 5:33–37; James 3:5–12; Articles of Religion, 39)
289. How can you honor and love God’s Name?
I honor and love God’s Name, in which I was baptized, by keeping my vows and promises, by worshiping him in truth and holiness, and by invoking his Name reverently and responsibly. (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 10:20–22; Psalm 105:1–5; Matthew 15:10–20; James 5:12)
The Fourth Commandment
290. What is the fourth commandment?
The fourth commandment is “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8–10; see also Deuteronomy 5:12–14)
291. What does it mean to keep the Sabbath day holy?
“Sabbath” is from the Hebrew shabbath, which means “rest.” “Holy” means “set apart” for God’s purposes. God commanded Israel to set apart each seventh day, following six days of work, for rest and worship. (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 31:12–17; Psalm 23:1–3; Mark 1:21–22)
292. Why was Israel to rest on the Sabbath?
Israel was called to rest in remembrance that God had freed them from slavery and that God rested from his work of creation, bringing joyful balance and rhythm to life, work, and worship. (Genesis 2:1–2; Exodus 20:11; 23:12; Deuteronomy 5:12–15)
293. How did Jesus teach us to keep the Sabbath?
As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus taught us to keep it not merely as a duty, but as a gift of God to be received with joy and extended to others through acts of love and hospitality. (Mark 2:23–3:6; Luke 13:10–16)
294. How does the Sabbath serve as a promise for the future of God’s people?
When the Church is perfected in Christ, all believers will dwell in God’s new creation, free from sin and its curse, and eternally united to God in love, adoration, and joy. This will be our unending Sabbath rest. (Psalm 132; Isaiah 66:22–23; Colossians 2:16–19; Hebrews 4:1–13)
295. How do you keep the Sabbath?
I cease from all unnecessary work; rest physically, mentally, and spiritually; and join with my family and church in worship, fellowship, and works of love. (Psalm 92; Isaiah 58:13–14; Matthew 12:12; Colossians 2:16–23)
296. What does this commandment teach you about work?
My work is a gift of God that can grant me provision and satisfaction, and serve the common good, but it neither defines my life nor rules over it. I am thereby freed from resentment and sloth to work diligently and with joy for God’s glory. (Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9–11; Psalm 128; Proverbs 6:6–11; 12:11–14; 16:3; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:23–24)
297. Why does the Church worship on the first day of the week rather than the seventh?
The earliest Christians came to observe Sunday as “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10) for their primary day of worship in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week. (Luke 24:1–7; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Didache 14.1; Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Magnesians 9)
298. What does the Sabbath teach you about time?
Through an ordered life of weekly worship and rest throughout the Christian year, and by a regular pattern of daily prayer, I learn that time belongs to God and is ordered by him. (Genesis 1:14–15; Leviticus 23; Psalms 92:1–4; 119:164; Acts 3:1; Hebrews 10:25)
299. How does keeping the Sabbath help you to grow in Christ?
As I keep a weekly day of rest and worship, my faith in God my Creator is strengthened, my hope in God my Provider is renewed, and my love for God my Redeemer is deepened. (Exodus 16:1–30; Psalm 127:1–2; Hebrews 10:19–25)
The Fifth Commandment
300. What is the Fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment is “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16)
301. What does it mean to honor your father and mother?
I should love, serve, respect, and care for my parents all their lives, and should obey them in all things that are reasonable and conform to God’s Law. (Genesis 45:7–13; Proverbs 6:20–22; 20:20; 23:22; Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20)
302. How should parents treat their children?
Earthly fathers and mothers should represent to their children the loving care of our heavenly Father by nurturing and protecting them, teaching and modeling to them the Christian faith and life, guiding and assisting them in education, and encouraging them in their lives and vocations. (Genesis 48:8–16; Deuteronomy 6:4–7; Proverbs 19:18; 22:6; Matthew 3:13–17; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; 1 Timothy 5:8)
303. How did Jesus keep the fifth commandment?
As a child, Jesus obeyed Joseph and Mary; on the Cross, he provided for his mother by entrusting her to his disciple’s care; in his life, he obeyed the lawful requirements of the civil and religious authorities; and in all things he sought to do his Father’s will. (Luke 2:39–52; John 10:22–39; 19:25–27)
304. How else do you love God in light of the fifth commandment?
I also keep the fifth commandment by showing respect for teachers and elders; by obeying, as far as is lawful, those who hold authority in the Church, my employment, and civil government; and by conducting myself in all things with reverent humility before God and my neighbor. (Exodus 22:28; Matthew 22:15–22; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; 5:1–4; Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 2:13–15; Articles of Religion, 37)
305. What blessings result from obeying the fifth commandment?
Submission to God’s appointed earthly authorities helps me to resist pride and grow in humility, and promotes the justice and peace (shalom) of society in which human life flourishes. (Exodus 20:12; 1 Chronicles 29:23; Proverbs 10:17; Romans 13:1–4; Hebrews 13:17)
306. Does earthly authority have limits?
Yes. All authority comes from God, the King of kings, who expects me to love, honor, and obey him above all earthly authorities whenever they command me to sin. (Exodus 1:15–21; Daniel 3:4–6, 16–18; Matthew 23:1–4; Acts 5:27–29; Revelation 18:1–4)
The Sixth Commandment
307. What is the sixth commandment?
The sixth commandment is “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17)
308. What is murder?
Murder is the willful and unjust taking of human life. (Genesis 4:1–10; Deuteronomy 19:4–13; Acts 7:54–8:3)
309. Why does God prohibit murder?
Because every human being is made in God’s image, all human life is sacred, from conception to natural death. Therefore, I may not take the life of others unjustly. (Genesis 9:6; Deuteronomy 19:4–13; Psalm 94:1–7; Isaiah 46:3–4; Romans 12:19–21)
310. What other actions are considered murder?
Genocide, infanticide, abortion, suicide, and euthanasia are all forms of murder. Sins of murderous intent include physical and emotional abuse, abandonment, willful negligence, and wanton recklessness. (Exodus 1:15–22; 21:28–30; 2 Kings 17:16–18; Psalm 139:13–16; Amos 1:13–15; Acts 9:1–2; Didache 2.2)
311. How did Jesus extend the law against murder?
Jesus taught that this commandment also forbids the vice of ungodly anger. A murderous heart can lead to hatred, threatening words, violent acts, and murder itself, and is counter to God’s life-affirming love. (Leviticus 19:17–18; Matthew 5:21–22, 43–45; 15:18–20; 1 John 3:15)
312. Is anger always sinful?
While godly anger is a just response to wickedness and injustice, we are more often led into ungodly anger by fear, pride, and revenge. We should therefore be slow to anger and quick to forgive. (Psalm 103:8–9; Proverbs 15:18; 16:32; 19:11; Micah 7:18; John 2:13–17; Ephesians 4:26–27, 31–32; James 1:19–20)
313. Is it always wrong to harm or kill another?
There are circumstances in which justice, the protection of the weak and defenseless, and the preservation of life may require acts of violence. It is the particular task of government to uphold these principles in society. However, our Lord calls us to show mercy and to return evil with good. (Numbers 35:9–34; Matthew 5:43–45; Romans 12:17–21; 13:1–4; Articles of Religion 37)
314. How should Christians understand the value of life?
All life belongs to God. Human life is especially sacred because we are created in God’s image, and because Jesus came to give us new and abundant life in him. Christians, therefore, should act with reverence toward all living things, and with special regard for the sanctity of human life. (Genesis 1:26–27; 2:5–8; Psalm 104:24–30; Matthew 6:26; John 10:10; Acts 17:24–29; Colossians 1:15–20)
315. How did Christ cause life to flourish?
Jesus sought the well-being of all who came to him: he healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached good news, forgave his enemies, and offered his life to redeem ours. (Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 4:13–17; Luke 4:17–21; 7:20–22; 23:32–34; Acts 10:34–42)
316. How else can you obey this commandment?
As a witness to the Gospel and a follower of Christ, I can also keep this commandment by forgiving those who wrong me, patiently refraining from ungodly anger and hateful words; defending the unborn, vulnerable, and oppressed; rescuing those who harm themselves; and seeking the well-being of all. (Psalm 37:5–11; Zechariah 7:8–14; Matthew 5:38–48; Ephesians 4:25–5:2; James 1:27)
The Seventh Commandment
317. What is the seventh commandment?
The seventh commandment is “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18; see also Proverbs 6:32; Hebrews 13:4)
318. What is adultery?
Adultery is any sexual intimacy between persons not married to each other, at least one of whom is married to another. (Leviticus 20:10; Romans 7:2–3)
319. What did Jesus teach about adultery?
Jesus taught that even to look at another person with lust violates this commandment. Adultery begins with a lustful heart, but the Lord calls us to be chaste. (Matthew 5:27–28)
320. What does it mean for you to be chaste?
Whether I am married or single, it means I will love and honor others as image bearers of God, not as objects of lust and sexual gratification, and I will refrain from all sexual acts outside of marriage. (Genesis 39:6b–12; Proverbs 6:25–28; Matthew 5:29–30; Philippians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7)
321. How do you benefit from chastity?
Chastity establishes wise and godly boundaries that enable me to give freely of myself in friendship, avoid difficulty in marriage, and experience the freedom of integrity before God. (Genesis 39:19–23; Proverbs 11:5–6; Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 7:25–40)
322. What is marriage?
Marriage is the exclusive, lifelong, covenantal union of love between one man and one woman, and a reflection of the faithful love that unites God and his people. Marriage is therefore holy and should “be held in honor among all.” (Hebrews 13:4; see also Genesis 2:18–24; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:21–33; see questions 146–48)
323. Why did God ordain marriage?
God ordained marriage for the procreation of children to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; for a remedy against sin and to avoid sexual immorality; for mutual friendship, help, and comfort, both in prosperity and in adversity; and for the benefit of family, church, and society. (Genesis 1:28; 2:18; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 24:5; Psalm 127:3–5; Proverbs 31:10–12; 1 Corinthians 7:2–5; “Holy Matrimony,” Book of Common Prayer 2019)
324. Why does God forbid adultery?
Adultery is a sin against one’s spouse or spouse-to-be; against the sexual partners with whom it is committed; against their children, family, and friends; against human society by undermining the institution of marriage; and against God, in whose Name marriage vows are made. (2 Samuel 11:2–12:14; Proverbs 5; Malachi 2:13–16)
325. What else did Jesus teach concerning this commandment?
Jesus also taught that divorce violates God’s intention for marriage. (Matthew 19:1–9; Mark 10:1–12)
326. Is divorce ever permitted?
The New Testament permits divorce in some cases; however, out of love for his people, God hates divorce because it severs what he has joined, causes immeasurable pain, and destroys family life. (Matthew 5:31–32; 19:7–9; 1 Corinthians 7:10–16)
327. How should a single person keep the seventh commandment?
Those who are single should honor as holy their own bodies and those of others by refraining from sexual acts, lewd speech, or lustful thoughts. They should nurture chaste and loyal friendships, and uphold the common life of their families, fellowships, and churches. (1 Corinthians 6:12–20; 7:6–9)
328. Are some called to lifelong celibacy?
Yes. God calls some to an unmarried life of faithfulness and chastity. This calling enables them to devote their lives to God’s service without the responsibilities of marriage and family. (Matthew 19:10–12; 1 Corinthians 7:32–35)
329. How else is the seventh commandment broken?
Violations of this law include sexual harassment and abuse, rape, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, same-sex sexual acts, prostitution, pornography, and any other form of lust in thought, word, or deed. (Leviticus 18:6–30; Matthew 5:27–28; Romans 1:24–28)
The Eighth Commandment
330. What is the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment is “You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19)
331. What is stealing?
Stealing is the unauthorized and willful taking of what rightly belongs to another. (Joshua 7:10–26; Proverbs 1:10–19; Luke 19:1–10; Acts 5:1–11)
332. Why does God forbid stealing?
God is Creator and Lord of this world, and all things come from him. Therefore, I must never take what God has not entrusted to me. (Exodus 23:19a; Leviticus 19:10–11a, 23–25; 1 Chronicles 29:14; Psalms 24:1–2; 50:7–12; Romans 13:9; Ephesians 4:28)
333. How did God teach Israel to respect the property of others?
God required restitution when property was stolen or destroyed; and he forbade unjust loans and oppression of the poor. (Exodus 21:33–22:15; Leviticus 25:35–37; Psalm 37:21–22)
334. What things besides property can you steal?
I can steal or defraud others of wages, identity, credit, or intellectual property; cheat in school or on my taxes; or fail to pay my debts. I must repay and, to the best of my ability, restore what I have stolen. (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 24:10–15, 17–22; Proverbs 20:23; Jeremiah 22:13; Micah 6:11; James 5:4)
335. What did Jesus teach about this commandment?
Jesus taught that I cannot serve God and be a slave to greed. I should seek first his will and rule, and trust that he will provide for my needs. (Matthew 6:19–24; Luke 12:13–34)
336. How does this commandment teach you to view your possessions?
God desires that I be content, responsible, and generous with what he has given me. Everything I own I hold in trust as God’s steward, to cultivate and use for his glory and my neighbor’s good. (Genesis 1:28–31; Leviticus 25; Psalm 37:16; Proverbs 16:8; Luke 12:32–34; 1 Timothy 6:6–10; Hebrews 13:5; Articles of Religion, 38)
337. As God’s steward, how are you commanded to use your possessions?
As I am able, I should earn my own living, care for my dependents, and give to the poor. I should use all my possessions to the glory of God and the good of creation. (Deuteronomy 15:11; Psalm 41:1; Proverbs 30:8–9; Isaiah 58:6–7; Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 14:13; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–12; 1 Timothy 6:17–19)
338. What is an appropriate standard of giving for you as a Christian?
A “tithe,” which is 10 percent of my income, is the minimum standard of giving for the work of God’s Church and the spread of his kingdom; yet I should generously give of all that God has entrusted to me. (Genesis 14:17–20; Leviticus 27:30–33; Deuteronomy 14:22–29; Malachi 3:6–12; Matthew 23:23; Luke 21:1–4; 2 Corinthians 9:6–7)
The Ninth Commandment
339. What is the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment is “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20)
340. What is bearing false witness against your neighbor?
It is to willfully communicate a falsehood about my neighbor, either in legal or in other matters, in order to misrepresent them. (Deuteronomy 19:16–19; Psalm 109; Proverbs 12:17; Matthew 26:57–61)
341. Why does God forbid such false witness?
Because it defames and wounds my neighbor, erodes my love of truth, disobeys my Lord Jesus, and aligns me with Satan, the father of lies. (Psalm 52:1–5; Proverbs 25:18; Jeremiah 9:3–9; John 8:42–47)
342. How is false witness given in public life?
Any willful misrepresentation of the truth in legal, civic, or business affairs bears false witness, rebels against God’s will, and subverts God’s justice. (Exodus 23:1–3; Leviticus 6:1–7; Proverbs 11:1; 24:23–26, 28–29; Acts 6:8–15)
343. How is false witness given in respect to the teaching of the Church?
All false or misleading teaching concerning the Christian faith bears false witness against the truth of God’s Word and abuses the authority given by Christ to his Body. (Deuteronomy 13; Matthew 24:3–14; 2 Peter 2:1–3; 1 John 2:18–27)
344. What other acts are forbidden by this commandment?
This commandment forbids all lying, slander, or gossip; all manipulative, deceitful, or insulting speech; and testifying falsely about myself for personal gain. (Leviticus 19:15–17; Psalm 12:2–3; Proverbs 10:18; 11:12; 16:28; Matthew 5:21–22; Romans 16:17–18; 1 Peter 2:1)
345. What sort of speech should you practice instead?
I should speak at all times with love, wisdom, and truth, so that my words may honor God, and comfort and encourage my neighbor. (Psalm 32:2; Proverbs 12:17–20; 14:25; 15:1–4; Zechariah 8:16–17; Matthew 5:33–37; Ephesians 4:25)
346. When is it right to speak of your neighbor’s sins?
I am forbidden to gossip or slander, but I must speak the truth in love, reporting crime, speaking against injustice, and advocating for the helpless. (Leviticus 19:17–18; Proverbs 28:23; 31:8–9; Matthew 18:15–17; Ephesians 4:15–16; James 5:19–20)
347. Must you always speak the whole truth?
To keep a confidence or to protect the innocent, I may at times need to withhold the whole truth; and I should always exercise discretion, that my candor may not needlessly cause harm. (Exodus 1:15–21; Joshua 2:1–14; Proverbs 11:13)
348. How does keeping this commandment help you to become like Christ?
By practicing love and truthfulness in speech, I grow in self-restraint, kindness, and honesty, so that I may know God with a mind free of deception, praise him with an undefiled tongue, and more truly love my neighbor. (Proverbs 8:1–17; Matthew 15:10–20; Ephesians 5:1–4; James 3:1–12)
The Tenth Commandment
349. What is the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment is “You shall not covet . . . anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21)
350. What does it mean to covet?
Coveting is the disordered desire for what belongs to another or what I am unable to have by law, by gift, or by right. (Joshua 7:1, 10–26)
351. What does the tenth commandment forbid you to covet?
It forbids me to covet my neighbor’s property, possessions, relationships, or status, or anything else that is my neighbor’s. (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21; Job 31:7–12, 24–28)
352. Why does God forbid coveting?
God forbids coveting because it breeds enmity with my neighbor, makes me captive to ungodly desire, and leads me into further sins. (Deuteronomy 7:25; Proverbs 12:12; Ephesians 5:5; James 4:2)
353. Why do you covet?
I covet because I do not trust God to provide what I need, and I do not remain content with what I have; rather, I persist in envy and desire. (Proverbs 14:30; 23:17–18; Luke 12:13–21; Galatians 5:17–21)
354. How can covetousness lead to other sins?
Covetousness begins with discontent and, as it grows in the heart, can lead to sins such as idolatry, adultery, and theft. (2 Samuel 11; 1 Kings 21:1–19; Proverbs 1:8–19; James 1:14–15)
355. What did Jesus teach about this commandment?
Jesus taught us not to seek anxiously after possessions, but to put our trust in God; and he showed us how to live by taking the form of a servant, and loving and trusting his Father in all things. (Matthew 6:19–34; Acts 8:9–24; Philippians 2:3–11)
356. How can you keep this commandment?
I can keep this commandment by learning contentment: seeking first the kingdom of God, meditating on God’s provision in creation and in my life, cultivating gratitude for what I have and simplicity in what I want, and practicing joyful generosity toward others. (Exodus 35:20–29; 36:2–5; Psalms 104; 145:15–21; Ecclesiastes 5:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6–15; 1 Timothy 6:6–10; Hebrews 13:5)
Justification and Sanctification: Living in Forgiveness and Healing
357. Is it possible for you to keep these commandments?
No. I fail to keep them perfectly, however hard I try. They show me my inability to obey God’s Law and my need for God’s grace in Christ Jesus. (1 Kings 8:46; Psalms 53:2–3; 130:3; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:9–20; 1 John 1:8, 10)
358. Since you cannot perfectly keep God’s Law, what has Jesus done on your behalf?
As the perfect human and unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus lived a wholly obedient and sinless life. He suffered death for my redemption upon the Cross, offering himself once for all as a “full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.” (“Holy Communion, Anglican Standard Text,” Book of Common Prayer 2019; see also Isaiah 53:4–6; Mark 10:45; John 1:29; Romans 8:3–4; Colossians 2:13–15; Hebrews 10:10–14)
359. What do you receive through Christ’s sacrifice?
I receive the unmerited gift of God’s grace. If I confess my sins, God grants me forgiveness and pardon through Christ’s blood shed for me. (Psalm 32:1–2; Isaiah 53:10–11; John 3:16–18; 2 Corinthians 5:19–21; Hebrews 9:11–15; 1 John 1:8–9; 2:1–2)
360. How does God enable you to live in his forgiveness?
Through faith, repentance, and Baptism, I am made a member of Christ, a child of God, and an heir of the kingdom of heaven. Washed of sin and united to Christ, I am “justified,” being declared righteous by God, and I am given the grace to live continually in repentance and faith. (Psalm 130:4; John 15:26–16:1; Acts 22:16; Romans 5:12–21; Titus 3:3–8)
361. Does God’s forgiveness excuse you from personal obedience?
No. God has reconciled me to himself and freed me from bondage to sin in order to conform me to the image of his Son. As I live each day in gratitude for God’s forgiveness, I seek to turn from sin and follow Christ in loving obedience. (John 14:15–24; Romans 6:1–14; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15; 1 John 3:4–10)
362. Are you still affected by your sin, despite God’s forgiveness?
Yes. My sinful actions can harm my relationship with God, do lasting damage to others, and leave me conflicted within myself. I live in constant need of Christ’s healing grace. (2 Samuel 12:1–23; Psalm 32:1–5; Matthew 15:18–20; Romans 7:15–25; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8)
363. How does Jesus heal you?
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, as I continue in repentance and faith, Jesus mends my disordered soul from the effects of sin in my mind, will, and desires. (2 Chronicles 7:12–14; Psalms 25:4–11; 41:4; 103:1–5; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18)
364. What is this healing called?
This healing is called “sanctification,” which means to be made whole and holy. By the work of the Holy Spirit, my mind, will, and desires are increasingly transformed and conformed to the character of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 2; John 17:15–17; Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Ephesians 2:1–10; 3:14–21)
365. How does the Church assist in your sanctification?
The Church’s joyful worship, faithful teaching, grace-filled sacraments, Gospel-shaped calendar, compassionate ministry, loving discipline, and caring fellowship all assist my growth in Christ and are channels of God’s abundant care for my soul. (Ephesians 4:1–16; Philippians 3:12–21)
366. How does the Lord’s Supper assist in your sanctification?
In the Lord’s Supper or Holy Eucharist, I hear the Law read, receive God’s good news of forgiveness, recall my baptismal promises, have my faith renewed, and receive the grace of the Body and Blood of Christ to continue following him in love and obedience. (John 6:53–58; 1 Corinthians 10:15–16)
367. For what does sanctification prepare you?
Sanctification enables me to serve and bear witness to Christ in this life, and prepares me for the glory of God in the world to come. There I will be completely freed from sin and conformed to the likeness of my Lord, whom I will see face-to-face. (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 13:9–13; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18; 1 John 3:1–3)
368. What marks a life of sanctification?
God calls me to a life marked by gratitude and joy. In gratitude for God’s grace in Jesus, I die daily to the desires of my fallen nature. In the joy of knowing that I will become like Jesus, I live each day in service to him. (Luke 9:23–26; Romans 5:1–5; 2 Corinthians 4:5–18; 1 Thessalonians 1:6–10; Titus 2:11–14)
A Prayer for Increase in the Love of God
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.