Moment of Truth: Casting Down Lies #38

“Christianity is not a set of rules. If you follow rules, you’re doing it wrong.”

More accurately, Christianity is not merely a set of rules, but God has given us everything we need to follow them.

Let us begin:

God gave the Jewish people a set of rules to follow. Those rules are called the Ten Commandments, which He wrote with His finger. Then, He commanded the Israelites to abide by the rules, which eventually included hundreds of ordinances that Moses laid out to help them with right judgment.

Read Deuteronomy chapter four to chapter thirty-one.

Fast forward to the New Testament and you will see that Jesus commanded two rules:

[37] Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” -Matthew 22:37-40 KJV

These rules cover the whole Ten Commandment law.

Then, Jesus reminded us that He has not come to destroy the law, but rather fulfill it.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. -Matthew 5:17 KJV

Some people think there is no law.1 Read Throwing Away the Gift of Salvation… Accidentally and Moment of Truth: Casting Down Lies #36

Yes, we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Yet, we only have this relationship if we abide by the rules.

The books of the New Testament show us what a Christian life looks like, which contains rules.

Here’s a few examples of Christian rules—a.k.a. ordinances–to follow:

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

All nine of these commands, which are rules to uphold, are found in first Thessalonians chapter five. That’s one chapter. Don’t let anyone tell you that we don’t have rules.

If you’re born-again and baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— God has given you everything you need to successfully abide by the rules.