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Lord's Day 44

Topics: Tenth Commandment, Covet, Commandments, Law, Old Nature, Forgiveness, Christ, Grace, Holy Spirit, Image of God

113. Q.

What does the tenth commandment
require of us?

A.
That not even the slightest thought or desire
contrary to any of God's commandments
should ever arise in our heart.
Rather, with all our heart
we should always hate all sin
and delight in all righteousness. 1
  • 1. Ps 19:7-14; 139:23, 24; Rom 7:7, 8.
114. Q.

But can those converted to God
keep these commandments perfectly?

A.
No.
In this life even the holiest
have only a small beginning
of this obedience. 1
Nevertheless, with earnest purpose
they do begin to live
not only according to some
but to all the commandments of God. 2
  • 1. Eccles 7:20; Rom 7:14, 15; 1 Cor 13:9; 1 Jn 1:8.
  • 2. Ps 1:1, 2; Rom 7:22-25; Phil 3:12-16.
115. Q.

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

A.
First,
so that throughout our life
we may more and more become aware of
our sinful nature,
and therefore seek more eagerly
the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ. 1
Second,
so that, while praying to God
for the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we may never stop striving
to be renewed more and more
after God's image,
until after this life we reach
the goal of perfection. 2
  • 1. Ps 32:5; Rom 3:19-26; 7:7, 24, 25; 1 Jn 1:9.
  • 2. 1 Cor 9:24; Phil 3:12-14; 1 Jn 3:1-3.
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