Are what we refer to as the Ten Commandments binding upon Christians today? The short answer is “No.” Those commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17, were given by God to be sure. But they were part of a covenant God made with the Israelites at Mt. Sinai, referred to biblically as the “Old Covenant” or the “Law of Moses.” But that Old Covenant was becoming obsolete and ready to disappear by the time of the first century (Hebrews 8:13). The New Covenant of Christ was to replace it. The Son of God fulfilled God’s purposes for the Old Covenant (Matthew 5:17). That is why Paul could say that “...Christ is the end (goal, completion) of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4). That is why Paul could say that “...the Law has become our tutor (guardian) to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Galatians 3:24-25). Christ provided a way for peace between Jew and Gentile “...by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace…” (Ephesians 2:15). Believers today are not under the “Law of Moses.” We are under the “Law of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2).
So, if we are not bound by the Ten Commandments, are we free then to worship other gods, murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, and so on? No. With the exception of the command to keep the Sabbath, the moral principles behind the rest of the Ten Commandments are included in the instructions given under the New Covenant. Can we learn from how God dealt with His people under the Old Covenant? Of course (Roman 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). But we have a “...better mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).
God loves you!
Mike
