L232
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
PASADENA CALIFORNIA 91123

JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning why in Matthew 19:16-19 Jesus mentioned only six of the Ten Commandments. Does this mean that He did away with the others?

Not at all! David said all of God's commandments are sure and stand forever (Ps. 111:7-8).

Christ did not need to quote all of the Commandments. His hearer knew them. All He needed to do was mention several to show which set of commandments He was referring to as the supreme rule of conduct -- so the person would know He was speaking of the Ten Commandments and not the commands of the Sanhedrin.

Notice the particular Commandments Christ did mention: "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." These explain man's responsibility to man.

Christ's hearer needed to be reminded of his duty to his fellowman -- of how to love his neighbor. This rich young man's refusal to use his great wealth for the good of others proved he did not love his neighbor (Matt. 19:22).

Now notice the Commandments Christ did not refer to directly: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image ... nor serve them .... Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain .... Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy .... Thou shalt not covet ..." (Ex. 20:3-8, 17). Since these Commands are not mentioned; does this mean it is all right to worship other gods, curse, break the Sabbath, and covet? Of course not! The Jews understood this.

Jesus inspired James to write that we must keep every point of the law -- not just one or two, or even half of them. Anyone who offends in one point is guilty of all (Jas. 2:10). To break any of the Ten Commandments is to be guilty of sin (I John 3:4).

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT

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