What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” – Romans 7:7 (BSB)
So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. – Galatians 3:24 (BSB)
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him. – John 14:21 (BSB)
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. – 1 John 5:3 (BSB)
The commandments are not opposed to grace; they drive me to it. As Fr. Jon Shuler (AMiA, New Anglican Mission) says, “Without the law, I would never know how deeply I need mercy. But because of the law, I know what sin is—and I know where to take it.” (Teaching on Law and Gospel, 2015) In this way, the Ten Commandments continue to do their work even in the new covenant, leading me daily back to Jesus.
Canon David Roseberry (ACNA, Christ Church Plano) notes that the law is also a guide for Christian living: “The commandments show me how to love well. They teach me that worship, rest, truth-telling, faithfulness, and contentment are not optional—they are the very shape of a godly life.” (Formation for Mission, 2019) Far from being outdated, the commandments are relevant in every area of life.
Dr. Stephen Noll (ACNA, Uganda Christian University) points out that the commandments also restrain evil, both in society and in the soul. “Even the one who does not believe is held back by the moral clarity of God’s law. But the believer, having received grace, can now walk in that law by the Spirit’s power.” (The Global Anglican Communion and the Moral Law, 2018)
And finally, the commandments are a gift of love. Bishop John Miller III (PEARUSA, South Carolina) writes, “God’s commandments are not shackles—they are instructions from a loving Father. When I obey, I am not earning His love; I am living within it.” (Catechetical Lecture on Holiness, 2017)
“God’s law accuses, instructs, and prepares the way for the gospel. The soul must be wounded by the law before it is healed by grace.” – Augustine of Hippo, On the Spirit and the Letter, c. 412 AD
“The Decalogue is not abolished by Christ, but fulfilled. What the tablets could not do alone, the Spirit now writes on the hearts of the faithful.” – Gregory of Nyssa, On Christian Perfection, c. 380 AD
“Let the commandments be your companions. They will rebuke when you stray and comfort when you obey.” – Basil the Great, Homily on the Psalms, c. 370 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
