Why We Left Lutheranism--Misapply & Violate the 10 Commandments
Does that mean the Law has no place in our lives? No! Rather, Jesus reaffirmed the basic tenets of the moral code in his Sermon on the Mount, and went beyond actions to thoughts and words as well!
But here's what I remember from my catechism classes. The Law can only Show Our Sin; The Gospel only can Show Our Savior. The two are inseparable in that if you do not see sin in your life, then you do not see a need for a Savior! Or you see yourself as either above reproach or able to make up for your misdeeds. The religious elite in Jesus' day felt the same. Thus Jesus preached his Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus states clearly and without reservation that the law code included not just actions, but thoughts and words as well-calling your brother a fool and hating him is akin to murder; having lustful thoughts of another's spouse violates the adultery and coveting commands.
We also speak of the three uses of the Law: as a curb, as a mirror, and as a ruler.
As a curb, the Law curbs lawlessness. If we had no laws, anarchy would run rampant. How many workplaces start out with very few laws, but as time goes on laws (rules) are added because of the behavior of some? How many rules changes in sports are enacted because of the trickery of some who aren't playing in the spirit of the sport? Yes, even as a Christian society, we need curbs because we still inhabit a sinful nature. I would guess most of you hit the brake if you see a sedan sporting red and blue lights on its roof.
The Law is a mirror that also shows us our sin. There is a reason Jesus spoke on morality in his Sermon on the Mount. Because his audience was made up of sinners! And sinners need a savior. But if you are unaware of sin, then you have no perceived need of a Savior. Thus the Law shows how we fall short of God's mark of perfection. Often, we can't get past the FIRST Commandment without stumbling. But even if you delude yourself, the final commandment shows that you do harbor coveting.
As a ruler, the Law shows us how God would have us live as his dear children.
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