Kingdom Ethics and the Ten Commandments Today
1. Introduction
One of the most enduring theological tensions within Christianity lies in understanding the relationship between God’s law and God’s grace. For some, the law represents rules and condemnation, while grace signifies freedom and acceptance. Others insist that grace does not abolish obedience but empowers it.
Paul captures the essence of this tension when he writes:
“For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
— Romans 6:14 (NRSV)
Yet in the same breath, he warns:
“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
— Romans 3:31 (NRSV)
This chapter examines how the New Covenant reframes the role of the Ten Commandments, showing that Kingdom ethics require both radical grace and faithful obedience.
2. The Role of the Law Before Christ
2.1. The Law as Covenant Identity
For Israel, the Ten Commandments functioned as the covenantal framework given at Sinai (Exod. 20). They were not merely moral guidelines but a sign of belonging to God’s people (Deut. 7:6). Through the law, God revealed:
- His holiness (Lev. 19:2)
- His justice (Deut. 16:20)
- His covenantal expectations (Exod. 19:5–6)
2.2. The Law as a Mirror
Paul describes the law as exposing humanity’s sinfulness:
“Through the law comes the knowledge of sin.”
— Romans 3:20
The commandments, while perfect, revealed humanity’s inability to meet God’s standards — pointing towards the need for divine intervention.
3. The Fulfilment of the Law in Christ
3.1. Jesus’ Mission
Jesus makes His position clear:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.”
— Matthew 5:17
Fulfilment means Christ embodies the law’s intention perfectly:
- He keeps the commandments (Heb. 4:15)
- He reinterprets their true meaning (Matt. 5:21–48)
- He establishes righteousness on behalf of His people (Rom. 5:19)
3.2. Grace as Empowerment
In the New Covenant, grace is not permission to sin but power to obey:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly.”
— Titus 2:11–12
4. Law and Grace in Tension
4.1. Not Under the Law, but Not Lawless
Paul declares believers are “not under law” (Rom. 6:14) but does not suggest a life without moral boundaries. Instead, Christians are under grace, meaning:
- Salvation is not earned by keeping the law (Eph. 2:8–9)
- Obedience is the fruit of salvation, not its cause (John 14:15)
- The Spirit enables heart-level transformation (Ezek. 36:26–27)
4.2. The “Law of Christ”
Paul summarises Kingdom ethics as the “law of Christ”:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2
The “law of Christ” is love (John 13:34), which Jesus identifies as the heart of all commandments (Matt. 22:37–40).
5. Contemporary Implications
5.1. Avoiding Legalism
Some churches elevate rule-keeping above relationship, producing guilt-driven spirituality. Yet salvation is by grace alone:
“By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8
5.2. Resisting Antinomianism
Conversely, some misuse grace to justify moral compromise. Paul warns against this distortion:
“Shall we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means!”
— Romans 6:1–2
Kingdom ethics reject both extremes:
- Legalism → seeks salvation by law
- Antinomianism → ignores God’s moral demands
Instead, the Spirit empowers freedom for holiness.
6. Law and Grace in Christian Discipleship
| Aspect | Old Covenant | New Covenant |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of obedience | Obligation | Transformation |
| Power source | Human effort | Holy Spirit |
| Focus | External conformity | Internal transformation |
| Identity | Nation of Israel | Kingdom community |
| Outcome | Condemnation under sin | Freedom and holiness in Christ |
7. Conclusion
The Ten Commandments remain relevant but must be understood through the lens of grace. In the Kingdom, law and grace are not rivals but partners:
- The law reveals God’s character and guides moral living
- Grace enables transformation and empowers obedience
- The Spirit writes God’s commands on the heart (Heb. 8:10)
Kingdom ethics thus reject both legalism and lawlessness, calling Christians to freedom through faithful love.
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1