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Why the Ten Commandments Matter

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This is an insightful exposition on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-7) and their continued relevance today. It is written by one of America's leading conservative evangelical Christian thinkers. Dr. D. James Kennedy, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida, offers a thought-provoking overview of the Commandments and it explains their application today. Liberal critics who prejudge the book and dismiss it as a plea for civil religion are missing the point. Likewise, antinomians who think grace is some carte blanche for Christians being like the rest of the world ought to take a cue from Kennedy. Salvation is not of works, it is of grace.

Jesus Christ himself itinerated the importance of the commandments, but the Gospel message reminds us that we fallible sinners who fall short of God's perfect righteousness which is where grace abounds for those of faith. Nonetheless, the fruit of a geniune saving are the good works that God has ordained that we should walk in. If we love God we will obey his commandments. We turn to His Holy Spirit for strength to accomplish that purpose. The Ten Commandments are as relevant as ever. I was disheartened to hear fellow students at Christians colleges pronounce their irrelevance in a classroom discussion about grace. That is just bad doctrine. D. James Kennedy corrects such misguided notions, and reminds us of the consequences of sin.

This is one of the best new books on the Ten Commandments in recent years. I think D. James Kennedy has done a better job than Pat Robertson's book, The Ten Offenses, which is also pretty good.

In the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 22:37-40, our Lord Jesus Christ explictly encapsulated the Ten Commandments in this statement: Jesus replied, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

I picked up this book strictly on the basis of its title (not knowing anything about the author), hoping it would provide a scholarly discussion of the Ten Commandments. I was disappointed to discover that it was essentially a sermon in book form, continuing the tired old diatribe about how our society is going to hell in a handbasket.

Obviously, the Decalogue covers some of the basic rules that any society must follow if it wishes to survive, namely, those against murder and theft. Some of the others require much more explanation and justification to be taken seriously. But Kennedy doesn't add any information of value; worse, he continues to foster the many misconceptions about these rules.

For example, in his discussion of the commandment not to take "the Lord's name in vain," he immediately launches into a lecture about profanity, about people who say "G-- D--- this" and "G-- D--- that." Clearly, the "name" of the god of the Old Testament is NOT "God." It's YHWH. So how can one break this commandment by speaking the word "god" in any context? He also fails to explain the "in vain" part of the commandment, and how one would go about using the name YHWH "in vain" (for one's own selfish purposes). Disappointing.

Another example is the discussion of the stricture against bearing "false witness" against a neighbor, which, according to the words, seems to be specifically about presenting a false testimony or bringing false legal charges. Yet the author ignores this and sermonizes on the general evils of lying, as if the commandment were "thou shalt not lie." His discussion on why the concept of Sabbath is valid for non-Jews, as well as why Sunday should be observed as the Sabbath Day rather than the "Lord's Day," is likewise lacking foundation.

If you want a sermon aimed at believers, this is your book. If you are looking for a good treatise on the real meaning of ALL of the Ten Commandments (or an explanation for why secular citizens should pay them any heed), look elsewhere.

"The truth is that not one of us has kept the commandments. In thought and word and deed we have broken all of them." ~ pg. 143

If you are curious to know which of the Ten Commandments you could possibly be breaking, this book is an excellent place to start. D. James Kennedy not only explains the Ten Commandments in detail he also brings up salient points about each commandment that you may have never considered. When discussing the commandment about not stealing he not only speaks about stealing from our fellow humans but how we may also be stealing from God.

To say the least this is a very thought-provoking book. One of the issues that is set straight in this book is the issue of murder. The correct translation of "thou shalt not kill" is actually "thou shalt not murder."

This book may be difficult for some people to read, especially if you are not open to confessing your sins. Each chapter ends with a prayer of confession that leads to more peace and harmony in the heart. So the initial shock of realizing you have broken many of the commandments (who hasn't sworn or taken the Lord's name in vain and who hasn't lied) is softened by knowing you can ask for forgiveness and that God forgives all sins. OK, there is apparently one unforgiveable sin.

While this book focuses mostly on the Ten Commandments there are some interesting discussions on the qualities of God and a short section on pantheism, polytheism, deism and New Age religious beliefs.

"As a society, we have blatantly turned away from the Ten Commandments, and as a result, our world has become unstable, frightening, and dangerous." ~ pg. 9

This is a very serious book with a serious message. How you deal with your sin could determine your eternal destiny. I can highly recommend this book to all Christians and to anyone curious about what it takes to be a good Christian. I can also highly recommend The Ten Commandments: The Significance of God's Laws in Everyday Life.

~The Rebecca Review

This is a great thought provoking book covering why the Ten Commandments matter. Dr. James Kennedy does a great job of presenting the Ten Commandments in an easy to read format. It gives numerous examples to help the reader understand the many different aspects of the Commandments.

This book is key to enforcing the rule of the Ten Commandments. Dr. Kennedy did a superb job in explaining why its so important to keep the commandments in our daily lives.

*** Not since Moses brought the Ten Commandments off the mountain have they been so much in the headlines, or so it seems at times. Many people are making a stand for the right to display them in public, but are they also willing to display them in their lives? Does it matter whether or not they do either? Exactly what are the Ten Commandments? Examing what the Decalouge entails at more than face value, Dr. Kennedy explains what they mean in practical terms so that everyone who cares about living out their faith can display the Commandments in their day to day life. ***