January 2004 - Faith FAQ
Will obeying the Ten Commandments make me right with God?
It's important to obey the Ten Commandments because they are rules God gave us. These rules help us learn what God expects. They help guide us and keep us safe. God wants us to obey. God knows what is best for us!
BUT... following rules is not what makes us right with God. Only Jesus can do that. When you believe that Jesus died to take care of your sin (the things you do wrong that separate you from God) and you truly are sorry for those, that is what makes you right with God.
Some people call that "being saved" or salvation. When that happens, God the Holy Spirit comes inside you and is there to help you. You will want to obey God's commandments because you love God and want to please him.
None of us can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly by ourselves.... only Jesus was able to do that. But, the Holy Spirit will help you do better and better and become more like Jesus everyday. The church word for this is sanctification and it means becoming more like Jesus!