Why Christians Should Follow the Ten Commandments: Reaping What You Sow and Self-Condemnation
Short Answer
The moment you break any of the Ten Commandments—especially the "shall nots" like stealing, lying, murdering, committing adultery, or coveting—you've authorized the same harm to come back on you. You can't legitimately complain when it does. Through your own actions, you've condemned yourself to the fallout—reaping what you've sown (Galatians 6:7–8).
It's raw hypocrisy: slap someone, then cry foul when slapped back. Or, more pointedly, it's like deliberately urinating in the neighborhood swimming pool that you, your family, and everyone else rely on for clean fun and refreshment. You know the rule—don't foul the water. You've been told repeatedly. Yet you keep doing it because it's easier than stepping out for a second to handle it properly. The water clouds, turns foul, breeds sickness, ruins the experience for kids and neighbors... and eventually for you too. You've poisoned the very pool you depend on.
Many Christians fall into this trap: they sin willfully, then comfort themselves with "But Jesus will save me," ignoring the inevitable fallout—the broken trust, shattered relationships, cycles of pain, and societal decay they've unleashed. If you urinate in that man's pool, how can you cry foul when he (or life) turns the tables on you? You've condemned yourself to the same treatment, inviting the very misery you decry. The commandments aren't just divine suggestions; they're the guardrails that prevent this self-inflicted chaos.
Longer Explanation
Picture the lifelong thief robbed blind—house, car, livestock, everything taken. He collapses, wailing, "I don't deserve this! Restore what was stolen!" Passersby respond bluntly: "You spent your days taking from others without remorse. Now you beg when it's taken from you? You've condemned yourself by your choices—reaping exactly what you've sown" (Galatians 6:7–8).
Contrast that with the man who's never stolen: when loss hits, help comes because his cry is just. This is reciprocity—the Golden Rule ("do unto others," Matthew 7:12) woven into reality. Eight of the Ten Commandments are straightforward "shall nots": don't steal, don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't bear false witness, don't covet, etc. They demand no heavy lifting—just don't harm others, don't foul the shared space of life.
Yet people—including many Christians—ignore them, then rage at the consequences. They sin boldly, then whisper to themselves, "But Jesus will save me," conveniently overlooking the earthly fallout: the marriages destroyed by adultery, the communities torn by lies and theft, the violence that cycles back from unchecked anger. Sin doesn't evaporate; it poisons everything it touches, and you reap corruption in this life long before any eternal reckoning.
It's like repeatedly urinating in the neighborhood pool after being warned multiple times: "Don't do this—it's gross, it's harmful, it ruins everything for everyone." A child who can't hold it or someone who genuinely doesn't understand gets a pass for ignorance. But the capable adult who hears the rule, knows better, and still chooses laziness or defiance over stepping out? He pollutes the water others (including his own family) swim in. The fallout spreads: cloudy water, irritated skin, ruined playtime, health risks. If he keeps it up unrepentantly—refusing to stop, mocking the rule as "too strict," even encouraging others ("It's fine, the owner's just being mean")—the owner has every right to bar him, drain and clean the mess, or let the consequences teach the lesson.
Now flip it: if you urinate in that man's pool—defiling his space, ignoring his warnings—how can you cry foul when he does the same to yours or kicks you out? You've authorized it through your hypocrisy, condemning yourself to the very treatment you inflicted. Expecting no fallout is delusional; it's like sowing weeds and demanding a harvest of roses. That's why Christians must adhere to the Ten Commandments: they expose sin's poison, demand personal accountability, and warn of the self-condemning fallout when we ignore them. Free will means real choices with real results—no dodging the mess you've made. The best path—the only wise one—was never to foul the pool to begin with.
Points That Give Pause: Biblical Ideas and Verses for Consideration
The following sections present various biblical verses, analogies, and concepts as points to reflect on. These are drawn from scattered thoughts on why adhering to the Ten Commandments matters, and they raise questions about ideas like Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) and instant forgiveness without change. Each is offered for the reader to weigh and decide its relevance. Where relevant, examples like the thief, pool, or debt analogies have been cleaned up and integrated to illustrate the ideas.
1. Hypocrisy in Not Showing Mercy After Sinning
Consider the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35 (KJV), where a servant is forgiven a massive debt but refuses to forgive a smaller one owed to him, leading to his own punishment. Verses include: Matthew 18:23-27 (forgiveness given), Matthew 18:28-30 (mercy withheld), and Matthew 18:32-35 (consequences follow). This parable raises questions about reciprocity: If someone receives mercy but doesn't extend it for the same offense, what does that imply? For example, imagine an unrepentant thief who stole a big screen TV the night before but cries for justice when his own goods are taken—would you help him if you were the TV's owner? It may connect to self-condemnation, as in James 2:13 (KJV): "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy."
2. Sin's Earthly and Eternal Consequences; Requirement of True Repentance; Destroying Christian Witness
Verses like Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV): "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." And Hebrews 6:4-6 (KJV), discussing those who "crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Also, Acts 3:19 (KJV): "Repent ye therefore, and be converted," and Matthew 3:8 (KJV): "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." Romans 2:23-24 (KJV) notes: "Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you." 1 Peter 2:12 (KJV) adds: "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles." These may prompt reflection on whether sin has real consequences, if true repentance involves change, and how breaking commandments affects one's testimony. For instance, the lifelong thief begging for mercy after being robbed, only to be told "You condemned yourself," illustrates reaping what is sown while ignoring fallout.
3. Pre-Sin Reflection: The Absurdity of Direct Confrontation with Sinful Excuses
Imagine announcing a sin upfront: "I hate to do this, but my family is hungry, so I'm going to rob you—but I want you to know I'm still a good person, and if you don't forgive me, you're in sin." Most sins happen in secret because they're indefensible, as sinners would never say this directly but do it behind backs. Consider Matthew 7:12 (KJV): "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Proverbs 28:13 (KJV): "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." John 3:20-21 (KJV): "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light... But he that doeth truth cometh to the light." This concept may highlight why sins are hidden and encourage thinking before acting.
4. "Depart from Me, Ye Workers of Iniquity"; "Go and Sin No More"; Loving God Defined by Obedience
Matthew 7:23 (KJV): "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Context in Matthew 7:15-23 discusses those doing works in His name but practicing lawlessness. John 8:11 (KJV): "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more," said to the woman in adultery. John 14:15 (KJV): "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:21, 1 John 5:3, 1 John 2:3-4, James 1:22 (KJV) link love to keeping commandments. These verses may raise questions about claiming faith without obedience, such as how one can say "I am a Christian and love God" while breaking commandments.
5. "Forgive Them Father, for They Know Not What They Do"; Meaning of "Forsaketh" in Proverbs 28:13; Repeating Sin's Implications
Luke 23:34 (KJV): "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," spoken about those crucifying Him, emphasizing ignorance—not as a "cleanup crew." Proverbs 28:13 (KJV): "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." "Forsaketh" implies abandoning or departing from sin, as in Isaiah 55:7 and Ezekiel 18:21 (KJV). Hebrews 10:26 and 1 John 3:6-9 (KJV) discuss willful sin and not continuing in it. Repeating sin may question if forsaking was genuine. For example, in the pool analogy, an unrepentant pisser who keeps fouling after warnings emboldens others, and simply saying "sorry" while continuing doesn't clean the mess—the best remedy is not to foul it.
6. The "Sin Unto Death" and Its Severity (Focused on Ten Commandments)
1 John 5:16-17 (KJV) distinguishes "a sin unto death" from others. Matthew 12:31-32 (KJV) mentions unforgivable blasphemy. Hebrews 10:26-27 and 1 John 3:4 (KJV) discuss willful sin and transgression of the law. This concept may prompt thought on whether some unrepented sins, like those in the Ten Commandments, carry greater weight.
7. Ten Commandments as Core of Loving God and Neighbor
Matthew 22:36-40 (KJV): Love God fully and neighbor as self, on which "hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 7:12, 1 John 4:20, Matthew 5:17-19 (KJV) connect to this. Violations of the commandments may oppose these principles, as each "shall not" directly counters loving God or neighbor.
8. Thieves on the Cross: Owning Sin and Accepting Consequences
Luke 23:39-43 (KJV): One thief admits, "We indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds," and receives a response; the other mocks. Proverbs 1:7 (KJV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." This contrast may illustrate owning sin vs. presumption, like the repentant thief recognizing he deserved his fate while the innocent one did not.
9. Jesus as Sinless Yet Tempted, Our Mediator and Example
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV): "One mediator... the man Christ Jesus." Hebrews 4:15 (KJV): Tempted "yet without sin." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV): No temptation beyond what can be borne. Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 2:17-18, Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 8:9-11 (KJV) describe temptation and example. This may suggest no excuse for persistent sin.
10. Paul's Church Discipline for Incest: Delivering to Satan, Not Tolerance
1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (KJV): Expel the man for sin, "deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh." 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, Matthew 18:15-17 (KJV) discuss restoration after repentance. This may question unconditional tolerance, as Paul didn't instantly forgive or ask "are you sorry?" but enforced consequences to protect the assembly.
11. Resolving Issues with a Brother: Church Discipline, Binding/Loosing, Treating as Heathen/Publican; Reconciling Before Offering
Matthew 18:15-20 (KJV): Steps for confronting sin, leading to treating as a "heathen man and a publican" if unheeded; binding/loosing has heavenly backing. Matthew 5:23-24 (KJV): Reconcile before offering. 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15 (KJV) advise withdrawal from disorderly brothers. This process may imply consequences for unrepented sin, like being "kicked out" of fellowship.
12. Systems Need Rules to Avoid Chaos: House Divided, Creator/God, Commandments as Manual
Matthew 12:25 (KJV): "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation." Proverbs 14:1, Romans 13:10, James 2:10, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (KJV) discuss building vs. destroying. Analogies like engines or companies needing manuals from their creator may reflect on rules preventing disorder, with minor violations (scratches, forgivable) vs. major ones (sugar in the gas tank, like blasphemy, leading to breakdown).
13. Mercy for Repentant Sinner: Attitude Matters; Debt Repayment Analogy
Luke 18:9-14 (KJV): Humble publican justified over proud Pharisee. Micah 6:8, James 4:6, Matthew 7:12, Exodus 22:1-4, Luke 19:8 (KJV) tie to humility and restitution. Analogy: If you owe $100 and humbly bring $99, debt may be paid; with $50 and an offer to work, likely considered paid; but with $2 and haughtily saying "we're even," how have you fulfilled "love thy neighbor"? And how can you cry when the same happens to you?
14. "If My People Turn from Their Wicked Ways": Conditional Forgiveness and Healing
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV): Humble, pray, seek, turn—then forgiveness and healing. Ezekiel 18:30-32, Acts 17:30, Isaiah 55:7 (KJV) extend the call to turn for mercy to all.
15. Prohibitions on Adding/Subtracting to God's Word; Punishments for False Preachers and Harming Little Ones
Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV): Warnings against altering the word. James 3:1 (KJV): Greater condemnation for teachers. Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, Matthew 24:11-12 (KJV): Severe outcomes for offending little ones or false prophecy. These may question why such warnings if no consequences.
16. "Heap Unto Themselves Teachers with Itching Ears": Preferring Easy Messages
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV): Seeking teachers to suit lusts, turning to fables. 2 Timothy 4:2, Jude 1:4, Ezekiel 33:31-32 (KJV) contrast with sound doctrine and rebuke. This may reflect on choosing messages that minimize obedience, like finding preachers who make sin sound easy—"wow, that sounds a lot easier than not stealing. Thank you preacher...."
17. Verses Pointing to "Turn from Sin"; Jesus' Mission to Stop Sin by Example
Acts 26:18, 1 Peter 2:24/21, Isaiah 6:5-7, Matthew 1:21, John 8:34-36/46, Romans 6:15, Ezekiel 36:26-27, John 1:29 (KJV) emphasize turning from sin and following an example of sinlessness. These verses may suggest a consistent call to stop sinning rather than excusing it, as Jesus modeled not sinning and instructed others to do the same.
18. Jesus points out the hypocrisy of claiming his name and not doing what he says
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
19. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
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