Catechism Question 55
What is the preface to the Ten Commandments, and what does it teach us?
The preface to the Ten Commandments is “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” It teaches us that God is our Redeemer, who has freed us, and therefore as His people we should love and obey Him.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
This question begins the discussion of each specific command in the Ten Commandments. This process will continue for the next ten questions.
We begin with a discussion of the preface to the Ten Commandments. The reason for this is that it lays out the fact that the Ten Commandments were not given so that Israel might keep them and be redeemed. They had already been redeemed and delivered. The Lord was already their God. So we also are using the commandments, not as a way to earn God’s favor, but as a guide to show those who have already been redeemed through Christ how they should live to please their Redeemer.
Additional Questions:
What is the introduction to the Ten Commandments? What does it teach us?
What is the preface to the Ten Commandments, and what do we learn from it?
Scripture References:
Exodus 20:2
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Deuteronomy 5:6
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Luke 1:74–75
to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
1 Peter 1:15–19
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Revelation 1:5–6
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Hebrews 2:14–18
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil — 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Ephesians 2:8–10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1 Peter 2:9–12
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Why is the preface to the Ten Commandments important?
Do we keep God’s law to earn His favor and be justified, or because we already have His favor and are justified because of Christ? Why does it matter?
Does this preface really apply to Christians, since we were not literally in slavery in Egypt? Does the New Testament ever use such an analogy? If so, from what slavery have we been delivered?
Additional Information:
This question is based on questions 43 and 44 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Westminster Shorter Catechism will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “The LORD Who Saves (O Adonai)” (November 24, 2019), “Unchained By Grace” (July 27, 2014), and “Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude: A Biblically Shaped Life” (July 28, 2019).
Suggested Worship Song:
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (Words by John Newton, additional words by Chris Tomlin)
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
[2x]
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine.
You are forever mine.