44. LORD’S DAY.
*113. What doth the tenth command require of us?
That even the smallest inclination, or thought, contrary to any of God’s commands, never rise in our hearts (Matt. 15;19, 20): but that at all times we hate all sin with our whole hearts and delight in all righteousness (Gal. 5;24).
Matt. 15;19, 20.—For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man.—Rom. 7;7.—Prov. 4;23.
Gal. 5;24.—And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts.—Ps. 119;104.—Prov. 8;13.—Rom. 7;22.—Matt. 5;48.
114. But can those who are converted to God, perfectly keep these commandments?
No; but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only small beginnings of this obedience (Phil. 3;13), yet so, that with a sincere resolution, they begin to live, not only according to some, but all the commands of God (Phil. 3;13, 14).
Phil. 3;13.—Brethren I count not myself to have apprehended.—Ps. 19;12.—James 3;2.—Job 9;1-3.—1 John 1;8.—Ecc. 7;20.
Phil. 3;13, 14.—This one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.—Rom. 7;22.—Ps. 119;60, 106, 127, 128.
115. Why will God then have the ten commands so strictly preached, since no man in this life can keep them?
