The WESTMINSTER LARGER Catechism

WLC 99. What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of
the Ten Commandments?

A. For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed: (1) That the law is perfect, and bindeth everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience for ever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin.1 (2) That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures.2 (3) That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments.3 (4) That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden;4 and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded;5 so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included;6 and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included.7 (5). That what God forbids, is at no time to be done;8 what He commands, is always our duty;9 and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times.10 (6). That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto.11 (7). That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.12 (8). That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them;13 and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them.14

Proofs

1Ps 19:7; Jas 2:10; Mt 5:21–22; 2Rom 7:14; Deut 6:5; cf. Mt 22:37–39; 5:21–22, 27–28, 33–34, 37–39, 43–44; 3Col 3:5; Amos 8:5; Prov 1:19; 1 Tim 6:10; 4Isa 58:13; Deut 6:13; cf. Mt 4:9–10; 15:4–6; 5Mt 5:21–24; Eph 4:28; 6Ex 20:12; Prov 30:17; 7Jer 18:7–8; Ex 20:7; cf. Ps 15:1, 4–5; 24:4–5; 8Job 13:7–8; Rom 3:8; Job 36:21; Heb 11:25; 9Deut 4:8–9; 10Mt 12:7; 11Mt 5:21–22, 27–28; 15:4–6; Heb 10:24–25; 1 Th 5:22; Jude 23; Gal 5:26; Col 3:21; 12 Ex 20:10; Lev 19:17; Gen 18:19; Josh 24:15; Deut 6:6–7; 132 Cor 1:24; 141 Tim 5:22; Eph 5:11.

We are entering into an exposition of the Ten Commandments that is perhaps the most thorough, accurate, biblical and practical to be found in any creedal statement in the Christian Church since the days of the apostles. The present question sets forth the principles on which the exposition is founded, while at the same time instructing us how we should view the Ten Commandments.

There are, we are taught, eight rules we must observe for the right understanding of the Ten Commandments. Since the eight rules are given so succinctly, there is no need for a detailed explanation. We shall, as such, summarise and simplify them, though the summary may not in fact be more useful than the actual statements of our catechism.

First, the Ten Commandments must be viewed as perfect and requiring perfect, uncompromised obedience by all men without exception.

Secondly, the Ten Commandments, unlike civil codes, concerns not only outward behaviour, but the whole man including the understanding, the will and the affection. As such, it rules over not only our deeds, but our gestures, words, and thoughts.

Thirdly, the commandments in it must not be viewed as separate and distinct from each other. Thus covetousness is also idolatry, and therefore a breaking of the 19th Commandment, and also of the 1st Commandment (Col 3:5). Likewise failing to worship God on the Sabbath is a breaking of the 4th Commandment as well as the 8th Commandment.

Fourthly, when a command enjoins a duty, the contrary omission is forbidden; and when a command forbids an omission, the contrary duty is commanded. Thus, the 6th commandment not only forbids murder, but enjoins preservation of life; and likewise the 5th commandment not only enjoins honouring of one’s parents, but forbid any dishonouring of them. In like-manner where "a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included" and vice versa. Thus, the promise of long life to encourage to the 5th Commandment is a warning that those who refuse to keep this commandment may face premature death.

Fifthly, while it is sin to do anything that is forbidden at anytime, it is not necessarily sin when a duty is not done at a particular moment. It is always our duty to honour our parents, but it is no sin if I am not thinking of my parents or doing anything to honour them while say, I am listening to a sermon.

Sixthly, the commandments must be viewed as apodictic rather than casuistic. That is to say, they must be interpreted as broadly as possible. Thus the 5th commandment is not only about honouring parents, but about honouring all authorities over us; as well as about how to relate to our subordinates.

Seventhly, we have a duty to ensure that those within our sphere of influence keep the commandments too. Thus, the 4th Commandment require parents to ensure that their children keep the Sabbath holy.

Eighthly, we have a duty to help others keep the commandments that are enjoined them. Thus a father must not provoke his children to wrath but nurture them in the fear and admonition of the Lord in order that they may be better encouraged to honour him. W

"We find the same rules for our actions, the same duties required, the same sins forbidden
in the Gospel as in the law" (Ezekiel Hopkins)