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The Ten Commandments — Decalogue
Celestin Tomić
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The Decalogue — ten + saying — in its original form is simple. But with its power it surpasses space and time, is valid for every country, for every age, for every social form, for every civilization. It is the basis of a quiet and ordered coexistence among human beings. It is always a defence of life: it defends and elevates man's dignity; it educates man for the true freedom, for the life of community with God and our neighbour.
Israel accepts the Decalogue as a sign of God's love, as a grace, as a privilege, as a gift of the present God, of God the Rescuer, Redeemer and Saviour. In the fulfilment of the commands of God, Israel sees its own answer to God's immeasurable love, which Yahwe had shown towards his people and has been continually testifying to them.
Jesus did not come in order to abolish the Law and the prophets, but to fulfil them. This is especially valid for the Decalogue. The fulfilment of the Decalogue is essential for entry into God's Kingdom. Jesus emphasises the commandments from the second board, because whoever fulfils them, fulfils also the precepts from the first board. By revealing God as Father, Jesus spiritualizes also the precepts from the first board. He shows how one should fulfil these precepts with a new Spirit and with a new heart. Jesus makes also the precepts from the second board more radical and intrinsic. The fulfilment of these precepts shows the fruits of the Spirit.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
53430
URI
Publication date:
22.8.1988.
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