Last Word – Commandments
Revelation 22:14
1. Authority for doing things is sometimes determined is by direct commands. Understanding the nature of commands helps to grasp how they convey authority.
2. Different ways to view commands.
1. Moral and religious commands.
1. Moral commands have to do with man's relationship with his fellow man. For example, stealing and bearing false witness are regulated by moral commands. Ex.20:15,16 How a husband treats his wife is, likewise, regulated by a moral command. Eph.5:25
2. Religious commands have to do with man's relationship with God. Worshipping God is a religious command. Matt.4:10 Not forsaking the assembly is a religious command. Heb.10:25
2. Positive and negative commands.
1. Positive commands enjoin responsibilities. The Lord's supper is commanded. I Cor.11:24,25 Prayer is commanded. I Thess.5:17
2. Negative commands prohibit wrong-doing. Lying is prohibited. Col.3:9 Speaking evil of others is forbidden. Jam.4:11
3. Universal and limited commands.
1. Universal commands are for all people. Killing is wrong for anyone. Ex.20:13 Loving the world is wrong for anyone. I Jn.2:15 Abstaining from fleshly lusts is enjoined on all people. I Pet.2:11
2. Limited commands are given to particular people. The apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem. Lk.24:49 Timothy was told to bring certain items. II Tim.4:13 Christians in Rome were told to greet some brethren. Rom.16:3
4. Temporary and permanent commands.
1. Temporary commands have duration. Some commands cannot be observed today. Examples are: The command to keep the sabbath. Ex.20:8 Failing to observe restrictions on speaking in tongues. I Cor.14:27,28
2. Permanent commands remain binding. Repentance and baptism are permanent commands. Acts 2:38 Partaking of the communion is an unchanging command. I Cor.11:26 The command for women not to usurp authority is permanent. I Tim.2:12
5. Generic and specific commands.
1. A generic command places on man a general obligation which may or may not contain the exact way it is to be fulfilled. The apostles were told to "go," but they were not told how to go. Mk.16:15 Christians are to partake of the Lord's supper on the first day of the week, but the time and method are not specified.
2. A specific command declares the way a generic command is to be carried out. While the apostles were told to "preach" they were also told what to preach - the "gospel." Mk.16:15 Partaking of the Lord's supper is commanded and the elements to be used are specified. Matt.26:26-28
3. It is this category of Biblical commands (generic and specific) to which special attention should be given.
6. Generic commands which contain required specifics.
1. Ark (generic) - "gopher wood" (required specific)
2. Baptism (generic) - "water" (required specific)
3. Preach (generic) - "gospel" (required specific)
4. Worship/praise (generic) - "sing" (required specific)
5. Lord's supper (generic) - "bread and fruit of the vine" (required specifics)
7. Law of exclusion. A required specific is exclusive. That is, it excludes all other specific ways of doing a thing that hold the same relation to the generic command.
1. Ark - What type wood? "gopher" - excludes pine and oak
2. Baptism - What element? "water" - excludes oil and wine
3. Preach - What message? "gospel" - excludes man-made doctrines
4. Worship/praise - How? "sing" - excludes mechanical instruments
5. Lord's supper - What type food? "bread and fruit of the vine" - excludes steak and beans
8. Law of expediency. In some instances a general command may not specify how a certain thing is to be done. Such cases fall in the realm of opinion and could be carried out in any way that is expedient.
1. Ark - What tools? hammer, saw - optional specifics
2. Baptism - The place? baptistery, lake - optional specifics
3. Preach - What means? chalk board, radio - optional specifics
4. Worship/praise - What method? song books, parts - optional specifics
5. Lord's supper - What containers? cups, plates - optional specifics