To Delight in Him

In the tenth commandment the LORD requires me to keep all his commandments with my whole heart.

What does the tenth commandment require of me? 

• That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any of God’s commandments should ever arise in my heart. 
• Rather, I should always hate all sin with all my heart, and delight in all righteousness.

But can those converted to God keep these commandments perfectly?

• No. 
• In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. 
• Nevertheless, with earnest purpose they do begin to live not only according to some but to all the commandments of God.

If in this life no one can keep the ten commandments perfectly, why does God have them preached so strictly? 

First, 

• so that throughout our life we may more and more become aware of our sinful nature, 
• and therefore seek more eagerly the forgiveness of sins and righteousness in Christ.

Second, 

• so that, while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, 
• we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God’s image, 
•  until after this life we reach the goal of perfection.

For the Bible Tells Me So...

Psalm 19:7 — The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 

1 John 1:8 —If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 

Romans 7:14, 24 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. 

Psalm 1:1,2 — Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 44