Date: Thu, 30 Mar 1995 11:01:10 +0100 Reply-To: t.benschop@pobox.ruu.nl Sender: Christian explanation of the Scriptures to Israel From: Teus Benschop Subject: Catechism, 10 Q: Which is the fifth commandment? A: The fifth commandment is, "Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." How is this command built up? 1. The command itself: Honour thy father and thy mother. 2. The promise annexed to it: That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Q: What is required in the fifth commandment? A: The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals. Q: What is forbidden in the fifth commandment? A: The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations. It is required that I give all honour, love and fidelity to my father and mother, and also to all who are my superiors. Further, that I obey their voice, that is, that I do what they say. Even when my superiors are somewhat harsh, I ought to obey him. As long as they ask from me things, which are not against God's Word, I will obey them. It is God, Who has given me my parents, and my other superiors. Also my behaviour to my inferiors will be kindly, careful, and the like. And I ought to love my equals likewise. All these things are expressed in the Bible. The first, my behaviour towards my superiors, is expressed in the following places: "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." (Eph.5:21,22) The children and servants have to obey their higher: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh." (Eph.6:1,5) And Paul states in general that everybody must be subject to his superiors: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (Rom.13:1) And the reason is, that every power is ordained by God. So, the police in the country are ordained by God. Likewise the government, the army, and all the higher powers. Disobedience towards them is therefore not only a crime towards men, but also towards God. Strike is a great sin, committed against God. And when you say, that your boss gives too little money, then I answer: "That is but so in your opinion, and in the opinion of the others. But remember, God asks obedience, not striking". Transgressions of the laws of the government are sins against this fifth commandment. Even the little transgressions, even those who nobody sees, but God. The superiors, on their turn, have to be well-disposed towards their lowers, like the Scriptures say: "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." (Eph.6:9) Also herein is sinned much. Some masters are so bad, that they, as it were, urge their people to rebel against them. Although rebellion is sin, also the causing of rebellion is sin against God and men. This command requires our good behaviour towards the other. When this commandment is followed up, how righteous would it be! Reader, remember that the commandments of God are given to our benefit. However, who will obey them? Q: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? A: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long life and prosperity [as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good] to all such as keep this commandment. It is like the apostle Paul said: "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Eph.6:2,3) And, in contrast herewith, says the Scripture, that who curses his father or mother, he will soon come to an end: "And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death." (Exod.21:17) This promise of a long life in case of obedience, is given, in order that we have a spur to obey the more our fathers and mothers. We cannot turn this the other way around, and say, that who dies early, must necessary be a sinner against this commandment. For, that does not follow. There may be another reason, or the sole divine will. Of course, the punishment of sin is death. While we all are sinners, we deserve the death. Therefore, when God promises a long life on earth, this is pure grace. And let we keep this in mind, and not make God being obliged to do us well. Concerning the commands in general, when you feel yourself utterly unable to keep them, know that you feel the truth. Those commandments must be kept by us, but we are utterly unable to do that in due manner. The more you try to keep the commandments, the more you see your impossibility. When you, on the other hand, get the idea that you are keeping the law rather well, it is time that God opens your eyes to see the truth. We have to obey, and who not does so will inevitably perish. "Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen." (Deut.27:26) The sinner will be cursed, for God asks righteousness of us. For all those, who no longer see the possibility to keep the law, I have the next message: Believe in Jesus Christ, to the forgiving of your sins. I say not: believe in Christ to stay a sinner, but I say: Believe in Him, in order that He makes you righteous. Do not abuse grace by continuing in your sins, but be thankful. Those who are unable to obey God in due manner, must seize the last opportunity which I offer you in the Name of God: Believe in Christ. About all those who were sinners, and now believe, is said: "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Cor.6:10,11) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chr-Exp, a Christian explanation of the Tanach and the New Testament Editor: Teus Benschop - t.benschop@pobox.ruu.nl No copyrights on this publication Institution Practical Bible-education, the Netherlands End of Catechism, 10 -------------------------------------------------- file: /pub./resources/text/ipb-e/cate: cat-010.txt .