<> Ask the Pastor Pastor Walter Snyder Q: Why do churches have differences in the numbering of the Commandments? A: The Ten Commandments are also called the "Decalog" (Ten Words). Exodus 34:28 speaks of these ten words of God's Covenant, but does not indicate how they are numbered. In fact, nowhere in the Bible is a numbering introduced. Even the order is changed at times. For example, Deuteronomy 5:21 rearranges the section on coveting from how it appears in Exodus 20:17. In the Gospels, Jesus also reorders these expressions of the Moral Law when he addresses the young man seeking to justify himself (Matthew 19 and Mark 10). With such Biblical precedent, it's understandable that people have assigned varied numbering and grouping systems. The Jews customarily make Exodus 20:2 the First Commandment, Exodus 20:3-6 the Second, and Exodus 20:17 the Tenth. Most Eastern Orthodox churches and those of the Reformed tradition make Exodus 20:2-3 the First, Exodus 20:4-6 the Second, and Exodus 20:17 the Tenth. Roman Catholics and Lutherans draw the Second Commandment from Exodus 20:7, the Third from Exodus 20:8-11, and split Exodus 20:17 into the Ninth and Tenth Commandments. For those who don't want to look all of this up, Lutherans do not list the prohibition on graven images, but assume it to be part of the First Commandment. The split in verse 17 concerns coveting, with "house" used in the Ninth and all else in the Tenth. Jews divide them into two groups of five. Lutherans and Catholics assign the three concerning our relationship with God to the first "table" (love God). The seven involving our relationships with each other form the second "table" (love your neighbor). The Reformed and Eastern Churches group them four and six. According to the form in which they are given, Luther and others have said that the Ten Commandments do not concern Gentiles and Christians, but only the Jews. Luther used the precedent of the New Testament (see Matthew 19:18-19; Mark 10:19; Ephesians 6:2-3; Colossians 2:16-17) in recasting the Commandments for a Gentile Christian audience. He omitted ceremonial elements such as the word "Sabbath" and the ritual practices of the Third (Fourth) Commandment and graven images in connection with the First (Second). Q: I don't understand why people who are supposedly Christian think just because they show up in church they are going right to heaven just because they know Christ. I have taken care of an elderly relative for three years. Her brother, a non-ordained, so-called minister of a nondenominational church has not lifted a finger in three years to help an inch. This is Christianity? Just cannot figure it out. Where does it say that all you have to do is believe in Christ and you will go right through to heaven but in the process neglect certain moral duties here on earth? I have not been able to go to church for a long time now but this question has bugged me to no end. A: I am happy that your relative has someone who will care for her during this time. However, I'm concerned that bitterness will consume you. There are many who "have their reward" in this life, as Christ says. If even the wicked flourish now, how much more the believers in the life to come? "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved," answers part of your question. Forgiveness of sins, however, does not confirm the Christian in a life of luxurious laziness. Faith in Christ bears fruit in our daily living. It's difficult to conceive of anyone who truly believes in Jesus as Savior who isn't moved to do works of love and compassion. Faith alone saves, but the believer then responds. Ephesians 2:8-10 is explicit in both: "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God--not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." These works involve what we've just discussed in the Ten Commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind," and "love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-38)" It is not "Christianity" to neglect those in need--whether family or stranger. Nor is it "Christianity" to bear grudges, assign blame, try to earn salvation, or stay away from church. I pray that Christ would free you from that which burdens your heart so that your service would be truly joyful, voluntary, and in loving response rather than glum obligation. Christ calls us to "take up our cross" and follow him. Sometimes the way is difficult, but the end of the journey is always fantastic, and he never burdens his people with more than they can bear. Remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas, and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.