Repent Before God - Beginning Reflections
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 2 - Repent Before God p. 21
The numbering of the Commandments varies among different traditions, reflecting the diverse interpretations and teachings within Christianity. The two most familiar numbering systems to Christians are the Roman Catholic/Lutheran tradition and the Protestant/Eastern Orthodox/Reformed tradition. These traditions follow the teachings of Augustine and Origen, respectively, leading to distinct ways of organizing the Ten Commandments.
In the Roman Catholic/Lutheran tradition, following Augustine's order, the First Commandment combines "You shall have no other gods" and "You shall not make for yourself a carved image." This approach integrates the prohibition against idolatry with the exclusive worship of the one true God. Additionally, Augustine's order separates "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife" from "You shall not covet [other things that are] your neighbor's," resulting in the Ninth and Tenth Commandments. This separation emphasizes the distinct nature of coveting a person's spouse versus other possessions.
Conversely, in the Protestant/Eastern Orthodox/Reformed tradition, following Origen's order, "You shall have no other gods" and "You shall not make any graven images" are treated as separate commandments, making them the First and Second Commandments. In this tradition, all types of coveting are encompassed under the Tenth Commandment, emphasizing a singular prohibition against covetousness regardless of its object.
Despite these differences in numbering, all Christian traditions recognize the Ten Commandments as God's commands based on Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. The variations in numbering do not diminish the significance of the Commandments; rather, they reflect the rich tapestry of Christian thought and interpretation. Christians of all denominations take these divine commands seriously, repenting of their sins before God, receiving His forgiveness through Christ, and striving to keep these commandments with His help.
It is essential to understand that while we are sinful human beings, Christ paid the full price for our sins. Through His sacrifice, we are redeemed and empowered to live according to God's commandments. This redemption unites Christians across traditions, reminding us that the essence of the Commandments lies not in their numbering but in their divine origin and the guidance they provide.
The differing ways to number the Commandments highlight the diversity within Christian traditions. Whether following Augustine's or Origen's order, the Commandments remain a cornerstone of Christian faith, guiding believers toward a life of righteousness and devotion to God. As we reflect on these commandments, let us remember our redemption through Christ and strive to uphold these divine principles in our daily lives.
Here is a fun YouTube video that we include with Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation Self Study Lesson 2:
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