The Problem with Hyper-Grace:
Why the 10 Commandments Still Apply to New Testament Christians
Understanding Hyper-Grace
In recent years, a teaching known as “hyper-grace” has gained popularity in many Christian circles. At its core, hyper-grace promotes the idea that because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, believers are completely freed from any obligation to obey God’s moral law. This teaching suggests that repentance, confession of sin, and adherence to biblical commandments are unnecessary since all past, present, and future sins have already been forgiven.
While it is true that God’s grace is abundant and powerful—covering all our sins and making salvation possible through faith in Jesus—hyper-grace distorts the biblical message. It emphasizes grace to the exclusion of holiness, obedience, and accountability. This teaching can lead believers to disregard God’s commands and live without concern for righteous living, which contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture.
The Role of the Law in the New Testament
One of the biggest misconceptions of hyper-grace theology is the claim that the moral law, particularly the Ten Commandments, no longer applies to Christians. However, Jesus Himself affirmed the lasting validity of God’s commandments.
In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus states:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”
This passage makes it clear that Jesus did not abolish the law but fulfilled its requirements perfectly. His fulfillment of the law does not mean its moral standards are irrelevant. Instead, through Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey God’s commands in a way that pleases Him.
The 10 Commandments: A Moral Standard for All Time
The Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), were never meant to be temporary or limited to the Old Testament era. These laws reflect God’s unchanging nature and His expectations for human conduct. While the ceremonial and civil laws of Israel were specific to the Old Covenant, the Ten Commandments are part of God’s eternal moral law, which still applies today.
Why the Ten Commandments Still Apply
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The New Testament Reinforces Them
Every one of the Ten Commandments is reaffirmed in the New Testament, demonstrating their continued relevance:- No other gods (Matthew 4:10)
- No idolatry (1 John 5:21)
- Do not misuse God’s name (Matthew 6:9)
- Remember the Sabbath (Mark 2:27, 1 Cor. 16:2, Hebrews 10:25)
- Honor your parents (Ephesians 6:1-3)
- Do not murder (Matthew 5:21-22)
- Do not commit adultery (Matthew 5:27-28)
- Do not steal (Ephesians 4:28)
- Do not lie (Colossians 3:9)
- Do not covet (Romans 7:7)
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Grace Empowers Obedience, Not Lawlessness
Hyper-grace teaches that Christians are free from any obligation to follow God’s moral law, but Scripture teaches the opposite. Paul, the champion of grace, wrote:“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:1-2)
While we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), true grace leads to transformation, not rebellion against God’s standards.
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Jesus Calls for Holiness
Jesus didn’t lower the moral standard; He actually raised it. In the Sermon on the Mount, He deepened the meaning of the commandments, addressing the heart behind the actions (Matthew 5:21-48). He taught that lust is adultery and hatred is murder. The grace of God enables believers to live in holiness, not excuse sin. -
The Holy Spirit Writes the Law on Our Hearts
In the New Covenant, God’s law is not abolished; it is internalized. Hebrews 8:10 states:“I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
This means obedience is not about legalism but about a Spirit-led life that desires to follow God’s ways.
Hyper-grace distorts the gospel by minimizing the importance of obedience, holiness, and God’s moral law. While we are indeed saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, that grace does not give us a license to sin. Instead, it calls us to live in righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Ten Commandments remain relevant for New Testament believers because they reflect God’s unchanging moral law. True grace does not abolish the law; it fulfills it in our lives as we walk in love and obedience to our Lord.
As Paul reminds us:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)
Grace does not set us free from God’s moral standard—it sets us free from sin’s power so that we can live in obedience to His will.
This Sunday, we are going to continue to unpack this sermon series.
Reach Clarksville – Saturday 930AM-12PM – click here for more: https://evangelnorth.net/2025-
We are excited to launch the Spring term of the B-Groups.
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