SR 141
(The Story of Redemption 141)
“Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12. (SR 141.1) MC VC
“Thou shalt not kill.” Exodus 20;13. (SR 141.2) MC VC
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14. (SR 141.3) MC VC
“Thou shalt not steal.” Exodus 20:15. (SR 141.4) MC VC
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16. (SR 141.5) MC VC
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour’s.” Exodus 20:17. (SR 141.6) MC VC
The first and second commandments spoken by Jehovah are precepts against idolatry; for idolatry, if practiced, would lead men to great lengths in sin and rebellion, and result in the offering of human sacrifices. God would guard against the least approach to such abominations. The first four commandments were given to show men their duty to God. The fourth is the connecting link between the great God and man. The Sabbath, especially, was given for the benefit of man and for the honor of God. The last six precepts show the duty of man to his fellow man. (SR 141.7) MC VC
The Sabbath was to be a sign between God and His people forever. In this manner was it to be a sign—all who should observe the Sabbath, signified by such observance that they were worshipers of the living God, the creator of the heavens and the earth. The Sabbath was to be a sign between God and His people as long as He should have a people upon the earth to serve Him. (SR 141.8) MC VC