The tenth commandment and desires (Amandus Polanus)

Status
Not open for further replies.

Reformed Covenanter

Cancelled Commissioner
The tenth commandment is this: 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 asse, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Wherein God forbiddeth even the least desire and thought contrary to God's law. For in the sight of God not only the outward evil deed is sin, but even the thought & consultation of committing an evil deed, although it be not brought to pass.

Amandus Polanus, The substance of Christian religion soundly set forth in two books, by definitions and partitions, framed according to the rules of a natural method, by Amandus Polanus professor of divinity. The first book concerneth faith. The second concerneth good works. The principal pointes whereof are contained in a short table hereunto annexed, trans. Elijahu Wilcocks (London: John Oxenbridge, 1595), pp 60-61 (emphasis added).
 
The similarity between this and Heidelberg is striking:

"113. What does the tenth commandment require?

That not even the least inclination or thought against any commandment of God ever enter our heart, but that with our whole heart we continually hate all sin and take pleasure in all righteousness."

I love the profound simplicity of these statements. Thanks for sharing!
 
This is such an important reminder of our how far we fall short of God's righteous standard. How often pride can creep in and we convince ourselves that we are holy in our living, and yet, we must continually follow 2 Corinthians 10:5:

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ"
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top