Following the Ten Commandments?

The ten commandments are a part of the born-again experience. They are also what judge the unbeliever.

God said if we break only one of these commandments we break them all. How could this be?

Our heart is what determines our actions. If we steal a pencil from someone we are a thief. It is not the act of thievery that sends us to hell, its the heart that wants to steal.

This is why Christ said if someone lusts after a woman who belongs to someone else, desiring her in his heart is the same as committing the act of adultery.

If someone were able to keep all the ten commandments in their actions they would still go to hell for the desire to break them that is hidden from others, although never hidden from God.

Jeremiah 17:9 "9The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "

Without Christ, in our heart, even our good deeds are done to glorify self. As the criminals say, if a criminal does a good thing there is always an angle.

The world says you are not a thief just because you steal one time. The truth is a thief is one before he ever steals even one thing no matter how small. A person who is not a thief cannot steal even one thing, not even the smallest item.

This is why when we become born again the Holy Spirit in us is constantly battling the flesh that we dwell in with Him.

Romans 8:6

"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

Galatians 5:16

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

An unbeliever has no power over their own flesh except to protect himself from the consequences.

The born-again believer has the power of the Holy Spirit living in them to be able to resist their actions and thoughts.

We are not saved by trying to be a better person. Our good actions do not save us from hell. It is believing Christ when He died for our sins and trusting in Him to count His payment for sin on our behalf. Then the good deeds we do in obedience to Him bring us rewards in heaven. God does not count our sinful acts against us, but He will discipline us to bring us back to obedience so that we can grow in holiness.

Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"

Those who are born again know they are saved, but those who are not born-again live in constant uncertainty and will not be unless they trust in Christ.