Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 19.
My summary
This week Hodge examines the ninth and tenth commandment.
Firstly Hodge teaches us about:
(i) detraction (false testimony);
(ii) falsehood (including mental reservation, pious frauds, forgeries, false miracles, relics).
Then Hodge speaks briefly of the tenth commandment. It outlaws:
(i) discontentment;
(ii) envy;
(iii) inordinate desire of wealth.
What grabbed me
Hodge was navigating difficult waters today when it came to the ninth commandment. I wouldn't say I agree with him on everything, particularly the permissiveness of lying under certain circumstances.
But I loved this comment about the importance of the ninth commandment: 'The command to keep truth inviolate belongs to a different class from those relating to the Sabbath, to marriage, or to property. These are founded on the permanent relations of men in the present state of existence. They are not in their own nature immutable. God may at any time suspend or modify them. But truth is at all times sacred, because it is one of the essential attributes of God, so that whatever militates against, or is hostile to truth is in opposition to the very nature of God. Truth is, so to speak, the very substratum of Deity. It is in such a sense the foundation of all the moral perfections of God, that without it they cannot be conceived of as existing. Unless God really is what He declares Himself to be ; unless He means what He declares Himself to mean ; unless He will do what He promises, the whole idea of God is lost. As there is no God but the true God, so without truth there is and can be no God.'
To deny the truth is to strike at the very heart of God.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 19 by reading up to the subheading '14. The tenth commandment'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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