Originally Posted by VNORTH2
Originally Posted by JAPOV
Q; Are the 10 Commandments truly "laws", or are they examples of how the Spirit leads us to forgiveness?

This is a really interesting question...without the 10 Commandments and other directives, what would be the purpose of forgiveness? And aren't they really (directives in the Bible) the framework on which our laws have been written? Only our consequences are different than God's....

Bingo! Even the 10 Commandments are prophetic...

Matt 5;
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."

Gal 3;
"10)For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11)Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” 12)The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” 13)Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14)He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Even if it were possible for a man to live perfectly by the "law", he still could not stand justified before God.
The law cannot save you... only the Spirit can.

John 15;
"26)When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27)And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning."