Back in July I posted a brief note about Christ the Center’s interview with Rev. Dr. John Fesko on his latest book, The Rule of Love: Broken, Fulfilled, and Applied. Now having had the chance to read the book myself I want to heartily commend this concise 136 page study on one of the most neglected and misunderstood aspects of the Christian life: the Ten Commandments as our rule of love.
What does it mean that the Decalogue is our rule of love? Do the Ten Commandments matter to Christians beyond battles over whether the Decalogue ought to be allowed in American courtrooms and public schools? How does the Law apply to the church today? Fesko answers these questions by looking at each of the 10 commands and unfolding them in the light of their historical, covenantal, and redemptive contexts.
Fesko’s explanations are clear, concise, and creative. You may find yourself thinking more than once, “I’ve never looked at it that way before.” (See especially the chapter on the Fourth Commandment.)
The structure of the book is easy to follow. Each chapter is divided into three sections: (1) the command in its original setting; (2) the command in the light of Christ; and (3) the command’s connection to the church. And the conclusion of each chapter includes a handful of review questions, facilitating personal and small group study.
In a word, while this brief book certainly does not say the last word on the Decalogue (nor does it claim to), it does provide a wonderful first word on how the “Ten Words” serve as a rule of love in Christ’s church.
Related Books on the Ten Commandments
More Books by Rev. Dr. John Fesko
