Before the commandments comes a reminder.
“And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” (Exodus 20 v 1-2)
Can you see the order? Redemption first and then Law second. The rescue came before the commandments. Israel did nothing to be rescued. Obedience was never the price for grace. Obedience was the outcome of grace’s inner work.
We so easily reverse the order. We can treat the commandments as a ladder to climb toward God’s favour, when they are actually the lifestyle of rescued people.
“Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.” (Galatians 3: 21) In other words, obedience is not the opposite of grace. It’s what grace produces.
Every command that follows comes from the God who has already brought you out. He is not negotiating with slaves but is instructing sons and daughters.
Grace first.
Missions Paul 