The world has been deceived into believing that God’s Law—largely embodied in the Ten Commandments (found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5)—was “done away” at Christ’s death. Professing Christianity teaches that Jesus kept the Law for us, relieving us of any responsibility to obey God. Yet, they fail to realize that God gave us His laws for our benefit—that keeping them would result in peace, abundance, prosperity and happiness.

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if people universally kept God’s laws? How would society differ from what we see today? What changes would take place?

In this two-part series, we will paint a picture of just some of the many ways in which the world around us would change if people actively strove to obey God’s laws—which Christ summed up as love toward God and love toward fellow man (Mark 12:30-31).

“You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me”

What if the entire world kept the FIRST COMMANDMENT? To begin with, there would not be any false religion. Consider the fact that many of the world’s religions are polytheistic, with their adherents paying homage to numerous “gods.” For example, Hinduism alone claims about 333 million different deities, with their version of the pagan trinity—Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu—at the core of their beliefs and practices.

Further consider that there are hundreds of denominations in professing Christianity that, while claiming to worship the same God, espouse different beliefs and practices.

If all humanity put the true God first, seeking His wisdom and guidance, then wrong or incomplete concepts in all areas of life would disappear. Over 99% of religion today is false, so there would be an immediate dramatic change. As the world came to know and fear the true God, it would learn that His system of government and culture—and every aspect of civilization—should be followed. They would look into His Word to seek true wisdom and understanding—and God would grant them these things.

Because all people would be truly worshipping the same God, mankind would see an end to religious-based prejudice, hatred and wars. Also, by knowing and fearing the true God, the world would soon come to appreciate and obey the other nine commandments.

“You Shall Not Make Unto You Any Graven Image”

Because they feel the need for some physical representation of God in order to make His existence and presence a reality, many religions make use of idols as part of their services and rituals. But God is a spiritual Being, and He commands that we worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). The use of physical objects and images takes the focus off of the true God. No man has ever seen God the Father (John 1:18; 6:46), and such representations are based solely on man’s concepts of God.

But what if the whole world kept the SECOND COMMANDMENT? Not only would image worship disappear, but there would also be a ripple effect. The curses brought upon all humanity for breaking this law would no longer exist. Every faction of false Christianity would cease its worship of pictures and images.

Virtually every other religion in this world would lose its core attraction. For example, what good would Buddhism be without a statue of Buddha? People would no longer bow down and pray to statues, or put their trust in so-called “good luck charms.” The world would move one giant step closer to God.

“You Shall Not Take the Name of the LORD Your God in Vain”

What if the whole world kept the THIRD COMMANDMENT? When people consider the subject of taking God’s name in vain, they generally associate it with obscene language. While this is correct, it is only part of the meaning.

God has revealed, in Scripture, His many names, which define who He is. He expects us to show reverence to Him and all His attributes. When a person uses God’s name in a way that denies His true meaning and character, he is breaking the Third Commandment. In this day and age, many like to talk about God, but they are not in awe of His power and His name.

If everyone universally obeyed this commandment, the most obvious change would be the end of profanity and the misuse of God’s name—including all euphemisms and other vain phrases. Foul language in movies, music and television would disappear. From military drill sergeants to college football coaches, people would find new and better ways to express themselves. Even the wording of legal formalities would be rephrased.

Vain repetitions in prayers would also stop. There would be no more sermons (or “gospel” music) misusing God’s name while preaching contrary to His truth. False messages about God would no longer be aired on television or radio or posted on the Internet. False Christianity and every brand of false religion would be effectively muzzled. God’s name would only be used as taught by His true servants.

Imagine how productive and uplifting everyday conversation would be if everyone revered God’s name.

Avoiding Religious Titles

In many of the world’s religions, ministers and priests assume the title of “Father” or “Reverend.” What does the Bible say about this?

In Matthew 23:9, Christ commanded, “call no man your father upon the earth: for One is your Father, which is in heaven.” Christ was specifically referring to the Pharisees of His day, who, because of pride and vanity, expected others to address them as “Father” or “Rabbi.” Christ condemned them for their self-righteous attitudes. His words were recorded for all mankind.

God is our only spiritual “Father.” It is blasphemy to bestow this word as a religious title upon any man. Notice Psalm 111:9: “…holy and reverend is His name.” Reverend means “worthy of worship.” No man is worthy of such high esteem. Paul, who was one of God’s great servants, was inspired to write: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Rom. 7:18). Even Christ Himself stated, in Matthew 19:17, “there is none good but One, that is, God.” Christ, who was God in the flesh (John 1:14), did not exalt Himself. Any man who dares to take to himself a title belonging to God (thereby also violating the Eighth Commandment—stealing) will one day have to repent before God for this sin!

“Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy”

What if the whole world obeyed the FOURTH COMMANDMENT? What would be the benefits of taking one day at the end of every week to rest, rejuvenate and focus on the things of God?

Not only would people have one full day to rest from their labors, but they would also grow close to God as a result of obeying Him. If the entire world kept the weekly Sabbath and annual Holy Days, everyone would know the true God, because keeping these days identifies His people (Ex. 31:13; 6:7; Lev. 26:12).

Keeping the Sabbath would most likely lead to keeping the other laws of God. Using the Sabbath for the purposes He intended would focus people’s minds on His way. This would leave this world’s false religions in shambles, because God’s laws would then replace their own laws. This is why Satan the devil has gone to such great lengths to blind the world from the benefits of keeping the Fourth Commandment.

If Only These Four…

As you can see, if everyone were to obey just these four of God’s commandments, the world would be in much better condition. There would not be the religious confusion that exists today; people would engage in wholesome communication, without resorting to profanity to express themselves; and all would benefit from a weekly respite from their labors and the opportunity to learn more about God and His ways.

These laws will be kept during the soon-coming millennium, and all of mankind will benefit as a result. In part two, we will look at how things would be different if the last six commandments were kept.