Question 66: What is the reason annexed to the Fifth Commandment?
Answer: The reason annexed to the Fifth Commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
Dear Neighbor,
In Ephesians 6:1-3, the apostle Paul exhorts the children of the church to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right. Then he invokes the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.” He explains in this brief exhortation to the children of the church, it is a commandment for their good, because attached to this commandment is a promise of long life on the earth.
In their letters to the churches, the apostles Peter and Paul exhort all believers to submit to whatever authority has been put over them. Some of the authorities mentioned in their letters are fathers, husbands, masters, governors, and kings. The ultimate authority is Christ. Both Peter and Paul urge believers to submit to every human institution for Jesus’ sake. (cf. 1 Peter 2:13-20)
As a Registered Nurse, working in the hospital, I am under the authority of many human institutions and I am not always treated fairly. I often work hard, long hours, yet many of these authorities are dissatisfied despite my best efforts. Being under the authority of other people in a sinful world is difficult, yet I submit myself to the authority of every human institution put over me for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. I encourage you to do the same, for in doing so, this finds favor with God. (1 Pe. 2:20)
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
