The Ten Commandments are found in three of the four standard works of the Church:
They are recorded in Exodus 20:3-17, and repeated in Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They are recorded in the Book of Mormon, in an account of the prophet Abinadi quoting them to the wicked priests of King Noah. (Mosiah 13:12-24.) While not given in the exact form they appear in the Old Testament and Book of Mormon, the same principles are found in the New Testament (Matt. 5:17-37), and in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 59:5-9.The Church Educational System's student manual on the Old Testament quotes Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve:
"By His own finger the Lord wrote the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone. They represent the basic law of the Almighty and have formed the underlying elements of civil and religious law ever since.
"They are fundamental to our relationships with God. They are an integral part of the restored gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and are essential to our becoming perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. (D&C 42; D&C 59.)
"Variations of these laws were given in the rules laid down in Leviticus and Deuteronomy as they are applied to specific matters, but generally they form the foundation for all proper human conduct."
Elder Petersen said the commandments show the three great priorities of life. "The first four commandments," said Elder Petersen, "show him his proper relationship to God. The fifth commandment establishes the importance of the family and proper family relationships. The last five commandments regulate man's relationships with his fellowmen.
"A man who has committed himself to the perfecting of his relationship with God, family, and fellowman is well on his way to perfection in all things."
(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
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Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson; Church Educational System Student Manual: Old Testament, Genesis-2 Samuel; and Studies in Scripture - Vol. 3, The Old Testament, edited by Kent P. Jackson and Robert L. Millet.
