People question God's authority and his commandments' rationale. Skeptics consider God offensive and arbitrary.

After reading Genesis and Exodus, God's authority and commandments are fitting for three reasons.

First, deliverance comes before holiness.

It is only after God delivers his people that he makes a claim on them. The verse before the Ten Commandments, the Spirit says, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Ex. 20:2). God's authority is based on his deliverance. Remember also it is after God creates Adam and God saves Noah that he makes a claim on them (Gen. 2:17, 9:4-6).

Second, holiness flows from loyalty to God.

The first four commandments are directed towards reverence for God.

• Commandment #1: No other Gods
• Commandment #2: No Idolatry
• Commandment #3: No bearing God's name vainly
• Commandment #4: Remember the Sabbath

Third, holiness continues through our relationship with others. The second half of the commandments promote love towards others.

• Commandment #5: Honor parents
• Commandment #6: No murder
• Commandment #7: No adultery
• Commandment #8: No stealing
• Commandment #9: No lying
• Commandment #10: No coveting

In short, God is able to make a claim on us because he is Creator and Deliverer, and our response to his grace must be holiness for him and our fellow man.