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THE ENDURING SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Bergsma also notes how the Qumran scrolls help us to interpret Paul in relation to the controversial point of "works of the law." Paul speaks of salvation through faith rather than works of the law, leading Luther and other Protestant interpreters to reject the necessity of good works for salvation. The Dead Sea Scrolls provide the only other ancient reference to "works of the law" and, in their text, the term pertains to issues related "either ritual cleanliness or liturgical regulation. Nothing pertains to the Ten Commandments or the moral law" (213). Bergsma points to scriptural evidence that Paul meant the same: circumcision and dietary laws cannot lead to salvation. He comments, "If Paul were arguing against the need for 'good works' in the life of a Christian, then he would object to people doing acts of love or mercy in order to try to be saved—something he never does" (214). In addition to this crucial historical context, another recent book, Father Brian Thomas Mullady's The Decalogue Decoded: What You Never Learned about the Ten Commandments (EWTN, 2019), provides a more theological reflection on why we need the commandments. Father Mul- lady also demonstrates the continuity of Israel and the Christian life: "The First Commandment is the foundation stone of the community of Israel, and indeed of man himself. . . . The Commandments, though gen- erally framed in terms of prohibitions, are really about this: our dignity and the relationship of love that God offers us" (15). Both Testaments focus on the centrality of a loving relationship with God. Certain things like ritual purity have lost their original purpose, but others, like the commandments, continue to frame how we relate to God, giving him and our neighbor the love and respect they deserve. Following the path of the commandments deepens human dignity and allows us to enter into true happiness. The commandments are all "about rediscovering the image of God in man—in you. . . . The Ten Commandments offer us nothing less than the code to unlocking the full potential of our humanity by restor- ing the integrity of all the powers God has given us" (117). All of these books unlock the meaning of Scripture for us, not just by providing us information, but by helping us to relate to Jesus and Mary and to walk with them in faithfulness. 21 DENVER CATHOLIC | MAY 9-22, 2020