Mankind as a whole fears death, and religion presents a way of negating death. According to the bible if you follow the 10 commandments your final reward is eternal life in heaven free of suffering and pain, the alternative to not following the commandment is still eternal life only this time you are doomed to suffer.



So in other words,



If your good and follow the “rules” you will live happily ever after, break the “rules” and you shall be severely punished.



It all seems to be a way of controlling people.