The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder

Introduction:

Last week, CNN published an article entitled “72 Hours of Hate in America: Three Hate Filled Crimes. Three Hate Filled Suspects”

Wednesday, a white man with a history of violence shot and killed two African-Americans, seemingly at random, at a Kentucky Kroger store following a failed attempt to barge into a black church.

After mail bombs were being sent to people who'd been criticized by the President, a suspect was arrested Friday -- a man who had railed against Democrats and minorities with hate-filled messages online.

And Saturday morning, a man shouting anti-Semitic slurs opened fire at a Pittsburgh synagogue, killing 11 people attending Jewish services.

That all happened just last week. What is so sad is that these stories are often too common that we begin to be desensitized to the killings and murders that happen everyday.

Today we will be looking at the Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder. The commandment remains just as relevant for us today as it was for Israel nearly 3500 years ago.

Most human societies do not question this commandment and believe in principle. What they disagree on is why should we we keep this principle because people have different worldviews.

As we will see today, God commands us to not murder because he values human life since man bears God’s image, and the taking of innocent life robs God of his glory and is the ultimate act of hatred for one’s neighbor. And we’ll ask three questions today.

What are some misunderstandings of the commandment?

What does the commandment actually mean?

How does the commandment apply to us?

Let me read our Scripture in . Just four words in English. Two words in Hebrew.

Scripture Reading:

Exodus 20:13 ESV

“You shall not murder.

The KJV “Thou Shall Not Kill”. “Thou Shall Not Slay.” Only two words in the actual Hebrew which means “Don’t Kill”.

There are eight different words used in Hebrew. The word used here is not the word for the kind of killing a soldier does or what one does to hunt or make a sacrifice to God.

It refers to the unlawful killing of an innocent person. The commandment forbids the “unjust taking of a legally innocent life” (Ryken)

The reason why ESV translates “murder” instead of “kill” is because the commandment refers to unlawful killing not lawful killing.

The commandment does not prohibit lawful killing. And I can think of three examples:

For example, a person who kills another person because of self-defense is not guilty of murder.

Exodus 22:2–3 ESV

If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

The issue here of whether a person is innocent or not is whether he killed in regards to self-defense. At night time, you cannot discern whether the thief was going to take your life, so a person took his life.

But during the daytime, a person would be more aware of the actions and if he was able to let the thief live, then the thief was to pay back what he stole.

But if the life of a person was in danger, he was not held guilty for killing someone who was trying to harm him and his family.

A second, more controversial example is Capital Punishment. There are some Christians who believe that it is never permissible to take a life even though a person may be guilty of a serious crime.

The may protest that Capital punishment is a barbaric practice and out of place in the modern world.

They believe that even the guilty should be shown mercy, that vengeance belongs to God, and that even murderers should be shown grace and forgiveness.

The US is one of the few countries that still retains capital punishment while many countries in Europe prohibit it.

In the OT, capital punishment was enforced in regards to murder, kidnapping, adultery, incest, bestiality, sodomy or homosexual relationships, witchcraft, blasphemy, violating the sabbath, and idolatry.

Justice should be served, it acts as a deterrent, it costs less, and it is not cruel and unusual punishment

There are still consequences to sin.

What I believe the Bible to actually teach is that Capital Punishment is the biblical response. People may be forgiven for their sin, but they still have to deal with the consequences of their sin and sometimes that includes death if they have taken the life of an innocent human being. The classic proof text for capital punishment is found in Genesis:

Genesis 9:6 ESV

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

Genesis 9:6–7 ESV

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.”

“Capital punishment for murder was not considered an assault on the image of God, but a defense of his image. Human life is so precious that the taking of it was to be punished severely.” (DeYoung, Ten Commandments, 96).

God allows for capital punishment not so much because he does not value life, but in fact the opposite is true, that he values life so much that to shed the blood of man would be to rob God of his glory since his image is placed upon man.

The third form of lawful killing is what philosophers call Just War. In other words, lawful killing is allowed when a nation is threatened and that the only last resort is to go to war in order to save more lives. Just War refers to:

“All previous things having been tried, war becomes the only option that will actually save more lives than it takes.” Albert Mohler

The Allies believed that going to War with the Nazis was justified because it would save more lives than lose more lives even though many people lost their lives.

Now, I just want to say that it is difficult to wrestle with when does it become to act, like for example in the case of dropping the Bomb on Hiroshima where innocent and civilian lives were lost, but the principle is that God allows for lawful killing in war in order to preserve more life.

For example, when John the Baptist appears on the scene and calls forth for repentance and give specific directions in regards to how to repent:

Luke 3:10–14 ESV

And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

Luke 3:

Notice, he does not tell the soldier to stop killing or put away his sword. He just tells the soldiers not to be greedy or use their authority to abuse their power. I think that the clearest example of when God allows for government to exercise its authority in lawful killing is in Romans 13.

Romans 13:1–2 ESV

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Romans 13:1–5 ESV

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Romans 13:3–4 ESV

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:4–5 ESV

for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

So the commandment does not apply to a police officer who needs to defend himself or a soldier who kills to protect his country.

Summary:

But why does God permit some forms of killing? What makes them lawful? The answer is that their goal is not the destruction of life but its preservation. Phil Ryken

Transition: So the commandment does not prohibit lawful forms of killing in order to preserve life in the case of self-defense, or capital punishment, or just war. What the commandment actually means is the intentional killing of an innocent life...

So what does the commandment mean? It means that we are not to kill and take the life of innocent people. This means that it prohibits premeditated and intentional murder of an innocent life.

Even when murderers are being judged in court, people will ask what was the motive or intent right?

It is sad that right after the Fall of Man, Adam and Eve had children. And one of their sons killed the other. And can you only imagine that your child slays your other child because of jealously and envy?

Genesis 4:4–6 ESV

and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?

Genesis 4:1–5 ESV

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.

Genesis 4:4–9 ESV

and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:4–10 ESV

and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.

Cain follows the seed of the Serpent because the Devil was a murderer from the very beginning.

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Murder was a capital offense and I believe still should be because it assaults the value and dignity of man. Man bears God’s image and to kill him is to seek to diminish God’s glory and show utmost hatred for your neighbor.

“Our neighbor bears the image of God: to use him, abuse, or misuse him is to do violence to the person of God who images himself in every human soul.” Calvin

Murder is not only a violation of God’s commandments, but the utmost hatred for neighbor.

Cain slew Abel. John the Apostle said that no murderer has eternal life abiding in Him.

The sixth commandment prohibits the taking of human life. It prohibits premeditated and intentional murder.

“Motive”

We should be more than pro-life. We are pro-image bearers.

“It is tearing God’s picture, and breaking in pieces the King of heaven’s broad seal.” Thomas Watson

Revelation 21:8 ESV

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Watson, Thomas. The Ten Commandments (p. 123). Unknown. Kindle Edition.

Institutes of the Christian Religion 39. The Commandment

The purpose of this commandment is: the Lord has bound mankind together by a certain unity; hence each man ought to concern himself with the safety of all. To sum up, then, all violence, injury, and any harmful thing at all that may injure our neighbor’s body are forbidden to us. We are accordingly commanded, if we find anything of use to us in saving our neighbors’ lives, faithfully to employ it; if there is anything that makes for their peace, to see to it; if anything harmful, to ward it off; b(a)if they are in any danger, to lend a helping hand.

All humanity is united in the sense that we all bear God’s image, though fallen. And therefore we are to uphold God’s glory by preserving the dignity and value of man.

And I think of three controversial problems we have today when it comes to the taking of innocent human life: abortion, murder of a child; suicide,self-murder, and euthanasia.

One of the most controversial issues of the day is in regards to this topic. In fact, our political parties divide over this issue.

And since 1973, Roe v. Wade, abortion continues to legalized and is one of the controversial ethical and political questions of the day.

Since the legalization of abortion, over 50,000 million babies have been aborted and babies are aborted everyday.

The irony of all this is that innocent life is taken in the name of the rights of women and in reproductive healthcare.

The historic Christian position in regards to abortion is that it is prohibited because Christians believe that life begins at the moment of conception. And that is the heart of the issue.

And since 1973, Roe v. Wade, abortion continues to legalized and is one of the controversial ethical and political questions of the day.

Since the legalization of abortion, over 50,000 million babies have been aborted and babies are aborted everyday.

The irony of all this is that innocent life is taken in the name of the rights of women and in reproductive healthcare.

The Bible shows that life begins in the womb:

Psalm 139:13 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

Another text is found in Exodus.

Exodus 21:22–25 ESV

“When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

If the child dies through a premature death, the principle was life for life.

What about cases of rape?

One of the most compelling emotional arguments for abortion is in the case of rape. Should a woman keep an oppressor’s baby? Isn’t that a violation of her body?

Again, rape is a terrible and grievous sin because it assaults the dignity and value of a innocent woman.

But I don’t believe taking an innocent life is justified again because of the value of the unborn.

“In response the number of pregnancies that result from rape or incest is very small—roughly 1 in 100,000”

Again, I know these are difficult issues and I don’t have time to discuss, but there are other options like adoption and cases where God has redeemed a terribly tragic situation.

Considering Abortion—So abortion should never be an option for a Christian (unless it the woman’s life is at stake which has to be qualified as well). Think about the value and dignity of human life. Think through other options.

Had an Abortion—And the reality is that some women have in the past have had abortions and they feel terrible guilt over it. If that is you, I just want to remind you that the blood of Jesus can cleanse you of your guilt and forgive you because he gave his life for you to wash you and make you new.

Christian—With the midterm elections coming, use your stewardship to vote for those who will advocate for life. Those who will protect life and specifically for the life of the unborn. We must use our voices who cannot speak for themselves.

Jesus—Imagine what would happen to the world if Mary aborted Jesus? Mary was put into a tough situation. She would have been shamed and labeled as an adulterer. Joseph secretly wanted to divorce her and break off ties with her quietly so that maybe she would not face the death penalty and the shame of bearing a child in which Joseph was not the true father.

How did you have a baby? The Holy Spirit.

But Mary choose life and the life has redeemed us from our sins.

A second form of unlawful killing we see today is suicide. Suicide is self-murder. And sadly, suicide has been on the rise even in wealthy nations such as Japan and the U.S.

Just this past year, the famous travel host Anthony Bourdain, committed suicide in France.

Or think about the famous comedian and actor Robin Williams who hanged himself due to severe depression.

It hits closer to home when we hear of attempted suicides or suicides is schools. When I was in college, a student jumped off a parking structure and killed himself at UCSD.

I am sure that you even now someone close to you or a nearby friend or relative who has attempted suicide or actually committed suicide.

Suicide is a heavy topic and I believe it should be addressed.

Five instances of suicide in Scripture: , , , . All have context of shame and defeat.

Suicide is a form of self-murder. It takes things into your own hands when God is the One who is the One who gives and takes life. God ordains when we live and when we die. And to take your own life is to take the place of God.

Suicidal--

“Suicide is a sin—not the unforgivable sin, but a sin”—Kevin DeYoung

If you are wrestling with this, I would just encourage you to talk to someone about it. There are people to talk to. There is hope in Jesus. Though you may feel like a situation is hopeless, God can see you through the dark times.

“Self-murder is still murder” Kevin De Young

Remember Jesus is a sympathetic high priest who experienced abandonment from His Father so that you would never be abandoned.

Don’t give in to hopelessness or despair because with Jesus there is always a way out and better than taking your own life.

Five instances of suicide in Scripture: , , , . All have context of shame and defeat.

is one of the darkest psalms in the Bible. But a Christian understands that the Son of God was forsaken at the cross so that you would never be forsaken.

“Suicide is a sin—not the unforgivable sin, but a sin”—Kevin DeYoung

Psalm 139:13 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

Exodus 21:28–29 ESV

“When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. But if the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.

Depression

And those who are experiencing depression, I would encourage you to pray and process your feelings in prayers. The Psalms describe a wide variety of emotions and may minister to your soul.

Church

And as church, we must have a proper theology of suffering. Life doesn’t always go well, even for Christians. Yet we must teach that we can still trust God through times of suffering.

Habakkuk 3:17–19 ESV

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

“All previous things having been tried, war becomes the only option that will actually save more lives than it takes.” Albert Mohler

What about self-defense?

Exodus 22:2–3 ESV

If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

The third form of unlawful killing is Euthanasia. Euthanasia derives its word from Classical Greek with means “good death.”

Suicide is Murder

Patients who are seriously ill and near death asks a physicians or medical professionals to directly or intentionally kill the patient in the name of mercy. It is often called mercy killing.

Euthanasia is Murder

It is administered by a lethal injection of drugs into the patient.

Physician-assisted death or "aid in dying" is legal in eight jurisdictions: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.[1]

It is legalized in the Netherlands and some other European countries.

What about Life Support?

I want to distinguish this from terminating life support or what we call DNR. With regard to these options, we are just letting the disease takes its natural course.

And for a believer, we know that death is not the end of life, but entrance into eternal life.

Physician-Assisted Suicide is when the physician gives the drug to the patient by which the patient himself takes where he can take his own life. Euthanasia is when the medical professional directly injects something lethal in the patient where he or she dies.

Physician Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia.

Again, I have said that we live in what Christians cultural commentators call a “Culture of Death.”

We get rid of babies in the name of rights, and we get rid of the elderly and disabled in the name of mercy.

This is one of the fundamental reasons why I do not believe in evolution and I am not a naturalist or materialist because I believe that man is truly unique and is truly endowed in inalienable rights because he is made in the image of God, regardless of whether it is an unborn child or a person who has severe disabilities.

Euthanasia is controversial because there have been cases where it was unclear whether there was pressure from the doctors, or insurance companies or even families where sick patients began to feel like a burden to people and then they wanted ended their lives from ongoing external pressure.

People in the Netherlands often get rid of patients in the name of mercy killing in which family members are just trying to get rid of them.

We should value life in the beginning of life, the middle of life, and even to the end of life.

Life should be valued because life is a gift from God. It is broken because of sin, yet it is a gift nonetheless.

And moreover, life is dignified because we are made in the image of God. We were meant to reflect God’s glory back to Himself and to others. Albert Mohler summarizes well when he says:

“In Western legal tradition, we speak of murder as harm to the victim, the victim’s friends and family and circle of acquaintances. But in the Scripture, the main harm is not to the victim nor to the victim’s friends and family, but rather to the dignity of God himself.” Mohler

Euthanasia is another form of murder because it takes the time of death in your own hands when God determines when your appointed time has come.

Hebrews 9:27 ESV

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Transition: We see the commandment does not forbid lawful killing in regards to self defense, capital punishment, and just war. We see the commandment means taking innocent life intentionally and common examples of that today are abortion, suicide, and euthanasia.

How does the commandment apply to us Christians today? You may say, I would not even think about murdering someone, let alone harming myself. How does this apply to me?

Well, as we saw in our Scripture reading, Jesus shows us the true intention of the Law. The law not only prohibits taking innocent life, but it also prohibits anger and murder in the heart.

In other words, murder is not just an external action. It is also something that happens in the heart.

Matthew 5:21–26 ESV

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

You remember that if a commandment is stated in the negative, the positive is also true.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 107. Is it then enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?

No: for in condemning envy, hatred and anger, God requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy and kindness towards him, and, so far as we have power, to prevent his hurt; also to do good even unto our enemies.

You shall not murder. It also means you shall do everything to uphold the dignity and value of man because he bears God’s image.

This commandment is violated not only when a person actually does evil, but also when he fails to do good to his neighbor, or, though he has the opportunity, fails to prevent, protect, and save him from suffering bodily harm or injury. If you send a person away naked when you could clothe him, you have let him freeze to death. If you see anyone suffer hunger and do not feed him, you have let him starve. Likewise, if you see anyone condemned to death or in similar peril and do not save him although you know ways and means to do so, you have killed him. It will do you no good to plead that you did not contribute to his death by word and deed, for you have withheld your love from him and robbed him of the service by which his life might have been saved.

Martin Luther Larger Catechism

The classic example of this is in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

A man was robbed, beaten, and literally left for dead. Luther would argue that the priest and the Levite who walked passed him would be guilty of murder because they failed to help their neighbor.

Jesus goes even deeper and goes right to the heart and shows that murder begins in the heart.

Matthew 5:21–22 ESV

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Mark 7:21–23 ESV

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

If Jesus defines murder that way, the in one sense, we are all guilty before God.

Think about it.

Isn’t anger a form of murder? It is a murder of the heart.

Isn’t slander a form of murder? It is murdering someone’s good name and reputation.

Isn’t malice a form of murder? It is murdering someone in the mind.

Isn’t envy and jealousy a form of murder? It is murdering someone’s happiness and successes.

Isn’t division a form of murder? It is murdering the unity of a family or a church.

If we define murder that way, then murder happens everyday in our hearts on twitter and facebook?

Have you ever murdered someone on twitter or facebook? Or have you ever wished ill upon a person? Or have you wished that a certain person would just disappear from your life?

1 John 3:15 ESV

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Institutes of the Christian Religion 39. The Commandment

The hand, indeed, gives birth to murder, but the mind when infected with anger and hatred conceives it. See whether you can be angry against your brother without burning with desire to hurt him.

1 John 3:15 ESV

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

That I neither in thought, nor in word or look, much less in deed, revile, hate, insult or kill my neighbor, whether by myself or by another; but lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I harm not myself, nor wilfully run into any danger. Wherefore also, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.

Christian—One of the marks you have been born again is that you love believers. One sign you know you are not born again is you have murder in your hatred and anger in your heart.

Sexual immorality will lead you to hell if unrepented. But have you ever thought that a refusal to repent of anger and hatred will also lead you to hell?

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

That I neither in thought, nor in word or look, much less in deed, revile, hate, insult or kill my neighbor, whether by myself or by another; but lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I harm not myself, nor wilfully run into any danger. Wherefore also, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 106. But this commandment speaks only of killing?

In forbidding this, however, God means to teach us that He abhors the root of murder, namely, envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that all these are in His sight hidden murder.

Genesis 9:6 ESV

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

The commandment means that we will not murder, but also positively we will do everything in our power to preserve and cherish life whether it is in the womb, or in middle age, or at the end of life.

How does Jesus help us keep the commandment today?

Well if you think about, the three of the great Heroes of the faith were murderers literally!

Moses was guilty of murdering an Egyptian.

God allows for the death of murderers not because he devalues life, but he values it so much since God’s image is stamped upon Him.

David was guilty of murdering Uriah indirectly when he committed adultery with Bathsheba.

And Paul when he was Saul was guilty of murdering Christians with his approval of the first martyrs death in church history Stephen.

How does Jesus give up life to such men who didn’t deserve it?

Jesus was murdered.

I just want to remind you that Jesus was murdered. Jesus was executed unlawfully by the hands of his own people so that he could fulfill the law on our behalf. Jesus died innocently so that the guilty could go free.

In fact, when Jesus was on trial, do you remember Pilate asked which man should be released: Jesus or Barabbas?

Luke

Matthew 27:15–22 ESV

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!”

Matthew 27:15-

Luke 23:18–19 ESV

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.

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The murderer was let go while the innocent Son of God was punished.

Why?

Barabbas was released. We are Barabbas. We are those who have been let go because Jesus took our place.

The Lord Jesus was murdered by wicked men, yet it was in the foreordained plan of God to bring about the salvation of those guilty of murder.

And if we define murder the way Jesus defines it, we are all guilty in one sense of murder because who of us have not been once guilty of hatred, malice, envy, or slander in our hearts?

Though we may not have killed someone physically, we may have killed them mentally even though no outward action was made.

And we all need forgiveness in Christ.

Jesus Christ was slained and murdered so that the guilty may go free.

Thou shall not murder also means thou shall love your neighbor and preserve his dignity.

In fact, one lyric we sing

“The wisdom of a Sovereign God whose greatness will be shown. When those who crucified your Son rejoice around your thrown.”

Jesus allowed for the murder of Jesus so that guilty sinners would go free.

In other words, Jesus gave his life so that we might have life and therefore love life and seek to preserve life and promote his glory.

And this happens through repentance and faith in what He has accomplished.

Titus 3:3–5 ESV

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

We are more than pro-life. We are pro-imago-dei. Because we value life because we have been given life.

This is true Pro-Life

We can teach our children how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence. We can pray for peace in the troubled parts of the world. We can intercede on behalf of the unborn, the disabled, and the elderly. We can help save children through adoption and foster care. We can care for the sick and the dying. We can send relief to those who are oppressed. We can work to make laws that bring justice and promote life. Ryken

If we value human life:

We will speak on behalf of the unborn.

We will oppose racism.

We will oppose a lack of concern for the elderly.

We will do everything in our power for the flourishing of human life.

“By the age of eighteen the average American child has seen more than eighty thousand murders depicted on television, film, and in video games.” Albert Mohler

According to the American Psychological Association, by the time the average child finishes elementary school, he or she will have watched 8,000 televised murders and 100,000 acts of on-screen violence. Phil Ryken

1 John 3:15 ESV

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

According to the American Psychological Association, by the time the average child finishes elementary school, he or she will have watched 8,000 televised murders and 100,000 acts of on-screen violence. Phil Ryken

Summary:

A murderer was released at the death of the High Priest.

This is true Pro-Life

We can teach our children how to resolve conflict without resorting to violence. We can pray for peace in the troubled parts of the world. We can intercede on behalf of the unborn, the disabled, and the elderly. We can help save children through adoption and foster care. We can care for the sick and the dying. We can send relief to those who are oppressed. We can work to make laws that bring justice and promote life. Ryken

A murderer was released at the death of the High Priest.

Slander is murdering someone’s reputation. Envy is murdering someone else’s happiness. Pride is murdering God. Resentment is murder in the heart. Malice is murder in the mind.

How many people are murdered with a tweet?

Sin and murder originate in the heart, not in the hands.

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

A murderer was released at the death of the High Priest.

Numbers 35

Numbers 35:24–28 ESV

then the congregation shall judge between the manslayer and the avenger of blood, in accordance with these rules. And the congregation shall rescue the manslayer from the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge to which he had fled, and he shall live in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil. But if the manslayer shall at any time go beyond the boundaries of his city of refuge to which he fled, and the avenger of blood finds him outside the boundaries of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the manslayer, he shall not be guilty of blood. For he must remain in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest, but after the death of the high priest the manslayer may return to the land of his possession.

Well, the high priest has died. The guilty may go free and return to land. And we may be forgiven of what Jesus did for us at the cross.

Moses, David, and Paul were guilty of murder.

Those who refuse to repent of their hatred and murder will suffer the eternal consequences of Hell forever.

Racism is a form of murder.

6. It is tearing God’s picture, and breaking in pieces the King of heaven’s broad seal.

Watson, Thomas. The Ten Commandments (p. 123). Unknown. Kindle Edition.

John 8:44 ESV

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Revelation 21:8 ESV

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Christian—If there is hatred in your heart and has not been repented of Jesus says to you:

Matthew 5:23–24 ESV

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:23–25 ESV

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.

1 John 2:9–11 ESV

Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

You shall not murder means we will not take innocent life, but we will do everything in our power to preserve the dignity and value of life because man is made in God’s image. We will seek human flourishing because it glorifies God.

Let us pray.

Notes:

Institutes of the Christian Religion 39. The Commandment

The purpose of this commandment is: the Lord has bound mankind together by a certain unity; hence each man ought to concern himself with the safety of all. To sum up, then, all violence, injury, and any harmful thing at all that may injure our neighbor’s body are forbidden to us. We are accordingly commanded, if we find anything of use to us in saving our neighbors’ lives, faithfully to employ it; if there is anything that makes for their peace, to see to it; if anything harmful, to ward it off; b(a)if they are in any danger, to lend a helping hand.

“By the age of eighteen the average American child has seen more than eighty thousand murders depicted on television, film, and in video games.” Albert Mohler

Institutes of the Christian Religion 39. The Commandment

The hand, indeed, gives birth to murder, but the mind when infected with anger and hatred conceives it. See whether you can be angry against your brother without burning with desire to hurt him.

According to the American Psychological Association, by the time the average child finishes elementary school, he or she will have watched 8,000 televised murders and 100,000 acts of on-screen violence. Phil Ryken

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

That I neither in thought, nor in word or look, much less in deed, revile, hate, insult or kill my neighbor, whether by myself or by another; but lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I harm not myself, nor wilfully run into any danger. Wherefore also, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 105. What does God require in the sixth commandment?

That I neither in thought, nor in word or look, much less in deed, revile, hate, insult or kill my neighbor, whether by myself or by another; but lay aside all desire of revenge; moreover, that I harm not myself, nor wilfully run into any danger. Wherefore also, to restrain murder, the magistrate is armed with the sword.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 106. But this commandment speaks only of killing?

In forbidding this, however, God means to teach us that He abhors the root of murder, namely, envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that all these are in His sight hidden murder.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 106. But this commandment speaks only of killing?

In forbidding this, however, God means to teach us that He abhors the root of murder, namely, envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge; and that all these are in His sight hidden murder.

1 John 2:11 ESV

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 107. Is it then enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?

No: for in condemning envy, hatred and anger, God requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy and kindness towards him, and, so far as we have power, to prevent his hurt; also to do good even unto our enemies.

Heidelberg Catechism 40. Sunday

QUESTION 107. Is it then enough that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?

No: for in condemning envy, hatred and anger, God requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves, to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy and kindness towards him, and, so far as we have power, to prevent his hurt; also to do good even unto our enemies.

The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition The Larger Catechism

Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavours, to preserve the life of ourselves and othersc by resisting all thought and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions,f temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any;h by just defence thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God,k quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit;m a sober use of meat, drink, physic,p sleep, labour,r and recreations; by charitable thoughts,t love, compassion,w meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable,y mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil;a comforting and succouring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.

Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others,d except in case of public justice, lawful war,f or necessary defence; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life;h sinful anger, hatred,k envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions,n distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink,p labour, and recreations;r provoking words, oppression,t quarrelling, striking, wounding,w and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

Arguments for/against mercy killing

The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition The Larger Catechism

Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?

A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavours, to preserve the life of ourselves and othersc by resisting all thought and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions,f temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any;h by just defence thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God,k quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit;m a sober use of meat, drink, physic,p sleep, labour,r and recreations; by charitable thoughts,t love, compassion,w meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable,y mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil;a comforting and succouring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.

Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others,d except in case of public justice, lawful war,f or necessary defence; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life;h sinful anger, hatred,k envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions,n distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink,p labour, and recreations;r provoking words, oppression,t quarrelling, striking, wounding,w and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

The Hippocratic Oath prohibits doctors from assisting in suicide or killing their patients.

Arguments for/against mercy killing

Physician-assisted death or "aid in dying" is legal in eight jurisdictions: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.[1]

The Hippocratic Oath prohibits doctors from assisting in suicide or killing their patients.

“When life-sustaining treatments are removed, the physician does not intentionally cause the patient’s death. Rather, the disease or condition affecting the patient is simply allowed to take its natural course. Thus the disease, not the doctor (nor the family who makes the decision), is responsible for the patient’s death.” Rae

Physician-assisted death or "aid in dying" is legal in eight jurisdictions: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.[1]

Removal of life support is not euthanasia or assistance in suicide since death is not intentionally cause.

“When life-sustaining treatments are removed, the physician does not intentionally cause the patient’s death. Rather, the disease or condition affecting the patient is simply allowed to take its natural course. Thus the disease, not the doctor (nor the family who makes the decision), is responsible for the patient’s death.” Rae

“Termination of life support is legal, and competent patients have the right under the law to refuse any form of treatment they do not want.”

Removal of life support is not euthanasia or assistance in suicide since death is not intentionally cause.

Arguments for suicide: stop needless suffering, expensive treatment avoided, everyone is relieved, you have a right to die.

“Termination of life support is legal, and competent patients have the right under the law to refuse any form of treatment they do not want.”

Their have been cases in Europe where terminally ill people are being administered euthanasia against their will and without their knowledge.

Arguments for suicide: stop needless suffering, expensive treatment avoided, everyone is relieved, you have a right to die.

The timing of one’s death belongs to God. We don’t have the right to take our lives our the lives of others.

Their have been cases in Europe where terminally ill people are being administered euthanasia against their will and without their knowledge.

Misdiagnoses are possible.

The timing of one’s death belongs to God. We don’t have the right to take our lives our the lives of others.

Abortion

Misdiagnoses are possible.

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Abortion

A person’s right to his or her own body is not absolute. A person cannot sell his body to prostitution in most states or you cannot pour down illegal drugs into your own body.

“In response the number of pregnancies that result from rape or incest is very small—roughly 1 in 100,000”

Although we do not live under the OT

Justice should be served, it acts as a deterrant, it costs less, and it is not cruel and unusual punishment

“The child should not be penalized for another’s sin.”

There are still consequences to sin.

The issue is whether the unborn fetus is a person. Court arguess when the child is able to live on it own or when the fetus is able to feel pain, or when the mother feels the baby.

Abortion

From the moment of cocenception, the fetus possessess all the capacities to mature into full adulthood.

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

A person’s right to his or her own body is not absolute. A person cannot sell his body to prostitution in most states or you cannot pour down illegal drugs into your own body.

Exodus 21:22–25 ESV

“When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

A person’s right to his or her own body is not absolute. A person cannot sell his body to prostitution in most states or you cannot pour down illegal drugs into your own body.

“In response the number of pregnancies that result from rape or incest is very small—roughly 1 in 100,000”

“The child should not be penalized for another’s sin.”

The issue is whether the unborn fetus is a person. Court arguess when the child is able to live on it own or when the fetus is able to feel pain, or when the mother feels the baby.

From the moment of cocenception, the fetus possessess all the capacities to mature into full adulthood.

The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Murder

I. What Are Some Common Misunderstandings of the Commandment?

A. Self Defense

B. Capital Punishment

C. Just War

II. What Does the Commandment Mean?

A. Abortion

B. Suicide

C. Euthanasia

III. How Does the Commandment Apply?