The Ten Commandments

The 6th Commandment

“You shall not murder.”

Exodus 20:13

Some of the weaker translations say, “do not kill”. But that is not what the meaning is, if I understand this correctly. The footnote to this verse in the New Living Translation (my current favorite) says this: “The Hebrew word also covers causing human death through carelessness or negligence”. I believe that is legally called, “manslaughter”. 

So, my take on this command is that there are certain instances where killing another human being may be justified. Most notably, killing an attacker who is actively threatening your own life or someone else’s. Otherwise, we would never have law enforcement in our cities and counties, right? 

Another suitable circumstance for taking human life would be in capital punishment. In fact, the Bible shows where this was instituted by God Himself with the Jews. It is for the better good of the community. But it should be done only in cases where there is not a shadow of a doubt (in my humble opinion).

Likewise, individuals who are conscripted into warfare on behalf on their king or country are not held accountable for killing the enemy (although some situations might be exceptions). Certainly, war crimes are inexcusable at all times. 

Obviously, engaging in gang activity, crimes, and premeditated murder for personal reasons (not excused already) are not going to be legitimate circumstances that lead to someone’s death. And since abortion is the premeditated killing of a human being, it is inexcusable as well (except possibly when the life of the mother is in definite peril due to the birth, which is extremely rare in this day and age). For me personally, this is where I’m complicit (guilty) in the murder of a human. I did not object when my future wife undertook an abortion of our child, even though I was against it in my heart. Consequently, I am a murderer – just as much as the abortionist and the mother are. I am reminded of this sin many times in many ways. It still hurts. And why wouldn’t it? When we murder, a piece of us dies as well. 

So the command is to not “murder”; not “kill”. And it’s a very necessary command. I know of no society on earth, past or present, that allows murder in their population. 

Still, this sin is excusable by God. If you are a murderer, you can be forgiven just like anyone else. The process is the same as it is for anything else, like lying. Simply follow the same process as for any other sin:

• Admit your need for forgiveness.
• Recognize that God is Who He said He is.
• Know that Jesus is God and man.
• Acknowledge that the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is sufficient and necessary to cover your sins.
• Accept that sacrifice in humility, knowing it’s the only thing that will make your sins no longer count against you. 
• Give yourself over to Christ, as His possession, and serve Him for the rest of your days.
• Be thankful to God for it.

Lastly, I need to point out what Jesus taught about this on His “Sermon on the Mount”. 

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”

Matthew 5:21-22, NLT

Wow! As in all things, Jesus is primarily concerned with the state of your heart. Even if you don’t actually murder someone, you will be held accountable for the anger or hatred that you harbor in your heart toward someone else. And God always knows what is in your heart. So put that in your pipe and smoke it, SJWs. 

‘Nuff said.

Your servant in Christ,

Gary

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