Kill

<<taking of life>>

The sixth commandment, “You shall not murder”, relates to killing unjustly or in personal retaliation (Ex 20:13). It did not forbid killing in lawful, ‘God ordered’ wars against various heathen nations or in self-defence. In most countries, today, it is against the civil laws to take the life of another. When apprehended the murderer has to bear the penalty of such actions. However, in a nationally declared war, the killing of the enemy is normally accepted without any penalty being imposed by society.

Warfare is a grim reality in many parts of the world today.

Whether a Christian engages in the potential killing of other humans (as opposed to the supporting roles of battle) is a matter of their conscience for every life is precious, although sometimes the best way to uphold the value of life is to end the life of those indiscriminately destroying it. This requires

Life is sacred – whether your own or another’s, respect it

serious consideration as once life is terminated that person’s eternity can’t be altered. If they die before they accept Christ they will forever be in hell (Heb 9:27). Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mt 10:28). Satan’s aim is to steal, kill and destroy, the complete opposite to what Jesus offers us (Jn 10:10).

Operating in our carnal flesh with man-made rules quenches or ‘kills’ the Spirit moving freely and powerfully in our midst (1 Thes 5:19). This is a travesty of how God wants us to live so when sin blocks an intimate relationship with God we need to repent and return to Him for direction.

See also: abortion, conscience, death, euthanasia, life, murder, war/warfare.