Topical Bible: Murder: God: Rejects the Prayers of Those Guilty of

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In the biblical narrative, murder is unequivocally condemned as a grave sin against God and humanity. The act of taking another person's life unjustly is seen as a direct violation of the divine commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the sanctity of human life, which is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

The Bible presents numerous instances where God rejects the prayers and offerings of those who are guilty of murder, emphasizing the seriousness of this sin. One of the most poignant examples is found in the account of Cain and Abel. After Cain murders his brother Abel, God confronts him, saying, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground" (Genesis 4:10). Cain's act of murder results in a curse, and his relationship with God is severely damaged, illustrating that God does not accept the worship or prayers of those who commit such acts without repentance.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to this issue, addressing the people of Israel who were guilty of violence and injustice. He declares, "When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood" (Isaiah 1:15). This passage highlights that God is not swayed by the outward acts of worship from those whose lives are marked by unrepentant sin, particularly murder.

In the New Testament, the apostle John reiterates the gravity of murder, equating it with hatred in the heart. He writes, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer" (1 John 3:15). This teaching extends the concept of murder beyond the physical act to include the intentions and attitudes of the heart, further emphasizing that God seeks purity and righteousness in His followers.

The rejection of prayers from those guilty of murder is consistent with the broader biblical theme that God desires justice, mercy, and humility from His people (Micah 6:8). The call to repentance is clear throughout Scripture, as God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who turn from their wicked ways and seek His mercy. However, without genuine repentance, the prayers of those who commit murder remain unacceptable to God, as they stand in stark opposition to His holy and just nature.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:15
And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 59:2,3
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ...
... place for their sacrificing, as if it had been murder. ... In the second place, the Lord
rejects their performances ... We do not seek to have soul-communion with God. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix to what purpose.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... he heard that word, "Why persecutest thou me?" which is all one as if he had said,
Why dost thou commit murder? ... Now, if God would not have those that have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

It Shall not be Forgiven.
... his what the noblest part of our nature rejects as low ... one of these sins is against
man; the other against God. ... may be an infinitely less evil to murder a man ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/it shall not be forgiven.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... are many beasts and birds which your palate rejects. ... its endurance, its thought of
God, particularly since ... the peace of his country depends upon their prayers. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

An Examination of the Treatise of William Perkins Concerning the ...
... when he committed that adultery and murder, what would you ... God, at that time, according
to the declaration of ... more vehemently towards sin, who rejects the act ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/an examination of the treatise.htm

The Doctrine
... me, I will trust the more to Christ's prayers, and groan ... though a man doth not covet,
steal, murder, worship gods ... not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... all intercourse impure; he condemns and rejects not only ... he himself pleased God,
but [4398] begat such children as ... his wars, but to the [4399] murder"he was ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... hold among Christians, seeing Christ rejects all outward ... traditions, money, treachery,
and murder, which Platina ... of the manifold grace of God; and preached not ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

part i
... that I receive help through the names of those saints upon ... heart; see that you do
not lie to God in your ... Lord's Prayer, as well as when you say other prayers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... when he says here, 'not of blood,' he rejects all carnal ... your father; you must be
born of God, if you ... It is taken for those vehement inclinations that are in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm