Topical Bible: Murder: Saints: Deprecate the Guilt of

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Murder, the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another, is unequivocally condemned throughout the Scriptures. The sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), establishes the sanctity of human life as ordained by God. However, within the biblical narrative, there are instances where saints, or those considered righteous, have been involved in acts of killing, and the Scriptures provide context that deprecates or mitigates their guilt.

David and the Case of Uriah the Hittite

One of the most notable instances is King David's orchestration of Uriah the Hittite's death. In 2 Samuel 11, David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba, attempts to cover his sin by arranging for Uriah to be placed in the front lines of battle, ensuring his death. Despite this grievous sin, David is later described as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). The Scriptures highlight David's profound repentance in Psalm 51, where he pleads for mercy and acknowledges his transgressions. This repentance is key in understanding how his guilt is deprecated; it underscores the transformative power of genuine contrition and God's readiness to forgive.

Moses and the Egyptian

Another example is Moses, who killed an Egyptian in defense of a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12). This act of violence forced Moses to flee into the wilderness, yet he was later chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The narrative does not dwell on the murder itself but rather on Moses' subsequent role as a deliverer and lawgiver. This suggests a deprecation of guilt, focusing instead on Moses' mission and obedience to God's call.

Paul and the Persecution of Christians

The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was complicit in the persecution and murder of early Christians, as seen in Acts 8:1-3. However, after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), Paul becomes one of the most influential apostles, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. His past is acknowledged but is overshadowed by his zealous ministry and the grace he received. Paul's own writings, such as in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, reflect on his past sins and the mercy shown to him, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's forgiveness.

Theological Implications

The deprecation of guilt in these cases does not imply that murder is ever justified or excused. Rather, it highlights the themes of repentance, redemption, and divine grace. The saints' involvement in acts of killing serves as a testament to the profound mercy of God, who can redeem even the gravest of sins when met with true repentance. These narratives encourage believers to seek forgiveness and transformation, trusting in God's ability to restore and use them for His purposes despite their past transgressions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:14
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, you God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... the law of sin remaining in the saints, the guilt ... Spirit is not the patron of murder,
adultery, drunkenness ... at the judgment-seat of God deprecate his severity ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... ask pardon for their sins, they deprecate punishment. ... the Prophet for adultery and
murder, receives pardon ... as we everywhere read that the saints received their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... their opinion; nor does Parmenius cease to deprecate the imperial ... the faithless receives
not faith, but guilt." Since the ... those who say: "We are saints, we do ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... might make their eyes partners in the murder, they rose up ... from heaven and shall
seek out all the saints. ... Now Sabellius did not even deprecate the formation of ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... It is a pattern to the church on earth, into which none should be admitted
but saints, known from their conversation as living epistles. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... themselves will act according to the will of Christ and his saints who reign ... though
they were, yet blushed through their own consciousness of guilt; since they ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /