Topical Bible: Murder: Saints: should Warn Others Against

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Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life, is a grievous sin condemned throughout Scripture. From the earliest pages of the Bible, the sanctity of life is emphasized, and the act of murder is explicitly forbidden. Saints, as followers of Christ and upholders of God's commandments, bear the responsibility to warn others against this heinous act.

Biblical Condemnation of Murder

The prohibition against murder is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment underscores the value God places on human life, created in His image (Genesis 1:27). The shedding of innocent blood is an affront to God's creation and His moral order.

The Role of Saints in Warning Against Murder

Saints are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). This calling includes the duty to uphold God's laws and to instruct others in righteousness. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "warn those who are idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (1 Thessalonians 5:14). This warning extends to all forms of sin, including murder.

Examples of Saints Warning Against Murder

Throughout Scripture, we find examples of God's people warning others against the sin of murder. In the Old Testament, the prophets often spoke out against violence and bloodshed. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah condemned the shedding of innocent blood, warning of God's impending judgment (Jeremiah 22:3).

In the New Testament, John the Baptist boldly confronted Herod for his unlawful actions, which included the murder of John himself (Mark 6:17-29). John's courage in speaking truth to power serves as a model for believers to warn against sin, even at great personal cost.

The Teachings of Jesus on Murder

Jesus expanded the understanding of murder beyond the physical act to include harboring anger and hatred in one's heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught, "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not murder,' and 'Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22). This teaching emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of murder, such as anger and hatred, and calls believers to pursue reconciliation and peace.

The Apostolic Writings on Murder

The apostles continued to warn against murder in their epistles. The Apostle John 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 stark warning highlights the seriousness of harboring hatred and the spiritual death it brings.

The Responsibility of the Church

The Church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with upholding the sanctity of life and teaching against the sin of murder. This includes providing moral guidance, supporting those affected by violence, and advocating for justice and peace in society. Believers are called to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), warning others of the consequences of sin while pointing them to the hope and redemption found in Christ.

In summary, saints are entrusted with the solemn duty to warn others against the sin of murder, upholding the value of life as ordained by God and reflecting His love and justice in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 37:22
And Reuben said to them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand on him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 26:15
But know you for certain, that if you put me to death, you shall surely bring innocent blood on yourselves, and on this city, and on the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... to honour our parents, to do no murder, to forbear ... the gospel, nor yet of the communion
of saints.' Yet he ... be a fool indeed, were I against it, should I make ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... after-ages, and you will find the murder of the ... an earnest of the innocent blood
which should be shed ... Examine the experience of saints now living on earth; and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

St. Augustine (Ad 354-430)
... some of their councils condemned the practice of self-murder. ... sect was made up of
perfect saints, they took ... this was really a reason why he should have thanked ...
/.../chapter xxi st augustine ad.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... You say further that all the saints, such as Paul and ... for which alone you demand
that he should be condemned? ... with merely saying, "This is what others say," or ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... Or how we should understand this word 'ready': 'I am now ready ... are also always so
far forth in readiness to murder and slaughter the saints, as the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
... the second place since Moses had committed murder in Egypt ... to write to them that
they should earnestly contend ... the faith which was once delivered to the saints. ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of jude.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... The murder of Abel was not punished solely on Cain ... upon the earth""the blood of his
saints who had ... who then addressed them"that when they should have done ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

ecce Iterum Crispinus!'
... their fanatical tumults and rushed to Alexandria to murder Theophilus for ... Whither
should we go? ... by the tallness of their stature the persecuted saints, of whom ...
/.../chapter xliii ecce iterum crispinus.htm

Presumptuous Sins
... It is wrong, it is wrong""it shouted murder in your ... The highest saints may sin the
lowest sins, unless kept ... to the lowest hell, unless God should quench the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/presumptuous sins.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Peden.
... she is with child, and will murder it, and ... shedding the precious blood of his saints
and servants. ... and Ireland, and Scotland's persecution should cease; upon ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 2.htm