Topical Bible: Murder: Saints: Specially Warned Against

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Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life, is a grave sin explicitly condemned throughout the Scriptures. The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of life, affirming that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). As such, the act of murder is not only a crime against the individual but also an affront to God Himself.

Old Testament Warnings

The prohibition against murder is foundational in the Mosaic Law. The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), underscores the seriousness with which God views the taking of innocent life. This commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:17, emphasizing its enduring significance.

The Old Testament also provides numerous examples and warnings against murder. In Genesis 4, the account of Cain and Abel illustrates the destructive consequences of murder, as Cain's act of fratricide leads to his curse and exile. God warns Cain before the act, saying, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it" (Genesis 4:7).

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ intensifies the commandment against murder by addressing the heart's intentions. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches, "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). Here, Jesus equates unjust anger with murder, highlighting the importance of inner purity and reconciliation.

The Apostle Paul also warns against murder in his epistles. In Romans 13:9, he reiterates the commandment, "The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" . Paul emphasizes that love is the fulfillment of the law, and thus, murder is antithetical to the Christian life.

Warnings to the Saints

The saints, as followers of Christ, are specially warned against murder and its underlying attitudes. 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 warning serves as a sobering reminder that harboring hatred is incompatible with the new life in Christ.

Furthermore, the Book of Revelation lists murderers among those who will face judgment: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death" (Revelation 21:8). This passage underscores the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin, including murder.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the saints are called to uphold the sanctity of life and to reject all forms of hatred and violence. The warnings against murder serve as a call to live in love, peace, and reconciliation, reflecting the character of Christ in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... but of indolence, [245]65; Christ specially present in ... Saints, a common name for
Christians in all conditions, [524 ... and punished worse by God than murder, [593]5 ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... to be set apart; and this is specially confirmed by ... to attempt every speakable and
unspeakable mischief against me ... You say further that all the saints, such as ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Heresies
... Real Presence, purgatory, the invocation of saints, in many ... Their specially religious
teaching was largely ethical, and by ... yet been tried for the murder of the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xii heresies.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... from preaching and confession, unless specially required to do ... Besides these spiritual
evils, these saints' days inflict ... with and the people warned against it. ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ...
... of the "SPG," including several employed specially among the ... were the saints, and
the saints, as we ... protecting its citizens and punishing murder, robbery, and ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter x the american church.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... They do speak; and hence speaking is specially excluded here. ... No wonder God has so
solemnly warned us against these things, and no wonder such awful ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The French Reformation.
... The mediation of saints, good works, the ceremonies of ... with cruel torture, it being
specially ordered that ... to overthrow the government, and to murder the king. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... others, not know how heinous a crime murder and adultery ... For they knew that the saints
often stumble through ... for whose benefit it should specially be designed ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The French Reformation
... The mediation of saints, good works, the ceremonies of ... with cruel torture, it being
specially ordered that ... to overthrow the government, and to murder the king. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... These are experiences through which the saints also pass ... may not kill you again,
and murder your souls ... If one would speak of specially severe sufferings, surely ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm