Topical Bible: Murder is a Work for the Flesh

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Murder, as defined in the Holy Scriptures, is the unlawful and premeditated taking of a human life. It is considered one of the gravest sins and is explicitly condemned throughout the Bible. The act of murder is not only a violation of God's commandments but also a manifestation of the sinful nature of humanity, often referred to as the "works of the flesh."

Biblical Condemnation of Murder

The prohibition against murder is clearly stated in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "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 act of murder is a direct affront to this divine image and an egregious violation of God's moral law.

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by addressing the underlying attitudes that lead to such acts. 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 emphasizes that murder begins in the heart, with anger and hatred being the root causes that can lead to the physical act.

Murder as a Work of the Flesh

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Galatians, categorizes murder as one of the "works of the flesh." He writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). In this passage, murder is grouped with other sins that arise from the sinful nature, highlighting its incompatibility with the life led by the Spirit.

The Heart and Intentions

The Bible consistently teaches that God examines the heart and intentions behind actions. In 1 John 3:15, it is written, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer" . This verse reiterates the teaching of Jesus that harboring hatred is akin to committing murder in God's eyes. The transformation of the heart is essential to overcoming the works of the flesh, including murder.

Repentance and Redemption

Despite the severity of murder as a sin, the Bible also offers hope for redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The account of the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, serves as a powerful example. Once a persecutor of Christians, Saul encountered Christ and experienced a radical transformation, becoming one of the most influential apostles. His life demonstrates that even those guilty of grave sins can find forgiveness and a new purpose in Christ.

Conclusion

Murder, as a work of the flesh, is a profound violation of God's commandments and the sanctity of human life. It originates from sinful desires and attitudes that must be addressed through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls believers to live by the Spirit, producing the fruit of love, peace, and self-control, in stark contrast to the destructive nature of the flesh.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:21
Contentions, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... of a sovereign on the throne had committed murder, and was ... but the actual accomplishment
of the work, so that ... the works of the law shall no flesh he justified ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... then far less ought they to usurp this dominion, or stir up the magistrate to persecute
and murder those who ... Every evil is a work of the flesh, but every ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... never so well as when he has regular work. ... and affectionate towards your own flesh
and blood ... Amnon's incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion,"Adonijah's ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

That I May Refute More Thoroughly These Charges, I Will Show that ...
... country still can testify who did that very work for that ... In our case, murder being
once for all forbidden, we ... those, also, who make meals on the flesh of wild ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter ix that i may.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... before the throne of God; for here is adultery, and murder, and hypocrisy ... to sift,
to try, and winnow them, if perhaps he may work in their flesh to answer ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Treatise
... Now we all pass by this good work and exercise ourselves ... not so clearly seen as that
of murder, because of ... it is not accomplished in the coarse flesh, but in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... The world, the flesh and the devil are too much for any ... wage, the surer evidence
it is of the work of the ... and charges these very Jews with the murder of Jesus ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

Whether a Bishop May Lawfully Forsake the Episcopal Cure, in Order ...
... love of God a man binds himself to work for the ... But to abide still in the flesh is
needful for you. ... conscience (for instance if he be guilty of murder or simony ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a bishop may lawfully.htm

The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ...
... of nature, He "made" him; as touching the work of grace ... of a Marrucinian, [5992]
for you here deny him flesh to whom ... also is, "Thou shalt do no murder," when He ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvii the epistle to the.htm

He Falsely Imagines that the Same Energies Produce the Same Works ...
... marrow, bones, nerves [157] , sinews, tendons, flesh, surface, cartilages ... mining
of the earth, the murder of a ... same energies produce sameness of work?' But even ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 27 he falsely imagines.htm