Topical Bible: Natural Life of Others, not to be Taken Away

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The sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle found throughout the Bible, emphasizing that the natural life of others is not to be taken away unjustly. This principle is rooted in the belief that human beings are created in the image of God, and thus, life is sacred and must be protected.

Creation and the Image of God

The foundation for the sanctity of life is established in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage underscores the inherent value and dignity of every human life, as each person reflects the image of the Creator. The divine image bestows a unique status upon humanity, setting it apart from the rest of creation and establishing a moral imperative to preserve life.

The Commandment Against Murder

The prohibition against taking the life of another is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:13 commands, "You shall not murder." This commandment is a clear directive that underscores the inviolability of human life. The Hebrew word used here, "ratsach," refers to the unlawful taking of life, distinguishing it from killing in contexts such as war or capital punishment, which are addressed separately in Scripture.

The Value of Life in the Law

The Mosaic Law further elaborates on the protection of life. In Numbers 35:33 , it is written, "Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell. For I, the LORD, dwell among the Israelites." This passage highlights the seriousness of shedding innocent blood, which defiles the land and incurs divine judgment. The law provided cities of refuge to protect those who accidentally caused death, ensuring that justice was tempered with mercy (Numbers 35:9-15).

Jesus' Teaching on Life and Anger

In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by addressing the heart's intentions. In Matthew 5:21-22 , 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." Jesus emphasizes that the root of murder—anger and hatred—must also be addressed, calling His followers to a higher standard of love and reconciliation.

The Apostolic Teaching on Love and Life

The apostles continue this teaching, urging believers to love one another and respect life. In 1 John 3:15 , the apostle John writes, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer." This reinforces the idea that the sanctity of life is not only a matter of external actions but also of internal attitudes.

The Role of Government and Justice

Romans 13:1-4 discusses the role of government in maintaining justice and order, stating, "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain." This passage acknowledges the government's role in executing justice, including the authority to punish wrongdoers, which serves as a deterrent to the unlawful taking of life.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to protect the natural life of others is a consistent theme that underscores the value of each person as an image-bearer of God. From the creation account to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Scripture calls for the preservation of life and the cultivation of love and justice within the community of believers and society at large.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 20:13
You shall not kill.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Creation of Man after the Image of God
... supernatural; some, essential to him, and others accidental ... aid of preservation,
which God is not bound to ... consideration the state of the natural life, in which ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxvi on the creation.htm

Schleiermacher -- Christ's Resurrection an Image of Our New Life
... this feast"a feast in which, above all others, many Christians ... it was necessary for
Him, tho not to see ... the Savior, and thus also with the natural life of man ...
/.../the worlds great sermons volume 3/schleiermacher christs resurrection an.htm

section 3
... It is in contact with others, for the most part ... Everything that is "natural," good
and bad alike, must go ... bring about; it will have drawn infinite life out of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 3.htm

The Spiritual Life
... live according to them from natural, moral, and ... gains, commit adulteries, manifestly
pursue others from deadly ... they have fears for their life, their reputation ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part firstthe spiritual life.htm

Internal Exercises Weaken the Body, yet Oft Prolong Life. ...
... they will become as it were natural to her ... mortifications attending her state of
life, or sent ... by ordinary and trifling mortifications than others that consume ...
/.../chapter vi internal exercises weaken.htm

The Kingdom of God and Your Part in It
... of forcing it, but by its spontaneous, natural and beautiful ... unconscious influence
going out as a contagion to others. ... Those of you who know life even an inch ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/vi the kingdom of god.htm

The Resurrection of Dead Souls
... In the natural conscious life, separate the soul, as we ... Both the others are nothing
in comparison with it. ... raise these dead souls into a life of righteousness ...
/.../the resurrection of dead souls.htm

Gladden -- the Prince of Life
... occurrences, taking place under the operation of natural laws with ... We should know,
if we shared His life, that we ... know also that we wore helping others to live ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/gladden the prince of.htm

"All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ...
... Thirdly, The natural man's performances want the uprightness, reality, and ... more before
me nor I am before others. ... know his soul, but despise his life: the Lord ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi all our righteousnesses.htm

Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the ...
... But there are others who so perform good works that ... Some, on the contrary, have a
natural purity of ... which renders them fit for the contemplative life; if such ...
/.../on prayer and the contemplative life/question clxxxii of the comparison.htm