Who possesses the authority to take
human life? Who has the right to make that decision? The
emphasis in the Fifth Commandment is on the word “you.” You
shall not murder! You are not to deliberately kill
premeditatedly or in the anger of the moment.
“You shall not kill.”
Exodus 20:13
What makes human life precious? Consider it from
God's point of view. He made us in His own image for the purpose of
creating in us His own character. For that reason He is “not
willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9. Compare 1
Timothy 2:4 As Jesus Christ explained, “God sent not his Son
into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him
might be saved.”
John 3:17
In our world however, human life is so often treated
with indifference. We settle our differences with war, killing
hundreds of thousands of other people in the process. Criminals
steal not only possessions but their victims' lives. So many people
view an unwanted pregnancy as simply an inconvenience or an
unexpected consequence of their sexual activity that millions of
unborn babies are aborted every year.
What a sad contrast to our Creator who promises us the greatest
gift possible, the opportunity to share eternal life with Him.
The murder of the day is commonly the first topic featured on
television news program, especially in larger cities. Many such
slayings are committed by family members or formerly close
associates or friends. Random killings from gang and street
violence add to the climate of fear in many communities.
Homicides linked to other crimes and drugs are all too common.
Untold thousands around the world fall victim to mass murder in
the name of politics and ideology. Murder touches the life of
almost everyone on earth.
In supposedly advanced societies, television and motion pictures
barrage citizens with murders and carnage. Violence is so
inextricably woven into the fabric of society that we glamorize
it in our literature and entertainment. It's ironic that in
spite of our fascination with murder, we follow the example of
most societies throughout history in passing strict laws against
it. Few people indeed have ever needed to be convinced that
murder within their own community was wrong. However, other
challenges concerning the value and sanctity of human life tend
to generate controversy, particularly the execution of criminals
by the state. Is capital punishment the same as murder? And what
does God say about war? Why did God allow ancient Israel to take
human life in battles with other nations? Was that a violation
of the Fifth Commandment?
The real issue
At the heart of
these questions is this issue: Who possesses the authority to
take human life? Who has the right to make that decision? The
emphasis in the Fifth Commandment is on the word you.
You shall not murder! You are not to deliberately kill
premeditatedly or in the anger of the moment. We must control
our tempers. Taking another person's life is not our right to
decide. That judgment is reserved for God alone. That is the
thrust of this Commandment. God does not allow us to choose to
wilfully, deliberately take another person's life. The Fifth
Commandment reminds us that God is the giver of life, and He
alone has the authority to take it or to grant humans permission
to take it.
The
Fifth Commandment does not specifically apply to manslaughter,
deaths caused accidentally through carelessness or other
unintentional actions. Such deaths although serious occurrences
are not considered by the laws of God or man to fall into the
same category as premeditated murder.
Protect the lives of the Unborn.
STANDARD FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY
Abortion is
completely banned in Missouri because of a new law that went into effect
June 24, 2022.
Missouri's team-Kansas City Chiefs wins the Super Bowl for 2023 a few
months after Missouri banned abortion. God blesses States
and people when they protect children and curses States and people that
hurt children.
