Date: Thu, 6 Apr 1995 10:49:17 +0100
Reply-To: t.benschop@pobox.ruu.nl
Sender: Christian explanation of the Scriptures to Israel
From: Teus Benschop
Subject: Catechism, 11
Q: Which is the sixth commandment?
A: The sixth commandment is, "Thou shalt not kill."
This commandment is short but powerful: Thou shalt not kill. It is so
short that we easily can keep it in mind. It is forbidden to kill, and it
is commanded to preserve life.
Q: What is required in the sixth commandment?
A: The sixth commandment requireth all lawful endeavours to preserve our
own life, and the life of others.
We must endeavour to preserve life, both our own and that of the others.
How can we best do that? Life is preserved by the keeping off of all the
injustice, and also by doing justice and showing friendship.
The first, the keeping off of all injustice, is done by being
righteous, to punish the doer of injustice, when it lays in our power.
But who lets all injustice go on, and not prevents it, sins against this
commandment. The government has to do righteousness in our country,
concerning the greater matters, and above all concerning the inhabitants.
The fathers and mothers have to do it in their family, and every other
must do it in the place where he stands. Also wilfully hurting ourselves
is the same as if we wanted to kill ourselves. The same applies to our
neighbours. Also, when you see that one walks on ways which surely leads
to dangers, or even worse, you will warn him. Likewise, when we see the
people living in sins, which lead to their death, we warn them.
Secondly, the showing of friendship contains also all mercy,
politeness, friendliness and helpfulness. We have to show these virtues
towards the other people. The father en mother treat their children
righteous and in love. Likewise does the boss. Equals treat each other in
friendliness, and with respect. In the marriage, the man and his wife
will love each other, like is written "So ought men to love their wives
as their own bodies." (Eph.5:28) We are able will help the poor. Not with
a surly face, but in all friendliness. "Defend the poor and fatherless:
do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid
them out of the hand of the wicked." (Ps.82:3,4)
Q: What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A: The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or
the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.
It is forbidden to take away our own life. This taking away can be done
in several ways. Crudely, when one commits suicide. But also in
abstaining from the things necessary for life. One can eat too little,
for several reasons. Girls sometimes like to be slim, and therefore eat
too little; in other words, they damage their bodies. Others are
reckless, and willfully expose themselves to dangers. This also
transgresses the command "thou shalt not kill", for they take the risk to
get an accident. When we are sick, and we do not use the right medicines.
Driving in unsafe cars can lead to accidents, and is therefore forbidden.
It is also forbidden to take away the life of our neighbour unjustly.
This also is done in several ways. "When thou buildest a new house, then
thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon
thine house, if any man fall from thence." (Deut.22:8) We have, according
to Moses, to prevent the people from dangers, and to carry out all the
necessary things therefore. When the boss pays his worker too little,
whereof he scarcely can live, that transgresses this commandment. When we
drive in our car full of people, and we behave ourselves not safe in the
traffic.
But though it is forbidden to kill, it is not absolutely forbidden.
The government, for example, has the judiciary power to kill the great
transgressors. Like is said: "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall
his blood be shed." (Gen.9:6) Who sheds man's blood, his blood will be
shed by another man. So, his blood will not be shed by God, but by men.
It is the task of the government to do that. To prevent the inhabitants,
the criminals people must be punished. Therefore is written: "For he",
that are the rulers, the power, "is the minister of God to thee for good.
But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the
sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath
upon him that doeth evil." (Rom.13:4)
This sixth commandment is so short, but it contains so much. Not only the
literal killing is forbidden, but also all the other things which tend
thereunto. And the opposite is commanded, namely to preserve life. Who
thoroughly looks into his life, will discover that he daily transgresses
this command. Therefore, better your life, in the strength of God.
Repent, and believe in Jesus to the forgiveness of all your sins. For,
even when you better your life today (when you were able), what will you
do with your past sins? And when you are righteous in the outward things,
but unrighteous in your heart, do you think that God does not see that?
"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the
thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." (Acts 8:22)
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Chr-Exp, a Christian explanation of the Tanach and the New Testament
Editor: Teus Benschop - t.benschop@pobox.ruu.nl
No copyrights on this publication
Institution Practical Bible-education, the Netherlands
End of Catechism, 11
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file: /pub./resources/text/ipb-e/cate: cat-011.txt
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