“You Shall Not Murder”
Deuteronomy 5:17 February 7, 2010
Pastor Marcus J. Serven
Covenant Family Church (RPCGA)
Two weeks ago thousands of American citizens gathered together to recall a notorious decision by the United States Supreme Court regarding abortion on demand (Roe vs. Wade, January 23, 1973). It is hard for me to believe that we have endured this wicked judicial action for over thirty-seven years! For the Christian, then, what does the Bible say about taking another person’s life? It is clearly forbidden in God’s Law (cf. Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21-26). Yet, there are a small number of people who actually insist that any type of killing is offensive to God—cutting down a tree, squashing a bug, or slaying an animal. The Bible, however, teaches that there is a profound difference between human beings and all other living creatures. It teaches that only mankind is made in the image of God and possesses a spirit and soul (cf. Genesis 1:26-28, 9:6). Also, on the Judgment Day only mankind will receive eternal life or death (cf. Matthew 10:28, 25:46; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10). Therefore, human life is to be valued and protected. The astute and thorough Larger Catechism summarizes the Bible in this way,
Q. 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A.: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in the case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever tends to the destruction of the life of any.
The Main Point of this Sermon:
“There are six things that the LORD hates…hands that shed innocent blood…” Proverbs 6:16-19
1. All Human Life Is Sacred, (Genesis 1:26-28)
2. All Human Life Is to Be Protected, (Genesis 9:6)
3. The Unlawful Taking of a Human Life Should Be Punished, (Exodus 21:12-17)
4. The Unintentional Taking of Human Life Is to Be Carefully Judged, (Deuteronomy 19:1-7)
5. Civil Government Has the Authority to Make War, (Romans 13:4 & Deuteronomy 20)
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2010/2010_2_7_you_shall_not_murder.mp3[/podcast]
Covenant Family Church is a conservative, Bible-believing, and elder-governed congregation located in Wentzville, MO which seeks to evangelize the lost and equip those who have been converted to walk worthy of their calling in Christ. 
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church continues to be vigorous in its defense and propagation of the historic Christian faith, particularly as it was articulated by the Protestant Reformers of the 16-17th centuries. 
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