Good evening all,
Regarding the sparing of life and the taking of it I believe that the laws of the land may be applicable in some circumstances in Gods eyes. What do you think of these verses...
Romans 13
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he 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.
In the OT we have seen a number of times where God gave very explicit instructions to kill. This is not a grey area, it is black and white.
The law given to Moses stated thou shalt not kill, but there are scriptural references to lieing in wait for innocent blood which is indicative of premeditated murder. I will find the verses if necessary.
I see a definite distinction between the two and as a result I do not see the above as a contradiction.
If the law of the land dictated capital punishment for murder I believe that even in this age of grace Romans 13 would permit it.
Henry, to say thou shalt not kill, period, precludes a number of things,
i.e. defence of country, family, law enforcement officers protecting their own lives and the lives of others. Do you imply total pacifism under all circumstances?
I have been under the unfortunate circumstances of witnessing more than one murder and have seen people put away for this heinous crime to be released and kill again, and yes a child on one occasion.
Does Romans 13 apply if capital punishment were the law of the land?
What say you?
God bless us with His wisdom,
John
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