Expert: Brian Thompson - 11/7/2009

Question
Hi Brain

Just somewhat confused (what else is new Ray...lol)

Seriously Brain, concerning the true word of JESUS and its meaning about the 6th Commandment.

The 6th Commandment appears twice that I know of (might be wrong)
In Exodus and in Deuteronomy.
One scripture says; " Thou shall not kill..."
The other says; " Thou shall not murder..."


From what my 69 yrs. on this GOD given planet. I intrupet the following meanings;

To Kill: And animal or beast or defending oneself.

To Murder: Is to plan and wait for the victim. Yes its killing but there is a motive.

O.K. I do know that the Holy Spirit convicts each and every believer in JESUS.

That is the LORD saying here?
If I go to war, I'm KILLING. If one believes in JESUS then he doesn't go to war. No matter what the government says.

And I do know the difference between Murder %26 Killing.
Or is the Lord saying DO NOT DO EITHER !!!

Help me out Brain please.
GOD BLESS YOU %26 YOUR FAMILY
Ray Monaco

Answer
hello Ray, my name is Brian

All of this contention about the meaning of the commandments and the Scriptures is why Jesus made a point of explaining that heart attitude is what it is all about.

The Jews developed a whole system around the commandments that ultimately meant that no normal person could be righteous under the Law, and, of course, that Law meant nothing to them, for they slew Jesus using the Romans as their weapon to accomplish it. They were guilty under the Law because of their heart attitude. Now because they were legalists they would not acknowledge that and still don't today.

So what is your attitude towards killing, do you kill an animal for food? this is permissible since God gave us animals for food, Do you kill for sport and lust over the moment. Much danger there. Murder speaks of intent and is a clarification of the earlier more general statement, but Jesus gave us a higher law.

If you go to war to defend your country and your family, the government's instruction is lawful. If you go to war as the aggressor I don't think you can hide behind the governments authority. Just as well that Jesus came and gave us a way to repent and be forgiven; our sin covered by his blood.

Basically as Jesus explains, love your neighbour as yourself, if you do that you will not find a reason to kill