The Taking of a Human Life

 One of the most serious of all crimes is murder, the intentional taking of a human life. Today, we have all kinds of beliefs about what the penalty for murder ought to be. Here in the United States we have states that have banned the death penalty in favor of life in prison, while other states still carry out the death penalty in various ways. Not even all Christians agree with the death penalty, but the Bible is very clear on this issue. 

The pervasive violence of the people on the earth was one of the main reasons that God sent the flood to kill all the people and start over with Noah's family. He did not want that to happen again, so He gave a strict command. (Genesis 9:6) "If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in His own image." This was to be a strong deterrent to taking a human life. 

The reason for this penalty is clear. Every human life is precious because all humans are made in the image of God. He loves all people, and He desires to have a relationship with each person born into this world. God is the Only Judge who knows every heart, and He is the Only One who can determine when to take a human life, like He did in the flood. We are never take a human life whether it is an unborn baby or an older person who doesn't have long to live. We must leave all human life in His hands. 

Some people say that when Jesus came His teaching changed this. However, Jesus Himself said that He came to fulfill the Law, not to destroy it. Yes, we are to love our enemies, but that does not preclude us from enforcing the death penalty for murder. In fact, it is not loving to lessen the seriousness of another person's sin. Jesus never did that. The main thing is for each person to realize their sin and to be saved by grace through faith, so all have eternal life, not just a longer life here on earth.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 10-14.