Doctrinal Writings

It's Wrong to Kill People

By Dr. Richard Flanders Juniata Baptist Church Vassar, Michigan

As a general rule, the Bible condemns the deliberate killing of other human beings. Exodus 20:13 says,

"Thou shalt not kill."

Exceptions to this rule are made for capital punishment (Exodus 21:12), self-defense (Exodus 22:2), and war (Exodus 23:27). However, the taking of a human life for selfish purposes is a terrible sin.

"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." (Genesis 9:6)

Yet many today excuse and justify the premeditated murder of innocent people.

1. Abortion is Wrong!

Abortion is the planned killing of an unborn baby in the womb of the mother. God's Word, the Bible, clearly teaches that we are really babies when we are inside our mother before we are born.

"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy." (Luke 1:41-44)

The Bible also says that the wrongful injury or killing of an unborn baby is to be treated the same as the harming of a born person (Read Exodus 21:22-25). It's wrong to kill a baby in the womb.

2. Assisting Suicide is Wrong!

It is always wrong for a person to kill himself, and it is wrong to help a person kill himself! The armorbearer knew it was wrong to help King Saul die, even though the sinful king begged him to do it (Read I Samuel 31:3-4). Some doctors want to help certain patients to die by giving them poison of some kind, but to do this would be to kill them, and it would be very wrong. To get involved in anybody's suicide would be terrible, but it is even worse for a doctor to do such a thing!

3. Euthanasia is Wrong!

Euthanasia is a big word that means killing people because there is something wrong with them. Some folks these days think that certain handicapped people or old people or sick people should be made to die! They say that when a person no longer enjoys a high "quality" life, they should be put to death. But God said,

"Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11)

God has reasons for letting a person be sick or old or handicapped. It is not man's right to decide when someone should die!

4. Rejecting Christ is Wrong!

The Bible teaches that rejecting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is like committing murder!

"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:29)

Hebrews 6:6 says that those who knowingly decide to reject Jesus Christ "crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh"! It was because of our sins that Christ died on the cross (See I Corinthians 15:3-4). On the part of those who killed Him, this was an awful and violent act. On His part, however, it was an act of love! Galatians 2:20 says that Christ "loved me, and gave himself for me." In John 10, Jesus said,

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep . . . Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again . . ." (verses 11, 17, and 18)

If one receives Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, the blood Jesus shed on the cross will remove the guilt of his sin, and save his lost soul. If, however, one refuses to turn to Christ for his salvation, he will be deemed guilty of the blood of Jesus, and will be punished forever for this crime (Read I Corinthians 11:27). You either receive Christ or reject Him. Which will you do?

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is celebrated in January at the Juniata Baptist Church 5656 Washburn Road Vassar, Michigan 48768 Call with your questions (517) 823-7848

Monthly Article Fri, 19 Jan 2001 by Dr. Rick Flanders currently Pastor of Juniata Baptist Church

Juniata Baptist Church 5656 Washburn Road Vassar, MI 48768 juniatabaptist@juno.com (517) 823-7848

Dr. Rick Flanders Biographical Data Converted in 1963 through a radio ministry. Earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from Bob Jones University. Honorary D.D. from Pensacola Christian College. Pastor at Juniata Baptist Church since 1973. On BCPM Board, (Baptist Church Planting Ministry) and also MACS. (Michigan Association of Christian School)

Articles published in the; Sword of the Lord Baptist Preacher, Frontline, Christian View of the News, Pulpit Helps, Maranatha Watchman Church Bus News, and other national periodicals.

His Majesty's Service In His Service, Teaching the Word To Glorify Our Lord

Return to Doctrinal Writings