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NASB | Exodus 20:13 ¶ "You shall not murder. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 20:13 ¶ "You shall not commit murder (unjustified, deliberate homicide). [Gen 9:6; Ex 21:12, 14, 18] |
Subject: 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? |
Bible Note: Dear Sir, Blessings, friend, in Jesus' name! To start at the end, I am sorry that you disapprove of my phrase, 'whim and fancy,' implying that I do not understand the belief system of 'a very large number of committed Christians.' I very carefully chose this phrase, without malice or intent to disparage. The phrase accurately describes the 'unknown state' of those who claim a freewill road to salvation. This thinking panders to the 'capricious' nature of our emotions (soul), and negates the sovereignty of God to decide who are His. But, it is inconsistent. If man's fate is in his hands, i.e. to repent to salvation, as has been said regarding capital criminals, then they have stolen from God, potential Christians. Then you say we must provide them with an entire natural (though imprisoned) existence that they might accept (or not accept) Jesus as Lord. If we say, "Thou shalt not kill," but there is no consequence for breaking this law, then we mock God's just nature. I do not believe we can pray for the dead that were 'prematurely' killed by criminals. What if one victim was 'away from God' at the time of his murder? The criminal has taken away his opportunity to spend eternity with God. But we, (standing in God's stead?) offer a full opportunity for repentence? I am afraid I do not understand this logic. Sir, I do not rob you of hope or optimism when I say that Utopia is unavailable on earth. Indeed, I eagerly and earnestly seek for the return of the Lord Jesus, and His eternal kingdom. Yeah, even now, I believe that *within the church* we may enjoy many *previews* of this glorious future. But we cannot have this 'utopia' in an environment of a corrupt age, that is turned away from God. It is impossible to 'attain' this by our works, and will come about in due time by the sovereign act of God. My good fellow, I do not decry your faith. I simply believe that 'unilateral disarmament' will not 'bring the world about.' Only God can, (and will!) do that. Until then, we must seek peace, but the Bible is clear that the world will not 'cooperate' until God takes away their ability to disregard Him. This is why the Lord gave us human government and society. They are (temporarily) *sanctioned* by God until He returns and institutes His holy theocracy. Meanwhile we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and others from anti-social behavior. Peace and love. In Christ Jesus, charis |