The Sixth Commandment?

The Text

Thou shalt not kill.

Exodus 20:13 

Rules for Understanding the Commandments

Question 134: Which is the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.

Question 135: What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the sixth commandment are,

• by resisting all
  • thoughts and
  • purposes,
• subduing all passions, and
• avoiding all
  • occasions,
  • temptations, and
  • practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any;
• by just defense thereof against violence,
• patient bearing of the hand of God,
• quietness of mind,
• cheerfulness of spirit;
• a sober use of
  • meat,
  • drink,
  • physic,
  • sleep,
  • labor, and
  • recreations;
• by charitable thoughts,
• love,
• compassion,
• meekness,
• gentleness,
• kindness;

• forbearance,
• readiness to be reconciled,
• patient
  • bearing and
  • forgiving of injuries,
• and requiting good for evil;
•  

Question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are,

• all taking away the life of
  • ourselves,
  • or of others,
• except in case of
  • public justice,
  • lawful war, or
  • necessary defense;

• sinful anger,
• hatred,
• envy,
• desire of revenge;
• all excessive passions,
• distracting cares;
• immoderate use of
  • meat,
  • drink,
  • labor, and
  • recreations;
• provoking words,
• oppression,
• quarreling,
• striking,
• wounding, and:
• Whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.

---

The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Sixth Commandment. You will notice that the brilliant Puritan Theologians who compiled the Catechism discerned duties in passages of Scripture which do not begin with the words "Thou shalt" or "Thou shalt not."

Every word of God is a command for us.

 

But even the "thou shalts" and the "thou shalt nots" demand more from us than we might first think:

How to Study the Ten Commandments

How to use the Catechism for a Moral Inventory

First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life.

Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.

Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.

The Ten Commandments Home Page

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