The Sixth Commandment: The Preservation of Life

Sermon Outline:

Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder".

The ESV translation is an improvement over the English “Thou Shalt not Kill”.

Genesis 4 - Lamech

1. NEGATIVE meaning

Ratzach is not used for killing an animal, or of a lawful civil execution, or of the human killing during a war action.

Ratzach is not used for Capital punishment…instituted in the very next chapter.

Ratzach is used when describing the UNLAWFUL killing of a human being.

• Murder

• Manslaughter

• Involuntary manslaughter

What is at stake?
God’s image is at stake!

Cities of Refuge

2. POSITIVE meaning

"Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon Thee? Alas, my treason, Jesus hath undone me! ‘Twas I Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee, I crucified thee."
("Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended" verse 2, Author: Johann Heermann (1630), Trinity Hymnal (Rev. ed.) #248)

3. The GOOD NEWS- gospel
   Matthew 5:21-22