From Law to Gospel: A Biblical Look at “Thou Shalt Not Kill”
The Choice: Fear or Love?
When faced with the commandment ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’ (Exodus 20:13), a critical question arises: What motivates us? Is it the threat of punishment that keeps us from harming others, or is it a genuine love for our fellow human beings?
Both scenarios achieve the same outcome ‒ a life is saved. However, the motivations behind them differ significantly.
The Old Testament Foundation: Respecting God’s Creation
In the Old Testament, “Thou shalt not kill” establishes the foundation for valuing human life. It signifies respect for life as a gift from God, the ultimate creator (Genesis 1-2).
The cautionary tale of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8-12) highlights the consequences of disregarding a brother’s life. Similarly, King David’s story (2 Samuel 11) demonstrates the hidden cost of deception. While David might not have physically killed Uriah, his actions led to Uriah’s death. This act, motivated by a desire to cover up sin, brought David no peace. Both stories illustrate that disrespecting life, directly or indirectly, leads to regret and punishment.
The New Testament: Love at the Core
The New Testament expands on the commandment’s meaning. Jesus emphasizes that true obedience extends beyond the physical act (Matthew 5:21-22). Anger, contempt, and hatred, all rooted in a lack of love, violate the spirit of the commandment. Jesus elevates love as the core principle, echoing the “greatest commandment” to love God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37-39).
The Apostle John reinforces this message. He equates hatred with murder, highlighting the destructive power of such emotions (1 John 3:15). He contrasts Cain’s murderous act, driven by hate, with the importance of love within the Christian community (1 John 3:11-12). By cultivating love and respect for others, we not only uphold the spirit of the commandment but also embrace the core message of both the Old and New Testaments.
Law vs. Gospel: Transformation Through Love
The Bible transitions from a focus on outward actions (not killing) to the inward transformation of cultivating love. This love isn’t just an emotion; it’s a call to action to treat others with respect and compassion.
The Old Testament’s emphasis on “Thou shalt not kill” reflects the role of the Law. It establishes boundaries for human behaviour, preventing harm and creating order. However, the Law can’t change the human heart.
The New Testament’s focus on love aligns with the concept of the Gospel. Love, as Jesus teaches, fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17-20). It’s not just about following rules, but about internal transformation that leads to actions motivated by love, preventing harm in the first place.
The initial question ‒ acting out of fear or love ‒ reflects the difference between Law and Gospel. The Law focuses on consequences, while the Gospel offers grace. By cultivating love, we move beyond fear of punishment and embrace the freedom and joy that comes from living according to God’s will.
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