“For everything there is a season, and a time
for every purpose under heaven
. . . a time to kill” (Ec. 3:1,3).
“Thou shalt not kill” clearly puts murder out of bounds for everyone. It’s Command #6 of the Big Ten.
End of discussion.
However, there is one important exception, and it comes straight from the apostle Paul. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13 NIV).
There’s a death warrant out for the “misdeeds of the body,” and we are authorized—yea, commanded—to kill. Every last one of them is to be put to the sword. We are to listen to no pleas for mercy. Not one is to be spared.
Why such drastic action? Is this not an extreme measure?
The apostle pulls no punches. His argument is simple and strong—if you don’t put them to death, they will put you to death. Somebody is going to die, it’s either you or them. There’s a battle going on. Your life is on the line.
We are to soften the sentence for none of these fiends.
To “live according to the flesh” looks most attractive. Its forbidden pleasures are tantalizing—but make no mistake. They’re out to kill. Your soul is at stake.
Death and life are before you. The Spirit is willing.
You choose.
–Jurgen O. Schulz
Perichoresis 