Thou Shalt Not Kill: Military Service Exception?

The church does not disobey the "Thou shalt not kill" commandment by disfranchising those who partake in military service because the commandment is often misunderstood when applied to such circumstances. The sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," as found in Exodus 20:13 prohibits murder, not all forms of taking human lifeARSH October 14, 1862, page 154.13+2.

Here's why this distinction is important:

Understanding the Sixth Commandment 🛡️

The commandment "Thou shalt not kill" is not an absolute prohibition against all forms of taking human life, such as in warfare or capital punishment. Instead, it specifically forbids malicious murderARSH October 14, 1862, page 154.13+1.

• Divine Intent: The law of God, including the sixth commandment, is spiritual and reaches beyond outward acts to the thoughts and intentions of the heartSITI December 30, 1889, page 632.93+3. While it condemns hatred and malicious thoughts that could lead to murder, it does not condemn all forms of taking lifeAMS December 25, 1889, page 377.7+5.

• Biblical Examples: Throughout the Bible, God commanded or permitted the taking of life in specific contexts:

• Warfare: Abraham, who "obeyed God's voice, and kept his charge, his commandments, his statutes, and his laws" Genesis 26:5, was a warrior who engaged in battle to rescue Lot Genesis 14:13-17ARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13. This demonstrates that killing in defensive war, or war commanded by God, is not a violation of His lawARSH October 14, 1862, page 159.13. Joshua also led the Israelites in war against Ai, and God commanded them to take the spoil Joshua 8:19-21+1.

• Capital Punishment: God explicitly commanded capital punishment for certain offenses, such as blasphemy Leviticus 24:14-16 and Sabbath-breaking Numbers 15:32-36ARSH October 14, 1862, page 154.13+1. This shows that the civil power, as God's minister, is authorized to execute wrath upon evildoers Romans 13:4-6ARSH October 14, 1862, page 154.13.

• Self-Preservation: The principle of self-preservation, which includes safeguarding human life, is implicitly acknowledgedARSH October 18, 1853, page 114.10+1.

Disfranchisement and the Church's Stance 🤝

The concept of "disfranchisement" in a civil context means the removal of certain rights or privileges, such as the right to vote or hold public officeAMS June 18, 1896, page 195.15+4. When this term is used in relation to the church and military service, it points to a misunderstanding of the church's role and its interpretation of divine law.

• Church and State: The church's purpose is not to enforce civil laws, but to uphold God's moral lawNSLS27 151.2+2. While civil governments may forbid murder and theft, they do not do so as "commandments of God" but as part of maintaining societal orderNSLS27 151.2+2. The church's focus is on the spiritual application of God's law, which involves the heart and motives, something no earthly power can legislateNSLS27 151.2+1.

• Maintaining Moral Purity: The church seeks to guide its members toward holiness and conformity to God's will, which includes keeping all ten commandments, not just the letter, but the spirit of the law Psalm 51:6+1WOR 43.3+1. This means cultivating a heart free from malice and hatred, which aligns with the true intent of "Thou shalt not kill" 1 John 3:15+1SITI December 30, 1889, page 632.93+1.

• No Disfranchisement for Military Service: The church does not "disfranchise" individuals for participating in military service. The principle is that if an individual sincerely believes in the command "Thou shalt not kill," they would not engage in war to take lives unnecessarilyAMS April 7, 1898, page 210.3. However, this is a personal conviction and not a basis for formal church "disfranchisement." The church's responsibility is to teach and uphold God's law, which is perfect and converts the soul Psalm 19:712MR 236.3+1.

In essence, the misunderstanding arises from equating all taking of life with "murder" as condemned by the sixth commandment. The divine law, when properly understood, permits certain instances of taking life, particularly in the context of justly defending one's nation or executing divine justice, without violating the commandment against murder.