The Doctrinal Heading for this section of questions (Q63-81) is The Means of Grace: The Commandments: The Second Table. (see Harmony Index)
WSC Q69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
This catechism study takes another look at the sixth commandment, and what is forbidden. People often bring up the sixth commandment when raising opposition to capital punishment or war in general. Yet we know that the proper translation of the verb in the sixth commandment is murder, not kill, and that there is a difference between these two terms. The Bible does teach the warrant for taking life in self- and national- defense, and under the circumstance of “due process” by constituted legal authorities. Notice that this catechism answer forbids taking life “unjustly.” We also learn from this catechism study that there is more than one way to “murder” an individual; murder does not always lead to physical death.
We need to be able to think these things through biblically, and this catechism review provides an opportunity to develop our understanding of significant topics that we encounter daily. Let us remember to approach our study in prayer, seeking humble discernment that is expressed in faith which honors our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
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Westminster Shorter Catechism Q69
Illustrations by John Whitecross – #1of 6: It is recorded of the Puritan minister John Dod, that one night at a very late hour, he felt strongly moved to visit a gentleman of his acquaintance, who lived at some distance. Not knowing what might be the design of Providence in this, he went. Having come to the house and knocked at the door, the gentleman himself opened it; to whom Dod said, ‘I am come to you, I know not why myself but I was restless in my spirit till I had done it.’ The gentleman replied, ‘You know not why you came; but God knew why He sent you.’ On which he showed him the halter with which he intended to take away his own life, which, by this means, was happily prevented.
John Whitecross – 1828
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WSC Q69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto[a].
[a] Gen. 9:6; Matt. 5:22; I John 3:15
Question #69 asks what the sixth commandment forbids, and answers that the sixth commandment forbids taking one’s own life or the lives of others unjustly or doing anything that leads to suicide or murder.
Comments and considerations:
In keeping the sixth commandment we are to endeavor to preserve our own life, and the life of others (the positive); we are not to take our own life, or the life of our neighbor, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto (the negative). The Scripture verses are nothing surprising; they deal with both the sanctity of and right to life, and the heart issue regarding the protection and safeguard of life. So what more can be said? Well, the rivers of the Word run deep, and throughout Scripture there are lessons on how this law should be applied; we find everything from building codes to restitution laws to how we speak to one another.
Notice those last three words strung together in the catechism answer. Whatsoever means, well… anything and everything. It is an obsolete word that means whatever: “all that; the whole that; all particulars that”—whatever! Tendeth or tending means “taking care of, having a certain direction;” it is an old English word from “seaman’s language, a swinging round or movement of a ship upon her anchor.” Here we get an image of something tethered or secured so as to not stray into harm’s way; the idea of “seriously taking care of” a thing. And finally, look at the compound thereunto, which means simply “there and to; to that and this; thereto; besides.” So this phrase is speaking of everything and anything that secures and safeguards the life, health, and wellbeing being of your own life or the life of your neighbor. This is very practical and sobering. We are responsible and accountable to “handle with care” the lives entrusted to us; we cannot opt out with silly and sinful questions like, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” or “Who is my neighbor?”
I recall doing a property and safety inspection through our church and school facility with the local fire marshal. How many of these have I done in my years as an operations manager working for different companies, and especially while working in the power supply industry? I haven’t a clue—countless. I also remember my own reaction when I was a young person, when firemen showed up at my elementary school for these surprise inspections. It was the same wide-eyed look I saw on my students’ faces when this remembered church and school inspection occurred. As the marshal left, leaving me with a to-do list, I recalled my last safety meeting at the company where I recently worked. I was responsible for the company’s safety program, and I was introducing a new safety strategy and list of initiatives. I also introduced a new phrase that had just come into the safety industry as a training tool and indicator of a cultural shift in the philosophy of safety: “Safety is a Value not a Priority” – “Priorities Change, Values Don’t.” Over the years I’ve watched as “other priorities” push the supposed high priority of personal safety to the side for expedient business reasons. Saying, “Safety is a Value not a Priority,” represented a big change in the cultural thinking of business—at least if it is truly meant and enforced.
The commandments of our God are his covenant values; they represent the true value system that governs the earth and all that it contains (Ps. 19). We need to take the “whatsoever tendeth thereunto” just as seriously as the “the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor, unjustly;” and we must perform “all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others.” There are no exceptions to this rule: “handle with care” everything and every person in every area of life.
Training Hearts and Teaching Minds Questions:
1) Read Lev. 19:16-18. When the sixth commandment forbids murder, it does not forbid the act only. What are some of the actions and attitudes forbidden in this passage?
2) God is absolutely holy. He hates sin in any form. The sin of hating another in your heart and holding a grudge against that person rather than forgiving is, in God’s eyes, another way of breaking the sixth commandment. Summarize what Jesus is saying in Matt. 5:21-22.
3) Psalm 37 tells us much about abusive people and the ungodly who plot and sometimes prosper. What should our attitude be according to vss. 7-9
4) Sometimes we think that a careless word cannot hurt us or another person. But what does the truth of Prov. 12:18 say about this and the use of speech?
5) God is very serious about how we treat others, especially if we “look the other way” when we see someone in true need. How do Job 31:16-23 and Matt. 25:31-46 express this?
6) Is our careful treatment of others to be reserved only to fellow believers in Christ? See Matt. 5: 43-48.
Harmony of the Standards: WSC Q69, WLC 136, and WCF XXXI
WSC Q.69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour, unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto[a].
[a] Gen. 9:6; Matt. 5:22; IJohn 3:15
WLC Q136. 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[a], or of others[b], except in case of public justice[c], lawful war[d], or necessary defence[e]; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life[f]; sinful anger[g], hatred[h], envy[i], desire of revenge[j]; all excessive passions[k], distracting cares[l]; immoderate use of meat, drink[m], labor[n], and recreations[o]; provoking words[p], oppression[q], quarreling[r], striking, wounding[s], and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any[t].
[a] Acts 16:28
[b] Gen. 9:6
[c] Num. 35:31, 33
[d] Jer. 48:10; Deut. 20:1
[e] Exod. 22:2-3
[f] Mat. 25:42-43; Jam. 2:15-16; Ecc. 6:1-2
[g] Mat. 5:22
[h] 1John 3:15; Lev. 19:17
[i] Prov. 14:30
[j] Rom. 12:19
[k] Eph. 4:31
[l] Mat. 6:31, 34
[m] Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13
[n] Ecc. 12:12; 2:22-23
[o] Isa. 5:12
[p] Prov. 15:1; 12:18
[q] Ezek. 18:18; 1:14
[r] Gal. 5:15; Prov. 23:29
[s] Num. 35:16-18, 21
[t] Exod. 21:18 to the end
WCF – CHAPTER. XXXI.
Of Synods and Councils.
I. For the better government, and further edification of the church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils;[a] and it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies;[b] and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the church.[c]
[a] Acts 15:2, 4, 6
[b] Acts 15:1-35
[c] Acts 15:1-35; 20:17
II. It belongeth to synods and councils, magisterially to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission; not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God appointed thereunto in his Word.[d]
[d]. Acts 15:15, 19, 24, 27-31; Acts 16:4; Matt. 18:17-20
III. All synods or councils, since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err; and many have erred. Therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith, or practice; but to be used as a help in both.[e]
[e] Eph. 2:20; Acts 17:11; I Cor. 2:5; II Cor. 1:24; cf. Isa. 8:19-20; Matt. 15:9
IV. Synods and councils are to handle, or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or, by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.[f]
[f] Luke 12:13-14; John 18:36; Matt. 22:21
Question(s) for further study:
In the question of what is forbidden in the sixth commandment, this shorter catechism question provides a general overview. What does the parallel Larger Question provide? (1) What does the Confessional statement aligned here teach and demonstrate? (2)
1) Specifics and/or specific categories of sins forbidden?
2) Among many things, it presents the forum for “just” law examination, study and applications.
