How To Know Can a Christian Lose His Salvation? What does John 1:1 say about the Trinity? The Development of the Name Jehovah Does Ephesians 2:8-9 Teach that Faith is a Gift? Rules of Biblical Interpretation
|
Actually, the problem is in your assumption that "God is against killing." True, He is against murder. Many people bring up the 6th commandment, and quote it from the King James version, "Thou shalt not kill." But there is a difference in translation here. There are a number of Hebrew words for "to kill" but the one in Exod. 20:13, ratsach, is a more technical term which refers to premeditated murder, manslaughter, killing for revenge, and assassination. So God is against murder, killing for spite and out of rage, and so forth. But when God judges individuals or groups for their sin He often uses killing as a judgment. Deuteronomy 32:39 says, "Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand." Numbers 16:35: "And a fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense." See Revelation 19:11-21 for a description of the slaughter that Christ accomplishes when He comes back to earth. God is the author of life and has every right to take it away. But even a cursory reading of the Bible shows that He is not capricious--He takes life for a reason. He is always righteous and just. Hopefully, this will help you see the balance in God's attitude towards the taking of life.
|