He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. And if a man lie not in wait, but GOD deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee. But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die. And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. (Exo 21:12-17)
This is the first book of Covenant Laws that GOD gives to govern civil behaviour, as an application of GOD's Moral Law. GOD is serious about our relationships with one another, and even though today we don't apply this law as Israel did, GOD has not changed. In this time, such crimes as listed here were worthy of death, because it was a crime against GOD and His Sovereignty and Creation. Whether it was the taking of life, the selling of it, or cursing those who gave us life, GOD is the one whom the Israelites were ultimately sinning against, and worthy of death. GOD is life, and truth, and blessing, and must punish sIn, and had Moses punish these crimes in this life as well.
In reality, GOD has already told us, that all sIn is worthy of death, for it is against Him. While He set up certain civil punishments for the Israelites, He also set up a refuge for those who killed accidently. GOD is gracious, and has given us a place of refuge to run to, for forgiveness and reconciliation with GOD. That does not mean we will not face the consequences of our actions in this world, just as those who committed these crimes faced civil punishment. But, it does mean that those who truly repent and surrender to GOD on His terms can find grace.
GOD's people, while under grace, are still subject to the civil laws of the country they abide. There may come a time for civil disobedience, but we will suffer the consequences of that action, unless GOD is merciful. Our testimony requires us to obey, until and unless our obedience to GOD conflicts with our obedience to man. And while we are here, we also obey GOD's call to minister to the hurting, disciple one another in love, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who will hear. As we go, we share the Gospel we live, that others may believe, and believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. Though we are guilty before Him, He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life and refuge from sIn and guilt, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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