The Fifth Commandment - Session 2
After completing the lesson, the student will be able to:
Know the 5th Commandment
Develop a biblical understanding to make sense of suicide and euthenasia.
Positively apply the 5th commandment.
GOD’S DECLARATION OF THE SANCTITY AND VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE:
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:13-14a
In the last lesson we looked at what the bible says about murder and the difference between unjust and just killing. In the Bible we say how God feels about life in that life and salvation from God are His greatest gifts to humanity. As we discuss the topic of killing or murder, we also looked at issue of abortion and that we as followers of Christ are called to protect the sanctity of life. In this week’s lesson we will continue to look at the sanctity of life and what the Bible says about Suicide and Euthanasia.
The fifth commandment is “Thou shalt not kill”. This not only includes killing others but also ourselves through suicide. Suicide is when people direct violence at themselves with the intent to end their lives, and they die because of their actions. It’s best to avoid the use of terms like “committing suicide” or a “successful suicide” when referring to a death by suicide as these terms often carry negative connotations. A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do not die because of their actions. Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM OR SOMEONE, I KNOW IS CONSIDERING SUICIDE?
If you or someone you know has warning signs or symptoms of suicide, particularly if there is a change in the behavior or a new behavior, get help as soon as possible. Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can take the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. If someone is telling you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise anyone that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret. Make sure to tell a trusted friend or family member, or if you are a student, an adult with whom you feel comfortable. You can also contact NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-825.
It is often asked if suicide is included in the 5th commandment. Suicide can be described as ‘self-murder’ and is the deliberate act of taking one’s own life. It is often prompted by great despair, grief, or difficulty in one’s life. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for 15- to 19-year-olds, after accidents and homicide.
“Does the act of suicide condemn someone to hell”? This has been a topic of discussion for hundreds of years in the Christianity. Many Christians assume that suicide is an unforgivable sin and that those who die by suicide automatically are condemned to Hell because there is no chance to confess that sin. This misconception comes more from the theology of early teachers than from the Bible. According to this theological misconception sin and forgiveness is transactional. This means that all sins must be confessed before you die and if there is any sin left unconfessed, that person would be condemned to Hell. However, this is not what Scripture teaches.
Scripture does not say that suicide is an unforgivable sin and that it separates us from God for eternity but we also know from Scripture that suicide is also not God’s plan for our life and it is not looked favorably upon. As we discussed in the previous lesson that life and salvation id God’s greatest gift to humanity. So, where does this leave us? To begin to evaluate this topic we must first look at salvation. Salvation for all mankind rests on the completed work of Christ on the cross, not from abstaining from sinful acts. Jesus emphasizes that ALL sins can be forgiven, but one- that being the rejection of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. Read Mark 3:28-29. Our eternal destiny is settled by our relationship with Jesus Christ and our identity as a redeemed child of God, not in the act of suicide.
The final topic we will explore regarding the fifth commandment is euthanasia. “Euthanasia refers to deliberately ending someone’s life, usually to relieve suffering. Doctors sometimes perform euthanasia when it’s requested by people who have a terminal illness and are in a lot of pain, this is known as physician assisted suicide. When most people think of euthanasia, they think of a doctor directly ending someone’s life. This is known as active euthanasia. Purposely giving someone a lethal dose of a sedative is considered active euthanasia. Passive euthanasia is sometimes described as withholding or limiting life-sustaining treatments so that a person passes more quickly”.
Often in our culture, because life is view in viability and quality of life, many people have chosen to have their life ended with physician assisted suicide (PSA). For many of these people they do not want to become a burden to their family and they feel that it is best for them to choose when they can die and how. While PSA is illegal in many countries in the world there are a handful of states in which PSA is legal. In Washington, D.C. and the states of California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Washington, PSA is protected under the law of that state. These cases are often called “mercy killings” and many people are beginning to see them that way. As Christians the way we approach the topic of euthanasia is very much in the same way as we would approach abortion, “all life is precious”.
From the Article Euthanasia: Understanding the Facts
As we have studied the fifth commandment, we have seen that we are not to kill or murder but that is just half of it. The Bible is also clear that we are required to do certain things. What then does God require of us in the Fifth Commandment?
As we observe from these texts , it is clear that not only are we to do our neighbor no harm, but we are to help him with all his physical needs. Not only are we not to murder or kill, but all the more we are to be merciful, loving, kind, patient, charitable, helping, and forgiving to all those around us.
A Helpful Summary of the 5th commandment
1. OBVIOUS FORMS OF MURDER:
a. Bring about death by our own hands.
b. Bring about death through the hands of others.
c. Bring about death by our carelessness.
d. Bringing about death to ourselves [suicide].
2. LESS OBVIOUS FORMS OF MURDER:
a. Making a person’s life shorter by our actions.
b. Making a person’s life bitter or difficult.
c. Harming or hurting a person’s body.
3. LEAST OBVIOUS FORMS OF MURDER:
a. Neglecting to help those in physical need.
b. Hatred of another person for any reason.
