Dear brethren,

"Oh, how I love Your law!  It is my meditation all the day."  "... I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Psalm 119:97; Jeremiah 31:33).  Today we continue the series on the Ten Commandments, with the desire to see God's ultimate purpose for having given us His perfect and holy law.  The sixth commandment is our focus today, "You shall not murder."  It's only four short words, but this commandment touches on some of the most important truths that help us to know and understand God's purpose and plan for our salvation.

As we resume this series, let's reflect again on the perspective found in the last two chapters of the Bible.  As far into the future as God reveals, it is evident that the Ten Commandments are still the guiding principles of the Kingdom of God, and the basis for the loving relationship between God and His people.  There is a time coming when "... there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4).  New Jerusalem will be the capital of the universe, with God Himself and the Lamb dwelling with the saints.  Those who have the right to the tree of life and to enter the city will be those who do His commandments.  (Revelation 21:10; 22:3, 14).  With this perspective, we understand that God's laws are always and forever to be loved and kept.

Today we will consider the sixth commandment from a wide perspective that begins with how things were before God created anything that was made.  We'll follow this thread as the various stages unfolded, to see in the Scriptures how murder was introduced to the human race, the effects it has had on the world, and the reason for this commandment to God's people now.  We'll conclude by seeing how the enemies of God and mankind will be destroyed, and the awesome future ahead, when all who live will love and keep the commandments of God.  Seeing the "big picture" can, I hope, help us to be strengthened in our love for God and Jesus Christ, for the law of God, and for one another.  This is one of the great commandments that God is writing on our hearts.

Sincerely,

Roc Corbett