Comprehending Pink’s Commandments Part 37

Foreword:

The following exerpt is taken from The Ten Commandments  by Arthur W. Pink

(BAKER BOOK HOUSE, 1994 GRAND RAPIDS, MI)

In this blog series I will work through this very important article a paragraph at a time – asking my reader comprehension style questions at the end. I have been much convicted by the writings of Pink and I pray your walk will also be strengthened meditating on his teaching of scripture …

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT PART III

There is one other exception, namely, accidental slaying, which is not chargeable with murder, that is, when life is taken without any intention of so doing. Such a case we find mentioned in Scripture, as when hewing wood the axe should slip and undesignedly kill a neighbor (Deut. 19:5). For such innocent slayers the Lord appointed cities of refuge, whither they could find safe asylum from the avenger of blood. But let it be pointed out that we must be employed about lawful things. Otherwise, if we are engaged in what is unjustified and it leads to the death of another, this cannot be excused from murder (see Ex. 21:22-24).

Next let us consider cases of murder. Suicide is self- murder, and is one of the most desperate crimes which can be committed. Inasmuch as this sin precludes repentance on the part of its perpetrator, it is beyond forgiveness. Such creatures are so abandoned by Go as to have no concern for their eternal salvation, seeing they pass into the immediate presence of their judge with their hands imbrued in their own blood. Such are self- murderers, for they destroy not only their bodies but their souls, too.

1) Pink doesn’t mention it but what are your thoughts on wilful neglegence if this leads to the death of another?

2) Do you agree with Pink’s assessment of suicide – that the one who kills themselves is beyond redemption – in the light of modern psychology and the clear fact that even Christians might suffer boughts of depression, seasons of sinfulness and stupidity? Is his stance a relic of Roman Catholic teaching or can a truly biblical case be made for his blanket statement condemning all suicides (consider how Mark 3:28-39 may show that Pink is wrong here)?

 Mark 3:28-39
Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”