In light of the recent mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas, I feel compelled to bring the biblical perspective into the forefront of the dialogue. Obviously, taking the biblical position is not popular in today’s secular society; however, an analysis of the facts can prove that God’s standards are the only standards that make sense. Let’s start our search in the book of Exodus.

The Law

In Exodus chapter 20, God speaks to the nation of Israel from Mount Sinai. He thunders out 10 laws essential for prosperity, freedom, and peace. Included in the 10 commandments is the command, “thou shall not kill” (Ex. 20:13). It is important to note that the word kill specifically refers to murder which is different than killing. (For the purposes of this article, I will not discuss the specific differences. If you study all the laws pertaining to murder, manslaughter, killing, and war you will discover there are different ordinances for each one for a reason.) It is also important to note that this law was in existence before the time of Moses. If this was not so, why would God punish Cain for the murder of Abel? (See Genesis chapter 4 for the details.)

Despite the misunderstanding of the secular world, God is not pro-murder. God teaches peace among humans, but humanity has gone the way of satan. This truth is verified by Jesus Christ and the apostles. (See Matt. 5:9, 21-26, Rom. 12:18, Jam. 3:13-18, and 1 Pet. 3:10-11) The real problem in this world is that many do not follow the law of God. If we all lived by the laws God gave, then we wouldn’t see the sin of murder. How do we end mass shootings? Follow God’s laws and statues. Unfortunately, the world will not live God’s way until the Lord Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom on earth.

Proper Childrearing

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we can do our part not to contribute to the evil that is so pervasive in the world. It is our duty to train our children not to be prone to evil behavior. Though we cannot guarantee that our children will not make mistakes, we can rest assured that if we raise up our children in the way of God, they will not depart from it (Prov. 22:16). How can we raise our children in the right way?

First, we must learn not to avoid the Old Testament which contains many practical teachings for life. Remember, Jesus quotes the Old Testament when tempted by satan. This means the teachings in the Old Testament are instructions in righteousness as Paul told Timothy (2 Tim. 3:16). Secondly, we should glean through the verses and apply them to our lives.

Start by applying Deut. 6:1-9 and Deut. 11:18-20 to your life today!!! God want us to teach our children His laws. This begins with keeping the words of God in your own heart. Are the words of God laid up in your heart like treasure? Are they a sign upon your hand and frontlets between your eyes? These things are symbols for the work of your hands and vision(perspective). You must make sure your heart is set on living God’s way before you can teach your children to do the same. Once your heart is set, you must teach your children His laws and statues at home, while travelling, before bed, and after waking. Post reminders around your house to support this teaching. If you do all these things, then your children will remember and will not depart in their old age. We must teach our children not to be lawless, starting with the law of God!!!

The End of Mass Shootings

The lawless behavior embedded in our society will increase. This was prophesied by Jesus Christ, Paul, and many others in the Old and New Testament (Matt. 24:12; 2 Tim. 3:1-5, and Dan. 8:23 are just a few examples). We must not lose hope that there is a time coming where there will be no mass shooting.

The Lord Jesus Christ will establish a kingdom that brings peace and order to the world despite what the scoffers say (2 Pet. 3:1-7). When He establishes His kingdom mankind will turn their weapons into farm tools. (Isa. 2:1-4; Mic. 4:1-3). The world won’t have to worry about guns or weapons of mass destruction. Mankind will not learn how to make war in the kingdom of God. Though things will get worse temporarily, the future ahead is amazing. This is why Jesus instructs us to pray “thy kingdom come” to the Father. Law and order will be a natural thing in His kingdom.

“But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.” (Mic. 4:4)