Greetings everyone, and welcome to my blog. It is a blessing to gather once again to reflect on the Word of God as taught by His servant, Brother Eli Soriano.
According to Brother Eli’s teachings, killing in self-defense is not considered a grave sin before God, particularly when it happens in the course of lawful duty. This applies to individuals such as police officers, security agents, soldiers, or members of the navy who may be required to protect lives and maintain order.
This understanding is supported by the Scriptures in Numbers 35:10–17, where God instructed Moses to speak to the children of Israel regarding their settlement in the land of Canaan. The Lord commanded that cities of refuge be established so that anyone who caused the death of another person unintentionally could flee there for safety. These cities were designed to protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood until the case was properly examined and judged by the congregation.
In total, six cities of refuge were appointed—three on one side of the Jordan River and three within the land of Canaan. These cities were not limited to the Israelites alone but were also open to foreigners and strangers living among them. Anyone who unintentionally caused the death of another person was allowed to seek refuge there.
However, Scripture makes a clear distinction between accidental killing and deliberate murder. Anyone who intentionally struck another person with an iron object, a stone, or any deadly instrument was deemed a murderer and was to face the death penalty.
From this passage, it is evident that God does not treat unintentional killing as a sin deserving immediate punishment. This is why provisions for refuge and protection were established. Additionally, anyone who attempted to kill a person already under refuge out of revenge was also subject to the death penalty.
Brother Eli further advised Christians who serve in the armed forces to act with caution and discipline. Instead of aiming to take lives, they should strive for precision and restraint, disabling criminals when possible rather than killing them—even when Scripture allows self-defense.
Thank you for reading.
