Hands That Shed Innocent Blood with reference to Martin McGuinness

There are seven things which God is said to hate. This divine truth is stated in Proverbs 6:16-19: These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

One of those things that God is said to hate are the hands that shed innocent blood. In other words it the murderer that God hates.

The murderer engages in the devil's activity. The devil is described as a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him, John 8:44. To murder is to the devil's work.

The murderer takes away life that God has given. God is the author of life and no one, of themselves, has the right to take away the life of another. The only exceptions the Bible recognises are capital punishment, just war and self defence. Any other taking away of life is unjustifiable murder and is hateful to God.

The murderer destroys the image of God. Human beings are created in God's likeness. That likeness has been greatly corrupted and eroded by the Fall of mankind into sin. Nevertheless that divine image is still present to some degree. We are rational and spiritual creatures. We have an immortal soul that shall never die. To take away innocent life is to take away that which bears the image of God.

Capital Punishment

The commandment to take away the life of the murderer, who sheds innocent blood, still stands today. This requirement is part of the moral law which is binding upon society. There were other sins which demanded capital punishment but these were part of the civil law in Israel which has ceased and is not binding upon us today.

However, the crime of murder is different. Murder is still a capital offence because although it is mentioned in Exodus it predates the civil law. It was a creation precept repeated after the Flood, cf. Genesis 8:5,6: And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Martin McGuinness

Many platitudes have been directed towards Martin McGuinness in recent days upon stepping down as Deputy First Minister because of health problems. While ceasing to engage in a terrorist murderous campaign is to be welcomed, it must never be forgotten that those who engaged in these crimes have shed innocent blood, a thing which God hates. 

Martin McGuinness has the luxury of doing something his victims never had the opportunity of doing, i.e. seeing retirement and spending time with his family. 

No regrets

Martin McGuinness is a self confessed member of the IRA. He was the reported chief of staff for a period of time. Upon stepping down recently he stated that he does not regret the campaign of terror he and others engaged in. He does not regret shedding innocent blood. He does not regret doing the thing that God hates. He blamed the conduct of others as the reason why he resorted to engaging in a murderous campaign of terror. When speaking about his terrorist conduct he stated: I don't regret any of that.

Those who justify and, worst still, engage in the shedding of innocent blood are not to be praised and honoured. This legitimises what they have done. They are to be called to account. It is their victims that are to be remembered and their memory honoured. There are those who are still suffering and carrying with them the consequences of that campaign of terror which Martin McGuinness and others waged in this Province. See here - Troubles victims who will not forgive ill Martin McGuinness for suffering IRA inflicted.

Terms of Forgiveness

Forgiveness come with repentance. Proverbs 28:13 states: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. These re the terms upon which God will forgive. 

Martin McGuinness has covered up a lot and has refused to confess his crimes or to forsake them or even to express and regret. He will discover on that day when he stands before almighty God that the Divine Being still hates murder and will find those who have innocent blood, and who have never repented, will be separated from Him for all eternity.