Episode Overview

In this episode of The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson, Ligonier Ministries explores Question & Answer 69, focusing on the sixth commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.” The discussion centers on what is forbidden in this commandment and unpacks its application—not only forbidding the act of murder but extending to anything that unjustly endangers human life, including one’s own.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Text of Question 69

• Question 69: “What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?”
• Answer: “The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.”
  • (00:02) Sinclair Ferguson recites and emphasizes the breadth of the commandment’s prohibition.

2. Broad Scope of the Sixth Commandment

• Not Just About Murder:
  Ferguson explains that the catechism recognizes the commandment forbids more than outright murder. It includes unjustly taking any human life—including our own—or doing something that moves in that direction.
• “Whatsoever tendeth thereunto”:
  Emphasis on behaviors, actions, or attitudes that could lead to the unjust taking of life (such as hatred or neglect).

3. The Value of Human Life

• Why This Matters:
  Ferguson draws out that the Westminster divines want us to see the value God places on all human life—our own and others.
• Reminds listeners that these truths are foundational to Christian ethics and pastoral care.

4. Implications for Discipleship

• Practical Application:
  Ferguson encourages pastors, teachers, and parents to take time helping believers grasp these basic, but profound, truths about the sanctity of life.
• Solid Food & Spiritual Growth:
  He reiterates that a strong grasp of these “milk” doctrines enables disciples to move on to deeper “meat” of biblical teaching.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sinclair Ferguson (00:02):

  “The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.”

• Sinclair Ferguson (approximate paraphrase, 00:30):

  “It isn’t only the act of murder that’s forbidden—it's anything that would lead us to it, whether actions, words, or even the inward attitudes we foster.”

• Sinclair Ferguson (approximate paraphrase, 01:10):

  “A Christian’s care for life begins in the heart and flows outward—it's a discipleship issue as much as an ethical command.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Question 69 Recited and Explained
• 00:30 – Expansion on What the Sixth Commandment Forbids
• 01:10 – The Importance for Discipleship and Christian Living

Tone and Style

Sinclair Ferguson speaks with clarity and pastoral warmth, inviting listeners to reflect on foundational scriptural truths and their practical outworking in daily life and ministry. The tone is instructional, compassionate, and rooted in Reformed tradition.

Summary:
In this episode on Question 69, Sinclair Ferguson underscores that the sixth commandment’s prohibition is broader than murder—it reaches into every attitude and action that could unjustly threaten life. With practical wisdom for pastors, teachers, and parents, Ferguson calls the church to deeply value human life as central to discipleship and faithful Christian living.