Stealing Scripture: Sinful Bible Theft

The Bible is clear that stealing is a sin. The 8th commandment states Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15). This prohibition is echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments, with the Bible never presenting stealing in a positive light. However, some people on Reddit have debated this topic, with some arguing that stealing a Bible is not a sin if it is done with the intention of reading God's word. Others disagree, stating that stealing a Bible is still stealing and, therefore, a sin.

The Bible is clear that stealing is a sin

The Bible never presents stealing in a positive light. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 6:2-5 gives a detailed description of what must be done to the one who stole, emphasising the seriousness of the offence. The New Testament also reiterates the wrongness of stealing, with Ephesians 4:28 stating, "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."

Stealing is considered a sin because it hurts not only the victim but also the perpetrator and God. It is an act of taking what is not rightfully ours, and it goes against the very nature of God, who is a giver and provider. Instead of stealing, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God as their provider and to work hard to earn their own living, so they can share with those in need.

While some may argue that stealing is justifiable in extreme circumstances, such as stealing food out of desperation, the Bible maintains that stealing is never acceptable. Proverbs 6:30 acknowledges that stealing out of hunger is understandable from a human perspective, but it still emphasises the need for restitution and the negative consequences of such actions.

In conclusion, the Bible is unequivocal in its condemnation of stealing. It is a sin that goes against the very nature of God and causes harm to all involved. Believers are instead called to trust in God's provision, work hard, and help those in need.

God forbids stealing in the 8th commandment

The Bible is clear that stealing is a sin. The 8th commandment, found in Exodus 20:15, states: "You shall not steal." This commandment is not limited to physical possessions but also includes cheating, delaying payments, and embezzlement. Stealing can take many forms, and God's commandment goes deeper than just taking what doesn't belong to us.

The Bible provides numerous examples of stealing and its consequences. For instance, Achan brought great trouble to Israel by stealing from the city of Jericho (Joshua 7). The book of Judges tells of Micah, who robbed his mother of silver and used it for idolatry (Judges 17:1-6). Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus, is also known for his betrayal of Christ, which was possibly influenced by his tendency to steal from the money box (John 12:6).

The 8th commandment is about more than just taking possessions; it also includes not giving back what is owed. This can be seen in Colossians 4:1, where the apostle Paul instructs employers to "give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven." Similarly, employees who do not give an honest day's work are stealing from their employers (Colossians 3:22).

The Bible also warns against stealing from God by withholding tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10). God is the owner of everything, and when we do not acknowledge Him and give back a portion of what He has provided, we are robbing Him.

Stealing is a sin that goes against God's command and hurts both individuals and the community. It is a sign of a heart problem and a lack of trust in God's providence. As Christians, we are called to live with integrity and generosity, respecting the property and dignity of others.

God never condones stealing, even in extreme circumstances

The Bible is clear that stealing is always wrong. The command to not steal is listed as one of the Ten Commandments, which includes other moral imperatives such as not murdering, not committing adultery, and not giving false testimony against one's neighbour. The Eighth Commandment, as recorded in Exodus 20:15, states: "You shall not steal." This commandment is reiterated in other parts of the Bible, such as Leviticus 6:2-5 and Ephesians 4:28.

While some may argue that stealing to satisfy hunger or extreme need is understandable, the Bible maintains that stealing is never justified, even in the most challenging circumstances. Proverbs 6:30-31 acknowledges the human perspective on stealing out of desperation: "Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay back sevenfold." While this act may be understandable from a human standpoint, God never condones it.

The Bible encourages believers to trust in God and His provision rather than resorting to stealing. Jesus reassures believers in Luke 12:22-31, saying, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing... Your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well." Believers are also exhorted to be generous and help those in need, trusting that God will provide for their needs through the generosity of other believers.

In summary, while the Bible recognises the human impulse to steal in extreme circumstances, it is clear that God never condones stealing. Believers are instructed to trust in God's provision, seek His kingdom, and follow His command to refrain from stealing.

Stealing is connected with Satan and his sinful nature

It is important to understand that stealing, in any form, is a sin and goes against God's commandments. This act of disobedience is closely linked to Satan and his sinful nature, as he is the embodiment of theft and destruction. John 10:10 states that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, highlighting his true nature and intentions. By stealing, an individual aligns themselves with Satan's desires and distances themselves from God's grace and blessings.

The Bible clearly establishes that stealing is a violation of God's moral law. One of the Ten Commandments, as recorded in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19, specifically prohibits theft. This commandment, like the others, reflects God's holy character and provides guidelines for humans to live righteous lives. By disobeying this commandment and engaging in theft, individuals are directly opposing God's will and inviting sin into their lives.

Satan's influence and temptation lead people astray, causing them to disregard God's commandments. In the Garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve to disobey God's clear instruction not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Through deception and manipulation, Satan convinced Eve that stealing this knowledge would be beneficial, resulting in her disobedience and the fall of humanity. This act of theft introduced sin into the world, demonstrating how stealing is intrinsically linked to Satan and his desire to corrupt and destroy.

Stealing a Bible specifically can be seen as an act of defiance against God and His Word. The Bible is not just a physical object but a sacred text that contains God's divine revelation to humanity. By stealing a Bible, one is not only committing a sin but also showing disregard for the spiritual significance of the Scripture. This act of theft can be interpreted as an attempt to deprive others of God's truth and guidance, which aligns with Satan's goal to keep people in spiritual darkness.

Furthermore, stealing a Bible can have detrimental spiritual consequences for the thief. The Bible is meant to be a source of spiritual nourishment, instruction, and transformation. When someone steals a Bible, they are not only committing a physical act of theft but also potentially depriving themselves of the spiritual blessings that come from engaging with God's Word. Instead of allowing the Bible to guide them toward righteousness, they are allowing Satan's influence to lead them astray.

To conclude, stealing, including the act of stealing a Bible, is undeniably connected to Satan and his sinful nature. It goes against God's commandments and reflects Satan's desire to steal, kill, and destroy. By engaging in theft, individuals align themselves with Satan's destructive purposes. The Bible, as God's Word, is meant to bring light and truth, and stealing it can be seen as an attempt to hinder others from receiving God's message. Therefore, it is crucial for believers to recognize the seriousness of stealing and to strive to live according to God's standards, resisting Satan's temptations and walking in obedience to His commandments.

Christians should not rationalise stealing

The Bible is clear that stealing is always wrong. The 8th commandment states "Thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 20:15). This is reiterated in Leviticus 6:2-5, which outlines the consequences of stealing, and in Ephesians 4:28, which instructs those who have been stealing to "steal no longer".

While some may argue that stealing is justifiable in certain circumstances, such as stealing food out of desperation, the Bible does not condone this. Proverbs 6:30 acknowledges that stealing out of hunger is understandable from a human perspective, but it is still not right in God's eyes.

As Christians, we are called to trust in God to provide for our needs. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:22-31:

> "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing… For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and all these things will be given to you as well."

We are instructed to be generous and help those in need, and God will provide for us through the generosity of other believers. Stealing is a sin because it comes from a place of greed and a desire to serve material things rather than God.

Furthermore, stealing is connected with Satan, who is referred to as a "thief" in John 10:10:

> "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

When we steal, we are following in the footsteps of the devil, causing a rift between ourselves and God.

In conclusion, Christians should not rationalise stealing because it is a direct violation of God's moral law and it hurts both the victim and ourselves. Instead, we should trust in God's provision and seek to glorify Him through honest work and generosity.

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