I think the other reason that her deception was not sinful is that she was deceiving God's clear enemies which God himself had said he needed to destroy. She knew that she was under the ban and so she wanted to save her family.
This context doesn't always apply, but it definitely applies in times of war.
Also, the ninth commandment says you shall not BEAR (which means "lift up" to the judge in a court situation.) false WITNESS. So I actually don't think the ninth commandment has much to do with deception in other circumstances.
I appreciate the thoughtful response! Yes, I completely agree with your point about Rahab.
As far as the Westminster goes, the larger catechism expands the ninth commandment beyond Exodus 20 to other portions of Scripture that find their source in the ninth commandment, which broadens their definition of what it means to uphold the ninth, which I generally am in agreement with. Question 144 in the larger states that the duties we need to uphold are:
"The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbour, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbours; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency; a ready receiving of a good report, and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, concerning them; discouraging tale-bearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth; keeping of lawful promises; studying and practising of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report."
Most of the folks I interact with are Presbyterian or Reformed Baptists and would hold to a similar position to the above, so these are the normal conversations I find myself in. I think that there is a big difference between lying and deception, and there is no way that I would call all deception lying.
I think the other reason that her deception was not sinful is that she was deceiving God's clear enemies which God himself had said he needed to destroy. She knew that she was under the ban and so she wanted to save her family.
This context doesn't always apply, but it definitely applies in times of war.
Also, the ninth commandment says you shall not BEAR (which means "lift up" to the judge in a court situation.) false WITNESS. So I actually don't think the ninth commandment has much to do with deception in other circumstances.
Nuggets I take away from the post:
A faithful act cannot be both faithful and sinful.
When we look back to the ninth commandment, to whom is the truth owed? To our neighbor!
Our neighbor is not someone who is trying to thwart the plan of God, or commit atrocities that would offend the laws of God.
I appreciate the thoughtful response! Yes, I completely agree with your point about Rahab.
As far as the Westminster goes, the larger catechism expands the ninth commandment beyond Exodus 20 to other portions of Scripture that find their source in the ninth commandment, which broadens their definition of what it means to uphold the ninth, which I generally am in agreement with. Question 144 in the larger states that the duties we need to uphold are:
"The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbour, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbours; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency; a ready receiving of a good report, and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, concerning them; discouraging tale-bearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth; keeping of lawful promises; studying and practising of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report."
Most of the folks I interact with are Presbyterian or Reformed Baptists and would hold to a similar position to the above, so these are the normal conversations I find myself in. I think that there is a big difference between lying and deception, and there is no way that I would call all deception lying.