The Death Penalty

January 29

I guess, to some, it might seem strange to do a bible instruction session on the death penalty. Actually, I think anything in God's word is appropriate to consider; and the death penalty is certainly and clearly taught in God's word. While writing a recent study on church discipline, I mentioned some things about forgiveness and the death penalty. Personally, I continue to believe God expects any country wishing to be pleasing to Him to impose capital punishment for all of the things He declares in Leviticus are capital crimes. The list is rather extensive, incest, adultery, homosexuality, beastiality, idolatry, sorcery, 1st degree murder, kidnapping, and blasphemy top the list (Lev. 21; 24:15, 17-22). Off hand, I can’t think of any others.

I’m not suggesting these are unforgivable sins, but they are sins for which God demands capital punishment. If the sinner truly repents and requests God’s forgiveness for the sin, God’s word declares he is forgiven (I Jn. 1:9). If a person kidnaps me and gets caught, gets the death penalty for his crime, asks me to forgive him before he is put to death, I am instructed to forgive him. That forgiveness does not negate the death penalty, it simply means I have agreed not to spend the rest of my life praying that person will spend eternity in the deepest, most disgusting part of hell. It troubles me that so many think because we Christians forgive others we don’t desire to see appropriate punishment imposed for criminal activity. I have counseled many a prisoner about such things. I have never suggested he ask God to keep him from being appropriately punished for whatever crime he committed. I have instructed them God’s forgiveness does not mean they will escape the consequences for their behavior; and I insist they contact anyone affected by their crime and seek forgiveness. That is the biblically mandated pattern of behavior we are instructed to take. It serves several practical purposes which are too complex and far reaching to write about here. It is enought to mention, the one who has committed a heinous crime who truly repents and seeks forgiveness experiences the immediate peace of God, regardless of the ultimate consequences for their sin.

It’s incredibly sad we have murderers and rapists walking the streets in this country while drug dealers and drunks spend serious time behind bars. I’m not suggesting drug dealers and drunks (at least those who hurt others in accidents), should not be punished. I’m simply pointing out the utter absurdity of how our judicial system works. We’re so caught up in our own rigid arrogance about the “fair trial”, we’d rather let a murderer go free than to use evidence that was improperly gathered to convict him. What America needs is a good strong dose of righteous indignation. And, of course, it wouldn't hurt to have Congressmen, Judges, and a President of godly character.

extra reading on the topic

If you have a study bible just read through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, especially the sections labeled various and sundry criminal laws.