I can’t believe I have to criticize the Church again— this time on its stance on Death Penalty. They claim that as Christians, we must not let the government restore it because it contradicts God’s mercy.
I guess they haven’t read the Bible that much.
The death penalty in the Old Testament
Even after Moses brought down the 10 Commandments from Mt. Sinai, he stated that Death Penalty is still intact.
The 6th Commandment clearly states, “You must not commit murder,” and Death Penalty is not murder but a punishment for sin. Steve Shirley on his blog explains it well. God ordered Death Penalty, if you think it is a violation of the 6th Commandment, you are actually questioning God’s intelligence.
Here comes the New Testament
People who oppose the Death Penalty insists that because of the New Testament, we are no longer bound by the Old Testament. It is like saying that Jesus disobeyed God’s law when they themselves can’t find Biblical evidence he opposed and abolished the Old Testament.
[1] "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17Jesus’ mercy and compassion are portrayed in this context:
However, Jesus also said, “For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” Matthew 15:3-4
[2] “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Matthew 5:39
Is it a contradiction?
If you just take it the way it is, yes, it is a contradiction, but if you analyze Statement [1], it is clear that if someones hurt us (by slapping), give him the other cheek. It is also clear that if someone murders you, it will be too late to turn the other cheek because you’re dead.
And it is clear that slapping is not a crime punishable by Death Penalty under the Mosaic Law. So if someone slaps your cheek, turn the other cheek also. But if someone commits murder, give him the Death Penalty.
The government has been given the right to execute
If you look at Romans 13:1-15:
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
The Gospel of Romans, written by Apostle Paul, is in the New Testament if Jesus opposed Death Penalty, then Paul should know it, and he wouldn’t have written those words. The Romans 13 is a gospel disregarded by many of our priests, they even participate in ousting them.
Paul recognized the justice for the death penalty as written in Acts 25:11:
For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.
That’s called due process before executing the Death Penalty. Yes, Paul recognized Death Penalty as long as there is a due process involved.
Jesus on Mary Magdalene
God’s mercy through Jesus is shown on Mary Magdalene who was accused of Adultery. It is clear that Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute [UC], and according to Leviticus 20:10:
And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
Only Mary Magdalene was presented to Jesus, in a form of due process, she will not be stoned to death for the adulterer was not presented. And so in the absence of evidence for Adultery:
Then Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you (lack of evidence)?” 11“No one, Lord,” she answered. “Neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. “Now” go and sin no more. John 8:10-11
Conclusion
Jesus believed in the death penalty. It was as ordered by God in the Old Testament. There is no Biblical evidence Jesus abolished the Law of Moses, in fact, he fulfilled the Law [Matthew 5:17] and strengthen the form of due process. God’s righteousness is true and everlasting [Psalm 119:142], so there is no way Jesus would abolish it, for He is more a loyal Son of God than us.
I say yes to Death Penalty in a form of due process. That is the Law of God and it should be the Law of Man.
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