Featured Death Penalty: My view

I was asked in another thread how any Christian could not support the death penalty. I decided to explain my view here instead of derailing the thread.

I supported the death penalty most of my adult life. I changed my mind after studying scripture carefully in light of the execution in Texas of Carla Faye Tucker in 2000.

Many find support for the death penalty in Gen. 9. Any man that sheds blood shall have his blood shed by man (or words to that effect). The passage is viewed as an absolute standard. God requires the death of those that commit murder.

There were no governments during that time just after the flood. This is a reference to the ancient near East custom of the “blood avenger”. A relative who sought vengeance for death, accidental or intentional. Israel had cities of refuge for people seeking to avoid the blood avenger.

Concerning God setting the standard of execution for murder, I point to these examples. Cain killed Abel and God did not require his death (prior to the flood and Gen 9).

Moses killed the Egyptian. Moses was a murderer. (after the flood, prior to the law) God did not require his death.

David killed the husband of Bathsheba, by proxy as it were (after the law, before Christ) God did not require his life.

Paul persecuted Christians to the death (after Christ) and God did not require his life.

Paul is particularly important to this discussion. I’ll address that next.

peace to you

 

In 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Paul identifies himself as the worst of sinners and then states “for this reason I wax shown mercy,… to be an example for those who would believe.”

This is the essence of Paul’s argument. He was a murderer, the worst of sinners. Jesus showed him mercy as an example for future believers to follow.

We should show the same mercy to the worst of sinners, even murders like Paul, because Jesus gave us that example to follow.

Now, Romans 13 clearly states governments have the power of the sword, the death penalty.

That does not mean Christians should support it. There is more, but we will start there

peace to you

 

This is true in OT Law. The death penalty was given for a variety of offenses that seem unwarranted today.

That brings me to Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-8 or so)

When Jesus said “let he that is without sin cast the first stone” He wasn’t just shaming them. He was changing the standard for implementing the death penalty.

Deuteronomy 17: 2-8 or so is one place where the standard for implementing the death penalty is explained. The accused is brought before the elders and the whole community. There must be two or three witnesses to the offense. The two or three witnesses are the first to cast stones and then everyone joins in to stone them to death.

Jesus changed the standard from “two or three witnesses” implementing the death penalty to “the one without sin” being the one to implement the death penalty.

Only God is without sin. Only God knows the whole truth. Only God should implement the death penalty.

And if God wants someone to die, he doesn’t need our help to do that.

peace to you

 

The reference to “casting stones” is directly connected to the standard of implementing the death penalty in the OT. I gave the scripture reference.

Jesus is God. Every time He spoke, it was important. I take Him at His word. Only the one without sin can cast the first stone.

By that standard, you are correct, only God would implement the death penalty.

peace to you

 

I appreciate your view, but disagree. Jesus often challenged the understanding of OT Law.

He said not only should you not commit adultery, if you look at a woman with lust you commit adultery in your heart. He said not only should you not commit murder, but you shouldn’t be angry.

Bottom line, Jesus is God. I believe what He said. Only the one without sin can implement the death penalty.

When I considered that with Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, where Jesus gives all believers the command to follow His example of showing mercy to the worst of sinners, even murderers like Paul, I could no longer support he death penalty.

peace to you

 

The “one without sin” or “him without sin”… does that change what was said?

There is no doubt he was calling out the Pharisees, not for hypocrisy but for biased judgment. God prohibited bias in delivering judgement. They violated that command. Another reason only him without sin can implement the death penalty.

I notice you haven’t commented on the 1 Timothy 1:15-16 passage. What are your thoughts there?

Thanks for the comments and civil discussion.

peace to you

 

Yes we have. We will continue to disagree.

peace to you

 

Do you think God needed Samuels help to kill them? God had commanded Saul to kill them, he disobeyed.

Jesus commands us, in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 to follow the example of our Lord by showing mercy to the worst of sinners, even murderers like Paul.

Will we obey the commands of our Lord Jesus?

peace to you

 

Not a commandment or a suggestion. An observation.

The “little ones” is reference to believers (child like faith): The offend or cause to stumble refers to falling away because of persecution.

Not a reference to the death penalty.

peace to you