Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 4/30/2011

Question
Hello Mrs. Lyons,I find your Q and A segment very informative and interesting.I happened to be reading one dated 9/25/06 entitled "Abortion/Death penalty".I diden't know there were other parts in the scriptures that gave us the option to override the sixth commandment,"Thou Shall not kill". Am I confused or misunderstanding your explanation. Thanks for the help,and may God bless.
John

Answer
Thanks for writing, John.
   Genesis 9:6 and Deuteronomy 19:11-13 don't override the sixth commandment--they uphold it.  God instituted capital punishment to underscore respect for human life.  
   You may not believe in spankings for children, but experiencing painful consequences for sin teaches children to recognize their need to accept God's salvation from eternal punishment for sin, and helps them understand the pain Jesus experienced because of our sins.
   Capital punishment is society's way of teaching others that human life is not to be considered cheap, so the consequence of murder is very serious and not to be taken lightly.
   Please read the verses in context and perhaps it will be more clear to you.
   John 1:1-4 Our Creator is our Source of life and light.  As we allow Him to be our Lord, we have His life and light to understand His Word and live forever!
   Sincerely,
   Priscilla