Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 4/6/2006

Question
Hi,
I am at my wits end and hope that i can find SOMEONE to help me here....
I am a Christian, and very proud of it, i was raised Baptist, however in later years have realized that i dont want to put my God in the "religion" box so to speak.
I have also in the last year become stronly ANTI Death Penalty. My believe lies in several verses in the bible, the fact that Mosaic law was changed with Jesus, the statements Jesus himself made and of course the 10 Commandments help.
Turn the other cheek, THOU shalt not kill, etc. One of my favorites is Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord.
At any rate, i have contacted a Baptist preacher regarding my question, but as most Baptists seem to do, he reworded the scriptures to suit the pro death penalty view point.
What is your take on the Death Penalty and God's stand? It wont change my viewpoint, but maybe my argument?
I want to know if you interpret the Bible to state the because God give us authority figures they should be able to enforce the "eye for an eye"
I will seriously look into any answers you provide, even if its the one i dont want!! lol.. i just want someone to give me a starting point..with scriptures I do know that many SBC Pastors use verses in Romans to support the Death Penalty, however i interpret those same verses another way, which is possibly because I want to see them that way, however i just do not believe the God i love would support the taking of a life, as i stated the Ten commandants state THOU Shalt Not Kill, and i dont see an "ie" after it...
Thank you
Lin Carl

Answer
Hi Lin,

Thanks for this great question!  I believe that you are making a critical mistake in your interpretation of scripture.  The death penulty is not about executing personal vengence, but rather it is about dispensing justice.  Even in the Old Testament, once a government was set up, the individual was not to seek personal vengence, but rather to let the government weigh the evidence and render a just punishment that fits the crime.

Exodus 21:22-23
22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Now, let us consider what the Bible says is the government's  role in the New Testament:

Romans 13:1-4


Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God:  the powers that be are ordained of God.  2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

So the powers that be.... Governmental authority... are ordained of God.  God (who does not change) has given them the sword as we see in verse 4.  The government has the authority and responsability to use lethal force to enforce the law and execute judgement.  God's WOrd is clear what that judgement should be... a murder deserves death...and GOd has granted government throught the due process of law and trials to execute that justice.  Personal vengence would be to usurp the govenrnment that God set up.  

Let us remember the vengence passage:

Romans 12:18-21
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

This is to be your personal response, but in no way does this passage teach that there is to be no societal response to evil deeds.  God is very serious about justice!

Micah 6:8
8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don