One of the ongoing debates in our society is whether or not the death penalty is a legitimate practice of government. There are very strong opinions on both sides of this very controversial and divisive policy. As with all issues, the answer to this question can be found in the pages of God’s Word.
IS KILLING ALWAYS MURDER?
Many, who believe that capital punishment is wrong, point to one of the 10 commandments.
As we look around us today, we see a society that seems to be falling apart. The streets in many of our cities are becoming more and more like war zones. Confidence in our elected officials and other people in positions of authority are at an all-time low. Half of all marriages end in divorce which causes many children to come home to single parent families. Worse yet, many other children are in situations where they are abused in all kinds of evil ways. From the highest halls of government, to our own dinner tables, the evidence of a society in crisis is clear. Although the problems seem to be clear, the solutions to those problems seem to be complicated and illusive. Governments, schools, psychologists, social workers, etc., etc., all seen to be powerless to find a way to stem the tide of violence and hopelessness that afflicts our society today.
Today there are many opinions among believers as to how we should view our relationship with government. Some teach that we should have nothing to do with government and politics, but should concentrate only on “spiritual matters”. Others believe that Christians should become very politically active and “claim our government for Jesus” by reforming it from within. Still others see a virtual “holy war” of revolt against our government as the only way to rid ourselves of what they perceive to be the root of all evil in our nation. Obviously, all of these widely differing viewpoints cannot be correct. The Bible has much to say about the believer’s relationship to government. We need to not be confused about how we should relate to the governmental authorities that rule over us.
All too often we slip into “poor me” mode. You don’t get a parking spot near the door of the store when it’s raining. You got 30” of snow and you have to shovel because your snow blower isn’t working. You find out you owe $500 in taxes that you didn’t expect. You rush in the door hands full of packages to a ringing phone… and it’s a telemarketer!
Or, maybe it’s something more serious. Like you lost your job and the bills are piling up. Or a dear friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Even more devastating is the loss of a loved one – especially when it’s a child or a younger person.
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. II Timothy 2:22
In this passage we see Paul’s admonition to Timothy to grow in his maturity in the faith. Later in his letter he points Timothy to the source of that maturity.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17
You know how you read something that really “hits home”? Well, this is one of those exact things. It was so long ago that I don’t even remember where I saw it. But I cut it out. That’s right folks… not in a facebook post, not in an email or on a website but a physical piece of paper – imagine that! As you’ll read though, you’ll know it wasn’t so long ago that there weren’t computers – I’m old but not THAT old! Anyway, it was such a memorable piece that I laminated it and kept it. I’m sharing it with you, hoping that you’ll find it as precious as I have. It was written by Terry Helwig.