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.
Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13
The argument is simple. God forbids killing, any kind of killing, therefore, we must not kill anyone, for any reason. It seems as though some would even extend the protection of this commandment to animals. They encourage us not to eat meat or use animal products for any reason. Even a casual reading of the Old Testament Scriptures will reveal that this interpretation of God’s commandment is simply not correct. In the same Law of Moses where God forbids killing, He commands the nation Israel to:
Kill animals for sacrifice. Leviticus 1: 1-5
Kill animals for food. Leviticus 11:1-4
Kill people who commit murder. Exodus 21:12
Kill enemies in warfare. Numbers 31: 6-18
What is the explanation of this seeming contradiction in God’s commandments? As usual, the answer can be found in seeking another Scripture to add light to this passage. This can be done by comparing the verse quoted above with Christ’s statement to the rich young ruler.
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 19: 16-19.
Notice that in quoting the Law of Moses. Christ quotes the, “Thou shalt not kill” commandment as, “Thou shalt do no murder”. This statement clearly gives us the proper meaning and interpretation of the commandment given to Israel. God’s commandment to Israel was not a prohibition from every kind of killing, but from a specific kind of killing – murder. The sixth commandment cannot be used as a prohibition against capital punishment because it is clear that that is not the kind of killing that God had in mind when He gave that command.
A LICENSE TO KILL
The next question that we must consider is, who has the right to carry out the types of killing that are allowed by God? Do you and I, as individuals, have the right to take another person’s life? Does the church have the right to take a person’s life? Who has God entrusted with this ultimate power of life and death? After God destroyed the inhabitants of the earth with a flood, he instituted the previously unknown concept of human government. The basic principle of human government is that it allows man to rule man. In government, some men have authority over other men. The ultimate demonstration of this authority is the right to take human life.
And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Genesis 9:5-6
Such authority being given to man is in marked contrast to what the situation had been prior to the flood.
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. . . . And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him Genesis 4: 8, 13-15.
When Cain killed Abel, God set a mark on him to specifically forbid anyone from taking vengeance. It is not until after the flood, as we saw above in Genesis 9, that man is given the authority to execute vengeance. This authority is given in conjunction with the creation of nations. In Genesis 10, nations appear for the first time.
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Genesis 10: 5, 32
The descendants of Noah became, not just the heads of family units, but also the heads of nations. It is in the context of these new national distinctions that the authority of life and death is given. This authority over life and death was integrated into Israel’s law because Israel, in addition to being God’s people, was also a nation on the earth. Israel was a true church/state combination. As a nation, Israel had the right and responsibility to implement capital punishment.
And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. Exodus 21:15-17
The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16
When Jesus Christ came to the earth He continued, and actually intensified, the teachings of the law.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. . . . Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5: 17, 21-22
Notice that Christ did not, in any way, eliminate the physical penalty for murder, he simply added an internal, spiritual element.
In the epistles of Paul, we see the avenging, punishing role of government continuing.
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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: 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. Romans 13: 1-4.
It is clear that in all ages God has given the same type of authority to government. Government has the right and responsibility to maintain order in society, and the ultimate tool to carry out that responsibility is capital punishment. Throughout this article we have been writing that government has both the “right and responsibility” to carry out capital punishment. It is important that we examine this statement more closely and understand its significance.
The purpose for the institution of government is to keep order in society so that men may live quiet and peaceable lives. We have already seen that government was instituted immediately following the flood of Noah’s day. The reason for that institution was to prevent the conditions that had existed on the earth before the flood from recurring. Notice the sharp contrast between the conditions before the flood and the conditions that a properly functioning government is to create.
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . . The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Genesis 6: 5,11-12
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1Timothy 2:1-4
Human government was instituted to prevent the earth from again falling into the violence and wickedness that brought about the judgement of the flood, and to provide a “quiet and peaceable life” for the inhabitants of the earth. No longer would every man be able to do what was right in his own eyes. Government would be the arbiter of right and wrong on the earth. This is more than just a right that government has been given. It is a grave responsibility. Government is responsible see to it that the earth never again falls into the violence and wickedness described in Genesis 6. A part of that responsibility is the punishment of evil doers.
Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Numbers 35: 31-33
Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Ecclesiastes 8:11
When government fails to carry out its responsibility, evil and wickedness will reign. In order for us to have a safe and peaceful society, government must carry out its responsibility of punishment.
THE BELIEVER AND GOVERNMENT
No discussion on the authority of government would be complete without considering what relationship believers are to have with their government. Both Paul and Peter are very clear in their instructions to their respective followers.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13: 5-7
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. Titus 3:1
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God . . . Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:13-15a,17
It is interesting to note that the admonition of Peter is written to people who will be living under the reign of antichrist and his wicked political/religious system. Believers are not exempted from obeying governmental authority just because they are children of God, or just because the government they live under is ungodly. Submitting to government is submitting to the Lord. Some may point out that believers are permitted to disobey the government if the government is requiring them to disobey God, and that certainly does seem to be the case in Scripture.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:18-20
While it is true that the apostles were defying the orders of the council, it is also true that they were ready and willing to accept whatever punishment the council saw fit to impose on them for disobedience.
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5: 40-42
Notice that the apostles did not demand their rights. They did not hold a protest rally. They did not begin to hoard weapons for the overthrow of the government. They gladly accepted the legally prescribed punishment that the government had imposed. Paul had the same attitude about the government to which he was subject. Paul did not flee from a Roman prison, even when he had the perfect opportunity to do so. He also made clear that he was perfectly willing to accept the judgement of a pagan Gentile King. The words and cautions recorded below are certainly not those of a man who was out to overthrow, or even resist, his government.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Acts 16:25-28
Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. 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. Acts 25: 10-11
It is good and proper for a believer to disobey government if that government is requiring him to disobey God. However that believer must then show his submission to whatever penalty his government chooses to impose. This is the clear pattern that is set for us in Scripture.
WHAT SHOOULD WE DO
Clearly, government has the right more than that the responsibility to provide quiet and peaceable lives for its citizens. Part of that responsibility involves the punishing of evil doers. We should support our government in carrying out its responsibilities and be a good example to those around us by willingly submitting to the government in our own lives.