[ Serious Question for Christians] Does the New Testament defend capital punishment?

Question

Another way to state this would be: Does the New Testament position affirm or deny the Old Testament's approval of capital punishment? (Any verses mentioned would be great. Thanks.)

Furthermore, some Christians say that capital punishment is not defensible by the New Testament. They say "We are no longer under the 'Law' but rather God's grace and mercy." I don't disagree that we are under God's grace and mercy, but I think that God's "Law" requires punishment/justice for wrongdoings. God is the same now and forever and that also implies that so are His qualities. Rephrasing my original question, why do some Christians think that the New Testament has a different slant on capital punishment compared to the Old Testament?

I see that many answers mention the fact that God grants authority to rule to governments. (and to follow their laws concerning punishment) Would God endorse capital punishment even if our worldly governments do not? In other words, does God's will concerning capital punishment in the New Testament conflict with certain governments of this world? (e.g. Germany, Austria and Italy have outlawed the death penalty)

Answer 1

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)

God has established our natural realm leaders in their positions of authority and we are to be obedient to them, whether our flesh agrees or not. We have to bypass those feelings and tap into the protection of God by being obedient to Him. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

Also read "Under Cover - The Promise of Protection under His Authority" by John Bevere.

Answer 2

Actually, the government does no longer 'permit' a few states to make use of capital punishment. If this had been actual, it might imply that the feds then 'disallow' precise different states to make use of it. This isn't the case. The handing out and administering of capital punishment is left to the character states. The federal executive has restrained energy in dictating to character states their capital punishment regulation. The legislative department can draft laws however the president has the energy to veto. The legislative can then override the veto, however the Supreme Court has the energy to strike down that laws. The Supreme Court dominated, within the 1972 Furman vs Georgia case, that the loss of life penalty used to be unconstitutional, the argument being that it violated the eighth Amendment defense in opposition to merciless and exceptional punishment. The truly argument used to be that the loss of life sentence used to be given disproportionally, in a few states, to blacks. Many states drafted laws that might make sure equitable remedy and the loss of life sentences had been as soon as once more passed out, however there had to be a scan case earlier than there might be executions as soon as once more. The 1976 case Gregg vs Georgia used to be the one who reversed the 1972 choice. To reply your query, no, the government will have to keep out of the trade of character states. Provisions are in position, the method of assessments and balances, to peer that the responsible in capital instances are sentenced and done rather.

Answer 3

There is a Scripture in the New Testament that says that we are to "obey the ordinances of the land for the Lord's sake." If this entails having to bear the responsibility for having someone put to death for one or multiple heinous acts, then we must shoulder the responsibility to show God that we are upholding the Law even in this dispensation of Grace that we live in. Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law, not supersede it, so I imagine it means that yes, the NT defends capital punishment.

Answer 4

O.k. an eye for an eye wasn't a law it was a judgment for what took place after the fact. Ro.12:17,says you shouldn't return evil for evil. Yes, are told to be good citizen and we still could ask for leniency. Haven't our Father shown mercy on us if we repent for our sins, which sin is the breaking of the law,1Jo.3:4. Who are we to take anyone life yes we need to improve our lives, and change what we do but we should never kill.What does it bring to anyone? Its' hard cause we would always have to fear the evil that we encounter each day but the hope that is promise that the Messiah has giving us should be the most important thing of all cause one day judgment will come from one who is greater ,who would judge fare.Remember Satan has deceive the world.Rev.12:9.

Answer 5

Romans 13:1-7

Answer 6

I can't say that there is a scripture to back it up, but there comes a time when some people need to be removed from society completely. The whole idea of trial by jury seems to be the way we have gone. Part of the idea is that they can make peace with God before they are executed, and if they do then it all works out in the end.

Answer 7

The OT was civil law as well as personal law. The NT is personal, not civil law.

While our civil laws are based on the OT laws, and we should support keeping them as such, Christianity is not about civil law. It is about a heavenly rather than an earthly kingdom.

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” John 18:36

Answer 8

It is often taught that "Do unto others..." eliminated "An eye for eye..." But let's consider this closely. When a person is sentenced to death it is said not to be right because of "Do unto others..." But the death penalty is in fact reserved generally for murderers. So if this man/woman's life is taken would we not be doing to him/her what he/she did to others?

Answer 9

Numbers 35:16-21


16 " 'If a man strikes someone with an iron object so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. 17 Or if anyone has a stone in his hand that could kill, and he strikes someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. 18 Or if anyone has a wooden object in his hand that could kill, and he hits someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. 19 The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. 20 If anyone with malice aforethought shoves another or throws something at him intentionally so that he dies 21 or if in hostility he hits him with his fist so that he dies, that person shall be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.

Answer 10

JSB2 has it right. In case you dont read it, in its basic form it tells you to sbmit to your governing authority, as God has established them. So if they have instituted it, we should follow it.