what does the Bible say about Capital Punishment?

Question

I know like in the old testament it said "an eye for an eye" and was basically FOR capital punishment ...but strictly from after Jesus's crucifixion, what about capital punishment? killing people is still wrong? Does eye for an eye still apply after he died for FORGIVENESS?

Answer 1

The bible does not allow capital punishment because it is only God who could punish His creatures on earth however it is a civil law for the said capital punishment. We should abive with the law of man on earth. as religious person do not condemned other person. do not mind what the government is doing about punishment of criminals. that is the separation of the state from religion

Answer 2

The Old Testament law commanded the death penalty for various acts: murder (Exodus 21:12), kidnapping (Exodus 21:16), bestiality (Exodus 22:19); adultery (Leviticus 20:10); homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), being a false prophet (Deuteronomy 13:5), prostitution (Leviticus 21:9) and rape (Deuteronomy 22:24-25), and several other crimes. However, God often showed mercy when the death penalty was due. David committed adultery and murder, yet God did not demand his life be taken (2 Samuel 11:1-5, 14-17; 2 Samuel 12:13). Ultimately, each and every sin we commit should result in the death penalty (Romans 6:23). Thankfully, God demonstrates His love for us in not condemning us (Romans 5:8). When the Pharisees brought a woman who was caught in the act of adultery to Jesus and asked Him if she should be stoned, Jesus replied, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7). This should not be used to indicate that Jesus rejected capital punishment in all instances. Jesus was simply exposing the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus into breaking the Old Testament Law...they truly did not care about the woman being stoned (where was the man who was caught in adultery?) God was the One who instituted capital punishment: “Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). Jesus would support capital punishment in some instances. Jesus also demonstrated grace when capital punishment was due (John 8:1-11). The Apostle Paul definitely recognized the power of the government to institute capital punishment where appropriate (Romans 13:1-5). So, basically, we are back to where we started. Yes, God allows capital punishment. But at the same time, God does not always demand the death penalty when it is due. What should a Christian’s view on the death penalty be, then? First, we must remember that God has instituted capital punishment in His Word; therefore, it would be presumptuous of us to think that we could institute a higher standard than He or be more kind than He. God has the highest standard of any being since He is perfect. This standard applies not only to us but to Himself. Therefore, He loves to an infinite degree, and He has mercy to an infinite degree. We also see that He has wrath to an infinite degree, and it is all maintained in a perfect balance. Second, we must recognize that God has given the government the authority to determine when capital punishment is due (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-7). It is unbiblical to claim that God opposes the death penalty in all instances. Christians should never rejoice when the death penalty is employed, but at the same time, Christians should not fight against the government’s right to execute the perpetrators of the most evil of crimes. Recommended Resource: Moral Choices: An Introduction to Ethics by Scott Rae.

Answer 3

I don't recall anything in the NT about it. God doesn't change His mind though. In the NT he talks about obeying your government, and there are consequences for actions.

Jesus died to give us forgiveness in the eternal sense. That forgiveness doesn't remove earthly consequences. If you get drunk, then ask forgiveness, you'll still have a hangover in the morning. Every action has a reaction. That is just a basic law of life.

I personally don't have a problem with capital punishment. I haven't put a lot of thought into it, but my gut feeling is not against it.

Answer 4

killing people is wrong. in biblical times it was pretty much the only reasonable punishment available since prisons and rehab centres, etc, were not around at the time, so their use of it is understandable, but these days things are different and there are better alternatives.

and as for the whole "eye for an eye" thing, its not saying that you should get revenge, it is saying that the punishment should fit the crime. in those days, for example, if you poked out somebody's eye, especially the eye of somebody "higher up" than you, you would probably be executed. biblical law tried to change all that.

Answer 5

Not for me. Forgiveness applies and punishment or vengeance belongs to the Lord which is a great relief to me. Prison should be used more for protecting us than punishing the guilty. I mean according to His word in the New Testament which is where God reveals how He would live as a man. It sure did not apply in His opinion for adultery and it had in the old testament.

Answer 6

In Genesis 9 God established an everlasting covenat between God and all mankind for all ages of time. In that "Everlasting Covenant" it stated Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man." This command predates the Law and the 10 commandments, and is binding on all people before and after the OT and Jesus. The Levitical law never allpied to all people, but this law does.

Answer 7

It would bother me greatly if christians made the bible into law where it doesnt belong, Honestly i dont care what the bible says as long as someone is not trying to put it in the government as a law for ethics.

Answer 8

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Answer 9

Jesus said that the one who was without sin could cast the first stone.

Answer 10

Vengance is MINE says the Lord, I will repay.