Is Capital Punishment Biblical?

Answer 1

In the Old Testament capital punishment is everywhere. Then Jesus came and argued the old law, because He knew there would be Salvation, and sin could be gien up to Him when He died on the cross.

When a woman was going to be stoned to death for adultery, Jesus came along and said, 'let him that is among you without sin, cast the first stone at her', they were convicted by their hearts: for they all knew they were sinning at that very moment. 'And when they heard it, being accused by their own conscience, they went out one by one.'" (John 6:9)

So I say, with the coming of Jesus the old laws were abolished, and this is God's will. It's God's will because Jesus Christ was sent by God, and Jesus never sinned in the eyes of God.

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.

Answer 3

The old testament teaches capital punishment. Jesus allowed a woman, who the Pharisees would have stoned, to go free. He asked her where her accusers were and she stated that they were gone. He said I do not codemn you, go and sin no more. But, I believe for the safety of society capital punishment has to be enforced when life is taken purposefully. If you plan and execute a murder your life should be taken too. Perhaps even convicted child molesters and rapists should get the same punishment. I don't think we would have as many crime problems if we did this.

Answer 4

Big time. Read the Old Testament, capital punishment was practiced for some of the silliest things, like trying to keep warm on the sabbath.

Answer 5

Yes, in the jewish texts there were dozens of reasons that you could kill someone, but the ten commandments said, " Thou shalt not murder." Murder is the unlawful killing of a person. It does not say, thou shalt not kill.

I think the question for you to ask yourself is, do I think it is wrong? Don't let what some group of jews thought 3000 years ago decide how we should live today. People know more today, and therefore have a better ability to discern what god wants from us, what is right.

Personally, I don't think people should pay for the food, shelter, guards, and medical problems of serial killers, child molesters, terrorists, and rapists.

Answer 6

Killing is/would be justified interior the bible. From a criminal case, a murderer would be tried and positioned to death, if a guy or woman kills a female and or kills the un-born toddler, ( which via the way justifies a fetus as someone via the way), that guy or woman would be positioned to death to boot. additionally in a court if a guy or woman by danger kills somebody, that guy or woman could be positioned to death additionally. those are some examples. So in accordance to Gods rules, there ought to be a criminal case with witnesses to ensure that elders to convict and then if the case meets the crime, might advantage death. this concern additionally substitute into justified while the rustic of Israel killed different international locations which coated adult males, women people, toddlers, or maybe farm animals. reason substitute into those international locations have been committing gross sins, coated rape, adultery, homosexuality and different issues which God had made repeated warnings, and that they chosen to forget approximately God. those international locations, have been destroyed, this coated Gods very own u . s . Israel.

Answer 7

Capital Punishment existed long before the Bible.

Answer 8

As Biblical as Noah and Moses.

Answer 9

Not if you think Jesus wanted everyone to 'turn the other cheek' , or 'forgive them not 7 times or 70 times, but 7 times 70' and hadn't just gone crazy for a wee bit. or that he actually said 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone'

Answer 10

For statements by leaders of many different religions, you can visit http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut7.htm
This is a very easy site for getting the answers you need.

Views on what the bible says vary from denomination to denomination.