kef1000blog

Many Christians today are guilty of a major inconsistency in their thinking concerning the issues of life and death. While proclaiming the sanctity of life in their opposition to abortion, they support the degradation of life by championing capital punishment. Calling themselves pro-life while seeking to protect the unborn, they lose much of the impact of their banner by failing to protect the unloved. The absence of consistency in this regard is too glaring to ignore. It probably results from a failure to evenly apply the word of God to both issues.

There are many reasons to explain the support given to capital punishment by its defenders. Perhaps the most prominent is an overriding fear of crime and/or criminals. This was clearly demonstrated with the sharp impact of the "Willie Horton" ads in the presidential election campaign of George Bush. In addition, there are those who feel that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime while others believe it is simply right and just to insist on a major payment for a major wrong. Indeed, some Christians go so far as to claim God demands it! Their desire to be His avenging agent is greater than their desire to be His servant of mercy. Unfortunately, some merely want revenge.

One might ask, “What difference does it make how I feel about capital punishment? It doesn't really matter." But in a democracy it does matter what we think because our thoughts control our votes which, in turn, influence public policy. We are called to be "salt" and "light" in our societies and doing so is made easier and, therefore, takes on added significance, in a democratic country.(Matthew 5:13-16) We help to set the moral tone of the nation by both our actions and our votes. And as Christians we base our morality squarely on God's word.

Even a casual reading of the Old Testament reveals that the laws God gave to the Israelites included capital punishment. For many Christians that is enough. They claim this authorization as God's endorsement of the practice and claim further its universality in time. Hence, they say, all right-thinking Christians have a duty to insist on the use of the death penalty in the societies in which they live. On the surface their case seems sound. But we must not treat such an important issue so casually.

Consider the story of Cain. He was guilty of history's first recorded murder. It was premeditated; it was his own idea; the victim had not wronged him; he knew it was sin; he did it anyhow. He then lied to God and disclaimed any responsibility. As far as we know he never repented. And what was God's response? He declared that Cain was guilty of the sin of murder; He banished him from society; and He became Cain's protector.

Cain had quickly realized that just as he, a man, was willing to take human life, others, angry and seeking revenge, would surely take his. In his despair, but without contrition, he called on God to remedy his predicament. God responded by granting what amounted to a safe conduct pass by placing a mark on Cain. Its purpose was to warn all who would see him that God considered human life, even that of the murderer, Cain, so precious that no mortal would be allowed to take it. Indeed, God promised severe punishment for any violation of Cain's right to life.

How odd God's actions must seem to those who support capital punishment. God had a perfect opportunity to establish, once and for all, the principle of an eye for an eye; to state clearly and "on the record" that such was His will. He didn't do that. Some would argue that He did so later and, therefore, it makes no difference that He failed to do so with Cain. They overlook, however, one of the great truths about God: He is unchanging -— the same yesterday, today, and always.(1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 102:27; James 1:17) It was man who changed.(Genesis 6) Men became increasingly wicked; so much so that God decided to, in a sense, start over. But man was still imperfect and Noah was told:” Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."(Genesis 9:6)

If that statement was the only one to be considered, the issue could be concluded. But in my Bible it appears on page 18; my Bible continues to page 1950, and taking the whole counsel of God is important. For example, we read in Matthew 19 that some Pharisees questioned Jesus about the matter of divorce. Jesus had told them that divorce was wrong in spite of the fact that the Law of Moses permitted it. He pointed out that God, the Creator, had intended for two to become and remain one; but due to the hardness of their hearts the practice of divorce was instituted. God's nature had not changed —— this was merely an accommodation to man's spiritual state. So it is with the death penalty.

Sometimes in reading the Old Testament we forget that the Israelites were a nation and, as such, needed rules to govern their behavior. At times we are tempted to equate the nation of Israel with either our own nation or the church. When we read the various rules God prescribed for them and their society we think perhaps these should apply to our fellow citizens and/or our fellow Christians. This is easily done because we can envision a better country or church if only everyone would comply with whatever regulation we find enticing. What church treasurer has never thought about how much easier his job would be if all members were required to tithe? But America is not the new Israel and the church is not bound by the Law.

Old Testament laws called for the death penalty for each of the following: murder(Numbers 35:16-21), adultery(Leviticus 20:10), incest(Leviticus 20:11,12,14), bestiality(Leviticus 20:15,16), sodomy(Leviticus 20:13), promiscuity(Deuteronomy 22:21), rape of a betrothed virgin(Deuteronomy 22:25), blasphemy(Leviticus 24:16), kidnapping(Deuteronomy 24:7), witchcraft(Exodus 22:18), offering human sacrifice(Leviticus 20:2-5), striking or cursing one's father or mother(Leviticus 20:9), disobedience to parents(Deuteronomy 21:18-21), Sabbath desecration(Numbers 15:32-36), prophesying falsely or propagating false doctrines(Deuteronomy 13:1-10), sacrificing to false gods(Exodus 22:20), refusing to abide by the decision of the judge and/or priest(Deuteronomy 17:12).

How is it possible to claim a Scriptural mandate to execute offenders in some of the above categories and not all? And what father would want to see his daughter marry her rapist merely

because she was not engaged when attacked?(see Deuteronomy 22:28,29) Clearly, modern Christians are not interested in being subject to the Old Testament legal code.

Admitting this, those who uphold the practice of capital punishment turn for support to the thirteenth chapter of Romans. "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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For 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. For 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 to the wrongdoer."(Vv. 1-4) Several questions are answered in these verses:

Are Christians to obey their governments? Yes, (for exception see Acts 5:29)

Why? Because governments have been established by God for our welfare.

How do they help us? They maintain peace and order. May they use force to do so? Certainly.

And this is the key point: force is sometimes necessary to restore tranquility so that people may live in safety without fear of loss of life. The state is called on to secure and uphold life —— not to terminate it. We know, as Paul did, that a police officer may have to kill to prevent harm from coming to the innocent. But who would condone the execution of the one arrested on the way to jail? Should we pardon the officer for slaying his handcuffed prisoner after the threat had passed? These verses make it clear that the state has a right to punish any person who violates the law. But there is no reference to what penalties should be enforced. The propriety of the death penalty simply is not mentioned.

We read in Deuteronomy 25:3 that giving a criminal more than forty lashes degrades him. Doesn't the death penalty degrade its victims even more? Are we not tempted to see those being put to death as little more than animals? Is that right, or healthy? "Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:’ It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."(Romans 12:17-21) Jesus was subjected to capital punishment. Was justice done? And what was the motivation of His accusers? Are mistakes still made when we condemn someone to die?

We've all heard it said that we are to hate the sin, but

love the sinner. Can we claim that the death penalty is an expression of our love?(l Corinthians 16:14) If taking a life is wrong, then how can Christians support it? Compassion for the sinner in no way diminishes our sympathy for the one sinned against (or their family).

Some would argue that it's not human nature to forgive those who commit great crimes. That is true -— but it is God's nature to do so. "You have heard that it was said,’ Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."(Matthew 5:43-48; 6;14,15) We are called to be like Christ, called out and away from the world's passions. He expects it.(Ephesians 4:17-24) Fear, anger, hate, a desire for revenge —— all of these must be rejected.(Ephesians 4:31) The Christian's view of life has at least two parts: earthly and eternal. We say that the unborn die sinless and, therefore, are welcomed into Heaven. Yet, we know that if they were allowed to live that all would sin and many would perish. Should we then encourage abortions so that grace might abound? Of course not! When we oppose abortion we do so on the basis of the sanctity of God-created human life. When we engage in capital punishment we extinguish human life on this earth and deny any additional opportunity for the one executed to gain eternal life in Heaven. Perhaps the underlying motivation for those who insist on death as punishment in this life is their fear that God will somehow "let them off." "But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live. Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord, Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?"(Ezekiel 18:21-23) "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. But the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."(2 Peter 3:8,9) That is the kind of God we have -— and the kind we are to emulate.

"In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."(Matthew 7:12) Knowing what we do about the judgment yet to come, can any Christian honestly say that if he were on death row he would prefer execution to a continued life that holds the

possibility of salvation? And if we would prefer such an opportunity, can we in good conscience deny it to others?

And what of the one who is spared? If he accepts a new life in Christ, he may spend his remaining years ministering to those who are still as he once was: unsaved and unloved. Having been forgiven so much, his joy should be great and his witness powerful. Surely, such a person could be called pro-life in every sense of the term —- as all Christians should! "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."(Colossians 3:1-4) Amen.