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QUESTION 4:
Why would a loving God want a murderer put to death? Is capital punishment right?

ANSWER:
Man is forever trying to assume the place of God, and in doing so they project themselves as being wiser than God.

Here is the Bible's answer to the latter question. "Whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." Genesis 9:6. This was given not to the Jew specifically, but to the world in general. It is a law like marriage which has to do with God's creatural government. It was practiced by the Jews in the Old Testament. (Exodus 21:12, and Numbers 35:30).

"Let every soul be subject unto higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1. "...for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:4. A sword is an instrument of death not punishment.

The first part of the question has to do with two things. First to kill another is to mar the image of God. "...for in the image of God made He man." Genesis 9:6. This implies that murder is a direct act of rebellion against the image of God in man. The second reason is clear. The proper execution of justice will be a deterrent to that crime. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil." Ecclesiastes 8:11. It is a law that should be in effect; these days when murder is so common. If the law of our land would deal scripturally with murders, adulterers, thieves, etc., sin and crime would not be out of control like it is now.

What about you? You may not have murdered anyone, but you are a sinner and God can't, and won't, let you into heaven with sin. It must be removed. Only the blood of Christ can give forgiveness of sins. 1 John 1:7. Do trust Him today.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen