The Death Penalty

[Digging4Truth]

Do you believe that God is for the death penalty under the NT Covenant?

[Praxeas]

I believe that God is for what the bible says He is for and that he sees our petty disagreements as more annoying than anything

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I believe that God is for what the bible says He is for and that he sees our petty disagreements as more annoying than anything

Is the subject of whether we would take a human life or not one of those petty disagreements?

[DividedThigh]

i believe the bible stands for the death penalty, imho, dt

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by DividedThigh

i believe the bible stands for the death penalty, imho, dt

Could you provide a few of the scriptures so we could begin a discussion on the subject.

[DividedThigh]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Could you provide a few of the scriptures so we could begin a discussion on the subject.

maybe later bro, i am not at liberty to spend a ton of time here just pop in and out, but i would enjoy that when i can, dt

[RevDWW]

Romans 13:1 - 8 (KJV)
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Does this answer the question? Seems God has put rulers in place as revengers to execute wrath on evil doers.

Without the rule of law there is chaos and confusion. God is not the author of confusion.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Does this answer the question? Seems God has put rulers in place as revengers to execute wrath on evil doers.

Without the rule of law there is chaos and confusion. God is not the author of confusion.

I don't feel that it really answers the question that I was seeking after. I was looking for scripture that stated Gods position for the death penalty.

What you have provided here is scripture that instructs us to obey the higher powers etc. This does not make any statement about God's opinion, under the NT covenant, of the death penalty.

These scriptures are also used very subjectively by many who use them. They will use these scriptures as a blanket statement against those who would oppose our government but then completely forget that the verses exist when it comes to the government of, say, Iran, Iraq, Syria etc.

Those governments are viewed as evil governments which must not be obeyed and must be brought down and are not of God... then, when the verse serves them well enough, a blanket opposition to any disobedience to the higher powers will be used.

When these types of verses serve peoples purposes then they will say "the powers that be or ordained of God". When there is a government they don't like... then that government is of the devil and must come down.

Do you see the subjectivity that is often used there?

But... as I said... this really doesn't answer my question because i was looking for scripture that demonstrated God's actual feeling on the issue under our NT covenant.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Is the subject of whether we would take a human life or not one of those petty disagreements?

In saying Death penalty I thought you meant the state, not the church. No I don't believe God approves of the church killing people

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I don't feel that it really answers the question that I was seeking after. I was looking for scripture that stated Gods position for the death penalty.

What you have provided here is scripture that instructs us to obey the higher powers etc. This does not make any statement about God's opinion, under the NT covenant, of the death penalty.

These scriptures are also used very subjectively by many who use them. They will use these scriptures as a blanket statement against those who would oppose our government but then completely forget that the verses exist when it comes to the government of, say, Iran, Iraq, Syria etc.

Those governments are viewed as evil governments which must not be obeyed and must be brought down and are not of God... then, when the verse serves them well enough, a blanket opposition to any disobedience to the higher powers will be used.

When these types of verses serve peoples purposes then they will say "the powers that be or ordained of God". When there is a government they don't like... then that government is of the devil and must come down.

Do you see the subjectivity that is often used there?

But... as I said... this really doesn't answer my question because i was looking for scripture that demonstrated God's actually feeling on the issue under our NT covenant.

It's not subjective, God raises up whom He will, for His purpose and He brings down whom He will for His purpose.
Several points from Romans 13:
If we are doing good we should not be afraid of a ruler, even an evil one, even if doing good brings our death, because even an evil ruler that can take our lives can not send us to hell.
God sets up rulers that bear the sword, the are arm, not in vain, not just for looks but for using against evil doers. What can a sword do? The threat of your life being taken by a weapon can be a strong deterrent. Taking a evil doers life with a weapon can also cut down, no pun intended, on crime by making him an example to others and making it so that he will not commit a crime again.

I pray that no one should have to face the death penalty. But each man and woman makes their own decision about that.