But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13.4

Before the Flood Cain – Gen protected from death penalty Lamech – Gen claimed more protection for himself By time of Noah corruption and violence has filled the earth – Gen *A consequence of lack of death penalty??? God’s solution – death penalty on massive scale

After the Flood Man receives an awesome responsibility…Genesis 9.4-6

5 Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man's brother I will require the life of man. 6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” Genesis 9.5-6

After the Flood God now requires a reckoning from those who kill They are to be killed by fellow man Reason – “For in the image of God He made man”

Under the Old Covenant God gave the Law to govern the nation of Israel… It was both civil and religious Has served as basis of criminal justice for many civilizations since first given by God

Under the Old Covenant The Law required the Death Penalty for… Premeditated murder – Ex Parental abuse –Ex Kidnapping –Ex Cursing parents –Ex Striking an expectant mother and causing unborn child to die – Ex

Under the Old Covenant The Law required the Death Penalty for… Failure to keep a killer animal from killing – Ex Killing a thief in revenge – Ex Sorcery – Ex Bestiality – Ex Adultery – Lev 20.10

Under the Old Covenant The Law required the Death Penalty for… Incest – Lev Homosexuality – Lev Marrying mother and daughter – Lev Being a medium or spiritist – Lev Breaking the Sabbath – Num

Under the Old Covenant Was the Law a Good Law? Paul said it was “holy and just and good” – Rom 7.12 Many have claimed they could do better As a result countries have become worse, not better!

Under the New Covenant New Covenant not designed to regulate civil governments… Designed for those in Christ’s Kingdom – Jn Purpose is to help man achieve and keep a right relationship with God But it does reveal God’s attitude toward the Death Penalty

Under the New Covenant References to “Capital Punishment”… Romans

But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13.4

Under the New Covenant References to “Capital Punishment”… Romans Acts – Paul was willing to die if he “committed anything worthy of death”

Common Objections “The Bible says ‘Thou shalt not kill…” – Ex Best translated “murder” – see NKJV, NASB, NIV Forbids killing with malice and premeditation Next two chapters God prescribes death penalty for NINE different crimes!

Common Objections “The Bible says God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked…” – Ezekiel True, but notice in the same chapter… Ezekiel 18.4 “the soul that sins, it shall die” Ezekiel – certain sins make us worthy of death Ezekiel – Encourages wicked to repent Does not keep God from carrying out Death Penalty!

Common Objections “Doesn’t work…doesn’t deter crime!” Ignores common sense Problem more in not being carried out quickly enough and with enough publicity Justice demands the penalty fit the crime… Some crimes are such that anything short of death would not be justice!

Common Objections “Innocent people are sometimes put to death” Can happen Not an argument against death penalty, but system of administering justice Biblical requirement for two or more witnesses – Deut (False accuser had death penalty applied to HIM!)

Death Penalty…? Does God approve of it? He gave man responsibility for carrying it out Illustrates justice in government given to Israel He has given that right to the governments He set up It perverts justice when it is not used – Isa ; Jer 48.10