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¿Qué tiene que ver conmigo? por Teófila Gottfried
Lo que leemos en la Biblia tiene que ver con todos los seres humanos, sean cristianos o judíos, ateos o agnósticos, budistas, musulmanes o adherentes a alguna de las filosofías o nuevas religiones que surgen en el mundo. ¿Por qué? Ver mayor información sobre este interesante libro.
Scripture of The Day - St. John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Escritura del día - San Juan 14,6
Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí.
Bibelstelle des Tages - Johannes 14,6
Jesus spricht zu ihm: Ich bin der Weg und die Wahrheit und das Leben; niemand kommt zum Vater, denn durch mich!
Does Jesus Teach Against The Death Penalty?
"Thou shalt not kill" does not put an end to the question of whether the Christian Bible teaches against the death penalty for crimes such as murder. In the first five books of the Old Testament, we repeatedly read that God commanded Israel to stone to death those who committed murder, and other acts that God said are worthy of death. Obviously, you must kill a person in order to stone him to death. Such a fact let's us know that "thou shalt not kill" refers to murder, NOT to execution as punishment for committing murder. In fact, king Saul found himself in deep trouble with God, because he REFUSED to kill someone God had ordered he execute (1 Samuel 15:2-3, 8, 18-19).
Among the acts for which the death penalty was enforced under the Old Testament was kidnapping (Ex. 21:16), cursing mother or father (Ex. 21:17), practicing the occult / magic (Lev. 20:27), adultery (Lev. 20:10), rape (Deut. 22:25), homosexual acts (Lev. 20:13), and first degree murder (Ex. 21:14).
But Wasn't The Death Penalty For Old Testament Times Only?
No, it was not. In the 13th chapter of the New Testament book of Romans, the apostle Paul talks about justice systems. He speaks specifically about the executioner's role in justice systems. In reference to the executioner, he writes, "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." (Romans 13:4)
"Minister of God" does NOT refer to someone who is a follower of Christ, because Christians are NOT ministers of God's wrath and vengeance, but rather of His mercy, as we will shortly see. To minister is to serve. The minister of God in the passage serves God's will by executing the Lord's vengeance and wrath against first degree murderers, rapists and other violent criminals. The executioner carries the sword, which symbolizes putting someone to death.
Although such criminals can receive forgiveness for their sins, they are to be executed...even if they repent. The soul will be saved, but the body must be executed. This is why in Exodus 21:14, God's instructions are to execute even the murderer who repents on the altar. The passage says to remove him from the altar, and execute him. The word "guile" is used in the Exodus 21:14 passage. "Guile" refers to being cunning and crafty. You must think, plot and premeditate something to do it cunningly with craftiness. This is nothing less than first degree murder.
Romans is a New Testament book, which let's us know the death penalty for capital crimes such as murder is the will and commandment of God...even under grace.
It should be emphasized that the executioner (the minister of God) in the Romans passage we just read does NOT refer to being a follower of Christ. How do we know that? Answer: The executioner is the minister of the vengeance and wrath of God. The apostle Paul explains that Christians, or New Testament followers of the God of Israel, are NOT ministers of death, also known as ministers of the Letter, or ministers of condemnation. New Testament Christians are ministers of God's mercy and grace, not of His vengeance. So, both ministries are still in effect, which makes perfect sense, in light of Jesus' words that He did NOT come to abolish the law (Mat. 5:17). The ministry of death is carried out by non-Christians who serve as executioners in the ministry of God's wrath and vengeance. The ministry of the Spirit, also known as the ministry of mercy and grace, is carried out by Christians.
Second Corinthians 3:5-6 speaks to Christians, and says, "...God who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit. For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
So, while Christians probably should not serve as executioners in justice systems, they also have no biblical support for being against the death penalty. The apostle Paul was not an executioner. He also clearly supported the position and role of the executioner for acts worthy of death in God's eyes.
But Doesn't Jesus Himself Teach Against The Death Penalty In Certain Passages Such As St. John 8?
In the eight chapter of St. John, we read of when the scribes and Pharisees caught a woman in adultery, and brought her to Christ. Those scribes and Pharisees also spoke to Jesus about the Mosaic (Old Testament) law, which commanded that adulterers be stoned to death. But Jesus answered, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (St. John 8:7). He also told the woman that He did not condemn her. And He told her to sin NO MORE.
Why would we not accept this passage as biblical proof that God is against the death penalty? First of all, what were the scribes and Pharisees supposed to be? Answer: Followers of God. Jesus is God. So, they should have been followers of the Lord Jesus. We just learned that true followers of God under the New Testament are ministers of the Spirit...of mercy...and grace, NOT of the letter, also known as the law, which kills. Had they had the right spirit, they would have known that stoning the adulteress woman was not God's will under the new covenant. The St. John passage tells us they were convicted when Jesus said to let the one who's without sin cast the first stone.
Now, we know the fact that they were not sin free was not the reason they couldn't execute her. No one is completely sin free. So, the executioner in justice systems is not sin free. Nevertheless, the executioner carries out God's vengeance when he executes the murderer, kidnapper, rapist etc.
So, Are Justice Systems Also Supposed To Execute Adulterers, Witches And Homosexuals?
No! Let's explain why under the New Testament of grace murderers, rapists, kidnappers and the like are to be executed, but NOT adulterers, homosexuals, sorcerers and the like.
Remember that under the Old Testament, the justice system was divine, because it was given by God Himself. In the Romans passage about the executioner who carries the sword, however, the apostle Paul is making reference to EARTHLY justice systems. Let's also remember that Satan is the god of this present earth (2 Cor. 4:4), which is why justice systems are not always just. And even the best justice systems are not concerned about SIN, but rather about LAW AND ORDER. Earthly justice systems do NOT concern themselves with morality. God has given them to concern themselves with law, order, peace and safety in the land. This is their God-given responsibility, which is why the Bible tells us to submit to the laws of the land unless a law breaks God's law (Acts 5:29). Herein is the huge difference: The Old Covenant dealt with sin, immorality, crime and acts of violence. It dealt with it all, because it's Author was God Himself. Earthly justice systems--though they can be based on the Bible--are established by sinful man. Sinners cannot put away sin, which is why we all need to submit to Christ...the only sinless God-man who can put away sin.
We read, "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake. Whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well." (1 Peter 2:13-14).
The above passage does not say, "for the punishment of sinners", but rather "for the punishment of evildoers". Earthly justice systems are NOT authorized by God to execute homosexuals, adulterers and sorcerers. Those are sins and acts of immorality. Under the New Testament, God's ministers of the Spirit and mercy and grace (true Christians) work to convert such people to Christ that they might escape the coming wrath of the Lamb...the coming sword. This is why the sinful scribes and Pharisees were not to stone the adulteress woman. Yes, she would have been executed under the Old Covenant, which dealt with sin, crime and violence. But because Jesus has come, she is given grace. Grace does not mean escape. It is like the grace period we might have when a bill comes due. We might have a 10-day grace period to pay a bill before we lose something. We still must pay that debt, or suffer the loss of something. We simply have time to collect the money. God's grace period will not last forever. Judgment is coming. And there's still a divine death penalty for those sins that we will suffer in the afterlife, if we don't repent.
Man's sinful justice systems have never been able to put away sin. How can sin put away sin? However, even sinners have the God-given authority and commission to put away acts of violence, which God hates, because it causes great suffering in any society. Many murderers and kidnappers and rapists are repeat offenders. Had they been executed, how many people would have been spared from becoming their victims? Just as it was a great evil for Saul to spare the life of Agag, when God had ordered he be executed, it is likewise a great evil for justice systems to spare the lives of murderers, rapists, kidnappers and the like. God has shown mercy to all in that He placed a conscience in us all. So, the authors of violent crimes ignored God who tried to divert them from such evil through their conscience. They chose not to listen. They chose to do great harm to another person. Therefore, God's righteousness requires execution for their punishment, and the protection of society. All of God's laws are for our good. And when we reject His law, we suffer...and cause others to suffer.
Based on true events, The Third Man by Angela Sheffield, brings the Bible up close and personal as the characters face real issues of life: Betrayal, deceit, romance, bitterness, anger against God, hopelessness, will power, perplexity, triumph, unforgiveness, mental illness, and the "Alcohol made me do it" excuse. Read chapter one FREE now.
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Comments/Comentarios:
What is wrong with the death penalty is we live in a fallen world full of corruption and error and that sadly includes the police, the courts and the judiciary. There are many cases - at least in the UK - where police have decided they want to get a certain person for a murder - and they don\t seem to care whether it was that person who committed the murder or not! They set him/her up, or in other words frame them for a crime they did not commit. I have personally witnessed police and court corruption and it is real and more prevalent that we realise. After all, we know who the god of this world is and how else could it be? To be falsely accused is a horrible thing for the victim and for their family (that what was done to Jesus) and someone cannot be given their life back. So for that reason, although it may have been appropriate in OT times, due to the nature of our court system today, it cannot be justified.
by: Ash
Posted on 2023-12-02 10:15:56
Ash:
Earth was a fallen world when God instituted the death penalty, so man cannot eliminate it for that reason. Those of us at Heavenly Manna have personal experience with a loved one being framed, and have worked with people innocently imprisoned, so we do not speak from an uninformed perspective. Let us not compare the crucifixion of Christ--an innocent man--to the execution of others. Jesus was born for the express purpose of dying on the cross. That is NOT the case with anyone else. That said, even in Old Testament times, there was indeed corruption in legal systems, so let us not say that corruption is a New Testament problem. Was not the innocent Daniel framed to be thrown into the lion's den? Did not David as king...as the highest legal authority in Israel, plot first degree murder? Did not the three innocent Hebrew men face the death penalty of the fiery furnace? All of these--and more cases--were Old Testament cases of the innocent facing the death penalty. Do we read that, for this reason, God outlawed it? No, in fact, the command to execute endures even in these corrupt New Testament times. We do not change God's Law, because people are wicked. We could just as easily support abortion, because so many children are terribly abused. Our so-called justification would be the argument of why not murder them in the womb, so they do not come to such an awful world? After all, we cannot--and do not want--to take care of them. So, support murder of the unborn, because it is a fallen world in which they are unwanted children? That opens the door up to arguing in favor of taking personal vengeance, because "God is too slow." It opens the door to arguing in favor of all sorts of sins, because we live in a fallen world. Satan gives us the problem, and then offers the solution, which is always contrary to God's Word. No one said Earth was a good place. Not even the Bible says that. However, all the trouble we have stems from straying from God's Law.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2023-12-03 00:48:41
Yes, I see what you are saying, but I believe the real problem with a death penalty today is the MASSIVE EXTENT of corruption even compared with OT times. Scripture says these times are worse than any time that ever was or will be and that is in part due to the massive extent of injustice and corruption. Adding the death penalty to the mix does not really help anyone as it will likely be misused. Today we see cold-blooded murderers get off with a virtual slap on the wrist, sometimes only two or three years. Many serial killers and murders have been released from prison - when they clearly should not have been released - only to kill again. While - for example - a woman who has suffered violent abuse and defends herself can get 20 or 30 years. Or mothers falsely accused of killing their children get long sentences, while a murderer for gain and/or with sexual motives will get often get lesser sentences. Well we are going to have the death penalty anyway as the Antichrist will be given power to overcome the saints and many will lose their lives. Why make it any worse than it already is?
by: Ash
Posted on 2023-12-03 01:48:17
Dear Ash:
First of all, a massive extent of corruption is NOT new to these modern times. It was just as much a problem in the Old Testament. We read, "Manasseh shed innocent blood VERY MUCH, till he had FILLED Jerusalem from one end to another" (2 Kings 21:16).
Manasseh was the king of Judah. King. The highest legal authority in the land bloodied the nation with innocent blood. This is to say nothing of the innocent blood being shed among the gentiles. So, let's speak from facts, not assumptions.
The article clearly shows through Scripture that God requires the death penalty for capital crimes according to His Word. To say that God's decisions must be overridden is a most dangerous error. One which king Saul made one too many times. And he ended up being rejected by God. In the 15th chapter of 1 Samuel we read of God giving king Saul instructions: "To smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not, but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass." (1 Samuel 15:3). But what does Saul do? When he arrives, he assess the situation, and determines that God's decision is not a good one. Therefore, he "spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them..." (1 Samuel 15:9).
We learn that this is nothing short of rebellion. Yes. When we understand God's instructions, and still choose to hold to our assessment as better than God's, that is rebellion. Samuel told Saul, "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..." (1 Samuel 15:23). The Lord calls for the death penalty for first degree murder and other crimes of violence such as rape. His true servants do not argue and rebel against those instructions of His. This is why Jesus asked, "Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2023-12-05 02:07:07
Things are different now though in that we no longer have a king with absolute power - or at least for the time being we don't. I agree that the death penalty is appropriate for those who wilfully kill. The problem I have with it is the corruption in the court system which I believe likely means that perhaps as much as one-third of those found guilty of murder are innocent and I find it very difficult if not impossible to get behind that. We are coming to the end of this system of things though. Jesus did tell us that these times would be worse than any other. Christians will be killed when they do not bow down to the Antichrist and people - even believers - will help believe they are doing God will. It there in the Bible as clear as day. It is also clear that is not God's wrath which is something else that we are not appointed to. Yet so many Christians refuse to believe it. They prefer to believe that they are going to be raptured before the Tribulation. They seem to be very keen to teach that to others perhaps believing that the force of numbers can make it so. For the most part, they won't change their mind even when shown that there is no foundation in scripture for this belief and moreover it obviously contradicts what the Bible says. Then some say this is not important because of course it is, because people can lose their salvation over this. Some will believe they have been left behind. That is why Jesus gave us four parables in Matthew about the bridegroom or the master of the house taking a long time to return. There are so many who believe in a pre-tribulation rapture and for the most part they will not listen to sound doctrine which says otherwise. We should not be surprised as this was prophesied but it is somewhat upsetting that people who know what the Bible says still choose to believe something that so clearly contradicts scripture.
by: Ash
Posted on 2023-12-05 11:08:58
In reference to the death penalty, you say, "The problem I have with it..."
The gospel is NOT about your problem with something, or our problem with something, or anyone else's problem with something. Where has it not been made clear that we discuss SCRIPTURE as authority, NOT personal opinion? The article clearly showed through scripture that God requires the death penalty. If you want to disagree with God, that is your God-given right. We all have free will.
You continue to harp on the corruption of government, stating that things are different now. Did you not read our last response providing proof that innocent blood has ALWAYS been shed on a massive scale? Could not those people have said the same thing as you're saying? And, your comments would make someone think that God's servants made a mistake in sanctioning the death penalty. If that is the case, what other mistakes did they make while writing the Bible, and not considering "our" times? Do you see the serious problem with your reasoning? 1 Peter 1:25 says the word of the Lord endures FOREVER. But you say, it should not endure in this day and age. "FOREVER" means from Genesis to Revelation and into eternity. The times change, but God's Word endures forever. We did not make that up. It comes from the Bible in which you say you believe.
You can call the people who will murder Jesus' true disciples believers. But that is YOUR choice of words. The Bible does NOT call them believers. The scripture says they will THINK they do God service. THINKING you are a believer and BEING a believer are two entirely different things. Hitler THOUGHT he did God service as did so many other mass murderers.
Notice: Please stay on topic. This article is NOT about the rapture. It is about the death penalty. Furthermore, we do NOT teach pre-tribulation rapture. You have NOT read that anywhere on this site. Are you making assumptions?
Finally, you comment, "people who know what the Bible says still choose to believe something that so clearly contradicts scripture." You know the Bible calls for the death penalty, but you still choose to argue against the Bible in favor of your own stance against it. How are you any different?
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2023-12-07 00:24:02
Oh dear, why the flaming? I didn\t say I disagreed with the death penalty nor did I say you taught pre-tribulation rapture, I mentioned it as it seems to be a more pressing issue as so many are being deceived by this teaching which is so prevalent now. You sound as if you are angry and I hope you don\t talk to people like that in person. Talking to people that way - without love, kindness or patience - helps to give Christianity a bad name which is something we were clearly told NOT to do. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. (Romans 2:1-11)
by: Ash
Posted on 2023-12-07 00:54:46
Your words: "The problem I have with it is the corruption in the court system..." Does that not indicate disagreement? If not, what does it indicate?
No where in our response did we say you said we taught pre-tribulation. However, you DID bring it up, stating how it is deceiving people. Since the article is NOT about the rapture, why did you bring up the deception in that theory in the first place? This is why we asked you if had made an assumption.
And, you never answered the question as to why you continue to send us comments in which you do nothing but repeat your problem with the death penalty. Why is that? Now, do you accuse us of being rude, because we remind you that you can believe whatever you want? Do you call it anger, because we asked you why you feel the need to keep writing us to repeat what you've already said? Where is the anger in that?
Have you ever read in the Bible that once a truth has been presented to someone who continues to resist, that tone can change? And it is NOT against Christianity. Perhaps you've never read the following in the Bible:
"O FOOLISH Galatians..." (Galatians 3:1) - This is Paul telling the Christians how silly they are behaving. We guess you'd accuse him of not displaying Christian behavior. The questions we put to you are nothing compared to his words!
"Are ye so foolish?" (Galatians 3:3) - Again, the apostle can barely believe how foolishly believers are behaving. If you get understanding of the Scriptures, you will understand that love often takes a harsh tone. A truth many people reject.
"And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables" (St. John 2:15) - This is the Lord Jesus Himself who made a whip, and turned over table in the temple of God. Do you ask yourself if this sounds like the loving Lamb of God?
"But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers" (Matthew 3:7) - This is John the Baptist speaking to people coming to his baptism. Do you accuse him of being rude?
The list could continue. No one has been rude to you. You simply do not like our straightforwardness in which there is NO sin, according to God's Word. We simply asked you questions to which you still have not provided answers. And of course, you do not have to answer anything. The fact is that we have shown you kindness in continuing to post your repeated expression of the problem you have with the death penalty.
by: Heavenly Manna
Posted on 2023-12-10 19:46:26
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