rumitoid

To forgive someone of murder does not necessarily mean to vacate their sentence of death, even if that person has sincerely made amends to the best of their ability. There are consequences for such heinous acts. Why not say "'Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man." Genesis 9:6, NLT: "If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands." The Noahic Covenant is the beginning of the death penalty for grievous harm. Almost the whole world was on the chopping block and most succumbed. "Vengence is mine," saith the Lord. And on that note what the Bible previously said: " For in the image of God he made man," which suggests we are charged by that image to produce his "vengeance" on these violators. But what of the New Testament?

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. (Matthew5:38-40)

Two things. 1) When Israel ceased to exist as a nation, its Law was nullified. Or are you stoning to death your rebellious children and burning a daughter alive for sex? The Jews in that era created 613 laws, which no person could possibly adhere to...until Christ. This is when the definition and means of following the Law changed. It was no longer by effort and intent but by spirit and grace.

2) Christ's death on the cross ended the requirement for blood recompense and blood sacrifice. The sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, replaced the sacrifice of animals. His death also made it unnecessary to execute murderers to maintain human dignity and value because the crucifixion forever established human value. Hebrews 9:14 says, "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"

3) Christ's teaching emphasizes forgiveness and willingness to suffer evil rather than resist it by force. This may not be definitive on the issue of the state's authority to execute, but it does demonstrate a different approach to responding to evil than that established on Mt. Sinai. Christ's example in not demanding death for the adulteress supports this argument (John 8).

But I feel the question is still open and more arguments for either side of the issue are possible.

Canuckus Deploracus Loc: North of the wall

Old Testament concerned governing systems...

New Testament was about a personal system...

We as individuals should forgive those who trespass against us... We as a society should condemn and protect from their actions...

Capital punishment isn't a sin... Unless the individuals carrying it out are personally?involved with the guilty party...

rumitoid

Sound argument.