Yesterday I got into a bit of an argument with some friends over the death penalty. We are all faithful Christians, but I am strongly in favor of the death penalty where they are not. They argued that it's not "merciful" and "you're taking away their right to life and ability to repent."
I argued back saying, "They gave up their right to life when they murdered/raped/kidnapped/etc. Did the criminal show mercy to their victim? The criminal took away the victim's right to life. Criminals on death row spend decades awaiting their sentence, there is more than enough time to repent, and if they refuse to repent on their deathbed then that's their decision. We can't 'force' them to believe when they don't want to. That's their free will choice. Justice must be served, not only in the next life but in this one as well. Justice must be served for the victims and their families. Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent."
They argued that because there have been instances where innocent people are falsely accused and put on death row, that therefore nobody should be put on death row. If we should go by that standard then we should abolish the justice and prison system entirely, because innocent people are put behind bars all the time (Jan. 6th prisoners), far more than they are put on death row. They also said putting someone to death is "too expensive." But giving them free meals and housing in prison for the rest of their lives isn't? And all on our dime?
Even the Bible has stated that it IS lawful for executions to be done against criminals: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Romans 13:4.
But I'm wondering what you all think of this? Was I right to advocate for capital punishment when it is appropriate for heinous crimes? In regards to the "elite" who have committed such acts of atrocity against humanity I believe it is well within humanity's right to enact justice on them, to the fullest extent of the law, and that includes capital punishment. Or should we be "the bigger man" and grant them mercy where they wouldn't for us?
TL;DR
Got in an argument with friends about the death penalty. I said it should definitely be allowed when appropriate for heinous crimes. They said it's not "merciful." Should it be allowed or not?
Jesus said it best. We don’t know His sheep. There are followers of Christ that can make that decision if a person requires a death penalty or not. If a person is conflicted, no matter the situation, then they are not suited for this job. And it’s stated in the Bible, once you’re in the Fathers hand, you cannot be removed. So the “executioner” can be forgiven, esp if they are a child of God. Doesn’t mean he couldn’t try and get the soon to be executed saved before hand. There is God’s justice and the worlds justice. Sins and greater sins. Just because you get saved and forgiven, doesn’t mean you escape the worlds justice. And a person in this position should understand this. If they truely believe God’s word. For the rest of those who cannot be apart of something like the death penalty, don’t need to be. And shouldn’t be. They don’t have to like it. But it’s what happens. I used to be different. I was the one who wanted to make them suffer. Spend weeks killing them for what they’ve done. But today, I feel different. I completely understand why the death penalty exists. Some people cannot live along side the rest of us. But can I pull the trigger nowadays? I don’t know. I want to say yes. But I don’t want to. But, I know in my position, Jesus will help me. He’ll send along a fellow sheep who can. And he’ll make his peace afterwards. And he’ll understand my position. And together we’ll continue to walk with Christ. Brothers.