I once had coffee with a guy who's a Christian youth leader, active in several ministries. The last thing we talked about was JUSTICE. The discussion was so heated that we stayed until the staff headed over to us and said "excuse me, store's closing."
But to this day, I still remember how strongly our beliefs are opposed. He also told me that he's a believer in the death penalty. How could this be? He's the most patient, kind, empathetic person I've ever come across. He doesn't just talk, he models Christ's love. And there he was, telling me that it's okay to kill people.
I am surprised that some Christians are in favor of the death penalty. Jesus came to forgive us our sins and to literally die for us. When people dragged the woman caught committing adultery, he said "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
Those who are in favor also have biblical basis for their notion.
Genesis 9:6 says, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." This is part of the larger covenant that God made with Noah after the flood. It not only reflects the great value of human life, but also gives the reason for that value: Man is made in God's image. The absolute language of Genesis 9:6 suggests that all those who kill another human being must be killed. And since this mandate was given long before the Mosaic Law to all who survived the flood, it apparently has universal application.
But I strongly believe that Jesus's death overrides that law. John 18:38-40 says:
“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising.
Jesus died for everyone, including Barabbas. He literally took Barabbas's place. And who exactly is Barabbas? What kind of crimes did he commit? The answer is in Luke 23:18-25
But the whole crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder.)
Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
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This settles my stand on whether taking away the life of a convicted criminal is justified. And I'm not saying that they be freed and released just like Barabbas. The victims still have to receive the justice they need and sin still has consequences. But there is grace. There should be redemption available for everyone.
While you're here, you might as well listen to this: I am Barabbas - Josiah Queen
As Bryan Stevenson emphasizes "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." All of us have sinned so no honey, don't even touch that stone.
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