Since the verdict and sentencing of Timothy McVeigh, the debate over capital punishment has reached a fever pitch. Psychologists and sociologists are shaming us for wanting vengeance. They remind us that we are no better than the murderers if we in turn take a life by lethal injection or electrocution. Some attorneys will tell us that the punishment is "cruel and unusual," and that there have been some innocent subjects executed wrongfully. Admittedly, we should not seek vengeance; "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12:19). Nor should we shrug off the execution of the guiltless. But these arguments miss the point championed by the Bible, God's Word on this, and all subjects.
Capital punishment is a divine institution, and God tells us why He instituted it. In Genesis 9:6 He says, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." The why is not for us to get vengeance, to deter crime, or any other similar reason. It is that God may be avenged for the personal affront given Him when one in His image was slain. God took that crime personally and would have satisfaction for it.
Provision was made later in the Old Testament for accidental homicide. "Cities of refuge" were designated to which a manslayer could flee from the "avenger of blood", usually a relative seeking a "life for a life" on behalf of the victim. Even though the crime was not premeditated, if the perpetrator ever left the safety of the city of refuge, he was fair game for the avenger of blood. That is how seriously God takes the slaying of a victim created in His image.
Human government is a divine institution. Today, the replacement for the "avenger of blood" is properly instituted human government acting according to law. "For he [the ruler] is not a terror to good works, but to the evil. 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). Note first that this is New Testament truth governing this dispensation of grace after Christ taught us to love our enemies. Note also that the sword is not a tooth pick nor nail cleaner; it is an instrument of death! And note finally that this revenger serves on God's behalf to render the divinely ordained punishment for evil.
Even the most
ardent opponents of capital punishment were riled when John
Kennedy was assassinated. They might even execute a "cop
killer". But you see, that position is taken because
somebody was killed, not because somebody was killed. Everybody
is somebody created in God's image. When any ol' somebody, or
even a nobody, is killed, God says the killer should pay for his
crime with his own life. God will be satisfied with no less. And
if you think your mercy outweighs God's mercy, think on this: "It
is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22).