Whenever the news media carries a story about the execution of a criminal there is typically coverage of protest groups that assemble to voice opposition to the practice of capital punishment. This is true even in instances where the convicted criminals were found guilty of horrible and repeated offenses.
What is particularly surprising about these protests is that they are often conducted in the name of ‘religion.’ Representatives of various denominations will be present to argue that capital punishment is contrary to God’s will. We believe they are sadly mistaken.
Romans13:1-7 discusses the God-given role of civil governments. They are “ordained of God” for the purpose of “executing wrath upon him that doeth evil.” In this context it specifically states that “he beareth not the sword in vain” (vs. 4). No clearer reference to the act of execution could have been given by inspiration.
When the apostle Paul was defending himself against false charges he said: “If I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar” (Acts 25:11). His statement obviously implies that he (as an inspired apostle) understood and accepted the concept of capital punishment.
In light of these clear references, we wonder how any person can reject the concept of capital punishment on religious grounds.
– by Greg Gwin
