Two clients came into the gym and brought up this topic. Others in our discipleship group are wondering how Christians should respond. Now that it’s brought to my attention, as an “overseer” I have a responsibility to address it. We came across James 3:1 in discipleship group about “not many should become teachers.” Greater is the accountability to teach, lead, and equip. As much as I don’t want to spend the time on this, I have to. 

With that being said, I shared with you the speaker’s dilemma. It’s impossible to cover all angles in one article, especially when I’m typing this super fast, on my cell phone, with limited time between training sessions. It’s your job as a learner to listen to the heart of the message, seek further clarification through the Word & Spirit, and never take my word for it. Test and discern with Scripture and excuse any grammatical or punctuation errors! 

The Death Penalty and Most Importantly, Your Response To The Death Of An Evil Person

I step back at the thought of live streaming the death penalty. But I have to quickly walk out of feelings into truth. (Note: It’s been announced that there will now be no live streaming). 

Does God justify the death penalty? 

Yes. It’s the maximal allowable penalty for some situations. Notice, while it’s permissible for certain cases and individuals, doesn’t mean it always has to happen. (See below: Gen 9, Exodus 21, Deuteronomy 21, Lev 24, Numbers 35, Romans 13, Acts 25, 1 Peter 2).

Now we need to separate questions and confusion. Should it be live-streamed? While there can be an argument made for why it can, doesn’t necessarily mean it should. The claim for why it can be is to deter Muslim terrorists. Will it produce those results. Will it really deter? What are other unforeseen consequences? In fitness we always say just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. However, there isn’t a solid, absolute truth argument on why it shouldn’t be live-streamed. 

Therefore, as Christians who submit to God and His Word on the death penalty being allowed in some cases, and knowing that there isn’t an absolute truth argument on why it can’t be live streamed, means we can say that, “yes it can, but doesn’t mean it should, or shouldn’t.” It’s ok to have healthy discussions on whether it should or shouldn’t, rather than being forceful with one another on whether it can or cannot. And even if it can be and should be, doesn’t even mean that as Christians we should still watch it. 

This is why talking about current events from the pulpit is so important. It’s not about just politics, it’s about shepherding, equipping, and discipling believers on DEMEANOR, stances, and most importantly, how to carry ourselves. We must be sober-minded and respond, NOT react. 

Here’s an absolute NO for all true disciples…none of us should celebrate or cheer on the death of another, even if the human did evil things and the decision is justified in God’s eyes. We’re allowed to state facts like the person was evil and they deserve the punishment & earthly consequences handed down by governing authorities. That’s a major difference from acting like a savage who’s buying pay-per-view tickets to be entertained by a firing squad. 

We’re about to see some crazy immature or downright evil comments made from people. Unfortunately, also from self-proclaiming Christians. We cannot stoop to that level. Interestingly, we come across blessing and cursing in James Chapter 3:8-9: “but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”

And regarding the discussion on should it or should it not be live-streamed, we don’t need to force or fight for our stance either way. Ask questions. Seek to understand. Walk through scripture. Above all, LOVE. 

In summary…

Yes, the Bible is clear, the death penalty is allowable and permissible in some circumstances. 

Yes, there can be a case made by the state for why it can be live streamed. 

Even still, doesn’t mean it necessarily should be. 

However, biblical arguments can be made for both sides.

Regardless, no Christian should ever be gleeful about the death of another. While it may be factually justified by a Holy and Just God, and the state (Romans 13), and we stand in support, doesn’t mean we personally as individuals avenge or succumb to thoughtless, emotionless, and evil attitudes. We mourn for the innocent families, a fallen world, and those who haven’t surrendered to Jesus (Romans 12:19, Ezekiel 33:11). We continually pray for salvation for all people, even evil-doers. 

FOR FURTHER STUDY: 

Old Testament: God establishes capital punishment

Genesis 9:6 — The foundation

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (ESV)

Exodus 21:12–14 — Intentional murder

“Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.” (v. 12)

Leviticus 24:17 — Murder

“Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death.”

Numbers 35:30–31 — Evidence and justice

“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.”

New Testament: Government authority

Romans 13:1–4 —

“For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (v. 4)

Acts 25:10–11 — Paul acknowledges capital punishment

“If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death.” (v. 11)

1 Peter 2:13–14 — Government punishes evil

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.”

The Bible distinguishes role of individual vs role of state. An individual is not allowed to seek vengeance. The state is responsible for that and allowed. In the end, God always will. 

Genesis 9:6 

Exodus 21:12–14 

Leviticus 24:17 

Numbers 35:30–31 

Romans 13:1–4

Acts 25:10–11

1 Peter 2:13–14