KingdomView, Vol. III, Issue 15
Genesis 9: 5,6
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS A CONTROVERSIAL AND DIVISIVE SUBJECT. However, the Bible declares that God sanctions it (Genesis 9:5, 6). Some might be in disbelief right now and even declaring that God is a God of love, grace and mercy; and He most certainly is according to Psalm 89:14b:
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. NIV
Most Christians have a tendency to emphasize the love, mercy, and grace of God only. However, He is a God of righteousness and justice too. The righteousness and justice of God are just as significant as His love. God decries the shedding of innocent blood (Exodus 23:7; Numbers 35:33, 34). The historical pretext (Genesis 6-8) provides insight for the capital punishment injunction made by God.
God authorizes human governments to carry out capital punishment in Genesis 9:5, 6. The immediate context informs us about the wicked acts and evil intents of the hearts of humankind (Genesis 6:5); therefore, God would destroy the human race with the exception of eight souls (2 Peter 2:5) in the Flood (Genesis 7:10-12, 17-24). Noah and his family would repopulate the earth (Genesis 9:1). At this time, human governments will come into being and God would grant them power to execute capital punishment against those that would commit intentional murder of other human beings (Genesis 9:5, 6). Why would God do this? Genesis 9:6b tells us, because all men bear the image of God. Wayne Grudem writes, "The murder of another human being is therefore a kind of attack against God Himself, for it is an attack of His representative on earth . . . ." Now, let us transition to the New Testament and see what it says about this subject matter.
The apostle Paul says that the state [or government] has the power of the sword to carry out justice against wrongdoers (Romans 13: 4d). God (Romans 13:1, 2) grants this power to the state. John A. Witmer, in
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says, ". . . Governmental force, properly used, helps prevent tyranny and executes justice; it brings punishment on the wrongdoer." This statement would include the penalty of capital punishment for wrongdoers (read Romans 13:1-7). The apostle Peter weighs in on the role of government as it relates to wrongdoers.
For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right (1 Peter 2:13-14, NLT).