CadyandZoe
Well-Known Member
Here is where I would start.
Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.
The verse above remains the justification for capital punishment. Later, we learn that God draws a distinction between personal vengeance, which he hates, and justice practiced by the state, which he approves.
Romans 12:19
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
The vengeance of God is not arbitrary or excessive. The vengeance of God is measured, slow, deliberate, restrained, limited and etc.
Romans 13:3-4
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
God says the vengeance is his to repay. And he has chosen to repay his vengeance through the state, who acts as his minister, bringing wrath one the one who practices evil. Thus, the role of the state is to reward the good and punish the evil. Whoever sheds man's blood, by the state his blood shall be shed. But only after a fair trial, where all the evidence is presented and only on the word of two or three witnesses.
Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.
The verse above remains the justification for capital punishment. Later, we learn that God draws a distinction between personal vengeance, which he hates, and justice practiced by the state, which he approves.
Romans 12:19
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
The vengeance of God is not arbitrary or excessive. The vengeance of God is measured, slow, deliberate, restrained, limited and etc.
Romans 13:3-4
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
God says the vengeance is his to repay. And he has chosen to repay his vengeance through the state, who acts as his minister, bringing wrath one the one who practices evil. Thus, the role of the state is to reward the good and punish the evil. Whoever sheds man's blood, by the state his blood shall be shed. But only after a fair trial, where all the evidence is presented and only on the word of two or three witnesses.