WHAT WOULD JESUS DO ABOUT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT?

Isaiah 55:6-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

I was in line in my truck. Two vehicles in front of me was a van with a bumper sticker that read "THE DEATH PENALTY: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?" The people who stuck the bumper sticker on their vehicle think Jesus would be against the death penalty. I know that because another sticker on their van read "THE DEATH PENALTY IS A HATE CRIME". Both bumper stickers are incorrect as we will prove, Lord willing, from the Word of God in this message.

Whenever one presumes to speak for God there are two main possibilities. They can be wrong. Just because you think a certain way does not assure that God thinks the same way. The Scriptures tell us as much in Isaiah 55.

Deuteronomy 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Or when a person speaks for God they can be right. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Read I Cor. 2.

I. THERE ARE SOME DEEPER ISSUES

1. Physical death isn't the end.

Heb. 9:26-28 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

2. Jesus originated the death penalty

Gn. 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man (cf. Gn. 1:1, Jn. 1:1-3, 14)

3. Are you willing to accept His Word on any subject? (Mt. 7:21-29)

II. A MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE - JOHN 8

1. Jesus knew their hypocrisy [v. 1-9]

2. Jesus dealt with her sin [v. 10-11]

3. Jesus was physically present for that occurrence [v. 12-17, 31, 47]

III. SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCES

1. Jesus didn't argue the death penalty was wrong [Lk. 23:39-43]

2. Jesus' ardent follower said the death penalty was divinely ordained [Rm. 13:1-6]

3. Punishment for sin isn't hate, the opposite is [ Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.]

God loves us to much to let us continue in sin. He has dealt with the sin problem. Anyone who loves will deal with the sin. Paris Hilton's parents have shown a lack of love.