I have been saddened by some of the clergy men who have come out in opposition to the death penalty in regards to Saddam Hussein (and others). I wish they would read their Bibles! The Bible encourages governments to use the death penalty on worthy criminals. Even Jesus submitted to the death penalty at the hands of Pilate, showing Pilate that his power to crucify was from God (Read John 19:10-11).
Jesus taught the death penalty in Matthew 26:52, “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
The apostle Paul taught that the death penalty was a part of the duty of government in Romans 13:1-5, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
The first law of government given in the Bible is capital punishment. Genesis 9:6 states: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”
There are 26 reasons given in the law of Moses to Israel for the death penalty. They are listed here. That was God’s law!
Government is authorized to execute capital punishment, the church is not. Strange how some clergymen opposed to the death penalty by government belong to a religion whose inquisition killed millions of people who would not agree with their doctrine or bow to their leader.
Every human being on earth abides under a death sentence placed on us by a holy, just God. God has so decreed in His justice that “the wages of sin is death...” (See Romans 6:23). He believes in the death penalty! Be sure you become saved before you die (Read Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:9-13).
Saddam Hussein oversaw the torture, rape, and murder of over a million Iraqis. His atrocities are unspeakable. Study the Bible for yourself to see what a holy God says should be done to such a man.
