THE RAPIER OF JUSTICE

Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man. Genesis 9:6

The chaotic violence that characterized the days of Noah was grievous unto the heart of God (Gen.6:11-13). After the Flood, God commanded the universal implementation of capital punishment “by man” (containing the germ of human civil government) to curb humanity’s murderous inclinations, which would serve as both a deterrent (Deut.13:11; 21:21) and as a statement of societal revulsion against the wanton destruction of that which was created in “the image of God”(Gen. 9:6). Like other measures associated with the Rainbow Covenant, the central issue involved the preservation and sanctity of human life.

The NT also recognizes that lawful civil magistrates do not bear the sword in vain (Rom.13:1-7; Acts 25:11). Throughout the centuries, even the heathen descendants of Noah instinctively recognized the justice and benefits of the provision—until the dawn of the “Enlightenment,” when Western infidel philosophers came to the realization that Biblical revelation was to be deemed “primitive” and “inhumane.” Apparently, Modern Man is more “ethical” and “loving” than God Himself!!! 

Romanism has solidified its support for the Enlightenment mindset with Pope Francis’ revisions to the Catechism, declaring capital punishment “inadmissible” (CCC 2267). Recently, Leo XIV further muddied the waters while expressing support for the nomination of pro-abortion Sen. Dick Durbin for a Catholic achievement award. In his off-the-cuff rationalizations, Leo redefined the Sanctity of Life ethic, claiming that support for capital punishment is as inconsistent with being “pro-Life” as abortion. Thus, the world’s largest nominal Christian body compares the lawful observance of God’s prescribed judicial mandate with the murdering of innocents.  

Christians cannot afford to be confused concerning basic Biblical ethics, given our calling to be salt and light (Matt.5:13-16)!

Terry L. Reese