Question 39 – Why did God command the death penalty?

Another controversial topic we will briefly address is the institution of the death penalty found in the Old Testament. This practice was part of the covenant with Israel and was commanded by God Himself. For many humanists, the death penalty is a violation of a fundamental human right—the right to life. Even among Christians, there are disagreements: some oppose it, others hesitate, and some advocate for it. There are numerous arguments on both sides, and both perspectives have valid points. Here, however, we will not discuss the death penalty in general, but only the Old Testament practice among the Israelite nation.

The Old Testament mandated the death penalty for several different offenses. Some of these are "understandable" for many, while others are less comprehensible to today's society. Let us illustrate this with a few specific examples:

• Murder (e.g., Exodus 21:12)
• Kidnapping (Exodus 21:16)
• Sexual relations with an animal (Exodus 22:19)
• Adultery/unfaithfulness (Leviticus 20:10)
• Practiced homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13)
• A false prophet leading people away from faith in God (Deuteronomy 13:6)
• Physical assault or cursing of parents by children (Exodus 21:15, 17), and so on.

I am conscious that, especially in today's society, characterized by very relaxed morals, these penalties can sound very harsh and shocking. To the modern human perspective, they seem "intolerant", and it is no wonder. Many of these transgressions are supported or tolerated by us. In this respect, the Bible clearly says NO to our attitudes and behavior. Therefore, if we do not want to acknowledge our mistakes, we must loudly disagree with God. I will try to respond to this area and attempt to understand God's actions. I will do so again through several different reflections.

1) The Death Penalty No Longer Applies

First and foremost, I want to emphasize an important point—the death penalty was part of a covenant with a specific nation at a specific historical time. With the advent of Jesus and the new covenant, these provisions are no longer valid or required by God. Thus, the claim that the Bible commands the death penalty and, therefore, should not be taken literally is unfounded and removed from its theological context.

2) We Are All Condemned

No matter how dreadful the death penalty seems to us (myself included), the Bible is uncompromising in this area. One of the universal spiritual laws states: 

"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)

In reality, we are all condemned before God—without exception. Each of us has a very long record that testifies against us. We transgress against God, life, and other people in various ways daily, either by doing wrong or failing to do what we should do. In contrast to God's holiness and perfection, none of us will stand. A judgment has been declared over each of us (though it will not be executed as demanded by the Old Testament for the Israelites). We face physical death (one day we will perish with age) and spiritual death—a separation from the source of life—God Himself. However, He does not want this punishment to be carried out. He even lowered Himself to pay the ransom for us—a ransom paid with His own blood.

The above-quoted verse continues: 

"but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"

So, God is indeed a very strict and uncompromising judge. This is the reality of the biblical message that many dislike. But that is not the end. He is also merciful and loving. Therefore, He is willing to forgive our debts and erase the record that testifies against us. Therefore, the Bible tells Christians this:

"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." (Colossians 2:13–14)

3) The Integrity of God's People

Practical experience, not only among Christians, shows how detrimental an individual's behavior can be to an entire group. This can be expressed through several examples. A little yeast leavens the whole batch, a small spark ignites a great fire, and cancer, too, begins with the malignant growth of just a few cells. In the moral and spiritual realm, it is no different. The saying "bad company corrupts good character" applies here and may be the main answer to our pressing question.

It is important to realize who Israel was meant to be. These people had the living God in their midst, with all the wonderful advantages, as well as risks, that this entailed. Through them, God intended to bring His Messiah into the world and wanted to show the world who He is through them. Therefore, it was crucial for Israel to maintain moral purity and that the quality of their lives excelled in comparison to the surrounding nations. Perhaps this is why God established such strict rules. Had He not done so, Israel would have quickly "leavened," thereby disrupting God's plan. This fact is illustrated by God in certain places in the Bible by adding, after such a command for punishment, "You shall purge the evil from your midst." This, in my opinion, was the main motive for such a severe penalty.

4) The Seriousness of Guilt

God gave severe penalties to demonstrate the great seriousness of human sin among other reasons. Today's society considers the word "offense" almost fashionable, even trivial. Yet God takes it very seriously and, through all this, shows us that He will not overlook it. Certainly, the manner and timing of His response will differ. But in the final analysis, there will be no difference between someone who was stoned for rape 3,000 years ago and someone who evades punishment for rape in our time, and dies in old age. Both, from God's perspective, deserve punishment. Both will also receive it (the first sooner, the second later).

5) God's View on Morality and Ethics

I have already mentioned the question of significantly shifted moral boundaries in modern society. However, it must also be addressed in the context of this answer. God's standards of what is wholesome and what is not have been significantly shifted, and in some cases destroyed, by today's society. This does not change the fact that God insists on His standards. No matter how society votes that a certain behavior is moral, if it is abhorrent to God, it will be worthy of condemnation. Our disagreement will achieve nothing in this respect.

6) God's Right Over Life

As previously mentioned, God gave us life and also has the right to take it back. Whether we like it or not, He is the one who sets the rules of the game. We can only be thankful that He has temporarily relaxed these rules to preserve our freedom of choice. Otherwise, we might not be here at all.

Summation

The institution of the death penalty, as practiced by the ancient Israelite nation, signifies just how seriously God takes human sin. Moreover, it reveals how much He cared about maintaining the moral purity of His chosen people, through whom the Messiah, who saves all nations, was to come.