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This issue has been overcomplicated here. It really isn't that difficult to grasp. People who take the lives of others in a premeditated act simply do not deserve to continue living on this planet. By their own actions, they have forfeited the right to live.
There are crimes that are so heinous that the perpetrator simply shouldn't be allowed to live. He/she should face punishment that is fitting for the crime committed. While some people may be wringing their hands with tears steaming down their faces on behalf of some guy who raped and killed a young child, I would have no problem flipping the switch. Not only is such a person deserving of the judgment of mankind, they are deserving of God's judgment and will be on the receiving end of that, as well, unless they repent and seek forgiveness with an honest and submissive heart.

The silly references to what Jesus said about the "eye for an eye" issue are bogus. Jesus was not talking about judicial issues. He was talking about personal issues. We are not supposed to take justice in our own hands as individuals and seek retribution.
God will deal with it. Get it right, folks! Jesus never spoke against the courts of law (civil law).
Keep in mind that Jesus came to fulfill the Law (Old Testament), not to eliminate it, change it, etc. His words clarified it, they didn't contradict it. If you think he contradicted the "eye for an eye" scripture, you are misunderstanding his intent.
Some have suggested that since human justice can fail, and mistakes can be made, then there should be no death penalty, because an innocent person might die. No one wants that to happen and every precaution is taken to avoid it. That is why convicts live and appeal death sentences for decades sometimes. Multiple courts review and consider the facts. People are only executed when all attempts at proving their innocence have failed. There is really no other way it can be done.
The death penalty is the ultimate deterrent. One thing is certain...a murderer put to death will never murder again. That in itself is justification for the death penalty.

Learn more about this author, Rick Hobson.
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