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Originally Posted by Phage
I was trying to avoid this, but consider your position:
Romans 6:23 (New International Version)
"For the wages of sin is death..."
^ This is God laying out the original death penalty.
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Is it? OR is it claiming that because we are all sinful (original sin), we have earned eternal damnation. The second half of Romans 6:23 "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." When you take the whole verse in perspective, the message is clear. The death mentioned is the punishment given by God, not man. Man cannot sentence you to eternal damnation (unless you are a Reupblican...zing!).
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Originally Posted by Phage
Genesis 9:6
"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."
^ Since man was made in the image of God murdering them is an offense against God and requires the penalty of death, which you will note is expressly indicated be administered by man.
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Are you suggesting that capitol punishment is man acting as the hand of God?!
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Originally Posted by Phage
Romans 13:1-5
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
^ Obey the law!
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Where does that leave those who are discovered to be innocent who have been executed? Where does that leave all those Sadam killed? Whare does that leave all those who have been executed under an evil dictatorship?
Do you know what Paul meant when he wrote Romans 13:1-5? Well, I do.
At the time this letter was written, the Christians of Rome were being ruled by a non-Christian government. Christians were tempted to not submit (rebel) and claim allegience only to Christ. Paul was trying to prevent a rebelion, not suggest that the government is always right.