The New Covenant calls all of mankind to be just. So, the governments of the world need to be just in doling out punishment.
As I mentioned before, the term “sword” refers to police powers or to those who enforce taxation; it could be a designation for the civil guards or a symbol of judicial authority.The authorization of the death penalty today rests upon a biblical word whose meaning is in dispute among believers world-wide. The first thing to notice, Sibbie, here is that the death penalty is not explicitly mentioned in the 13th chapter.
Then why didn't Jesus Christ call for the the Samaritan Woman, in John 4, whom was guilty of adultery, to face the authorities? Jesus restored her and did not call for her to report to the governing authorities to be put to death. Do you know why?
It appears you haven't read carefully any of my posts. I stated quite clearly that the New Covenant clearly calls the moral sins of the Old, sins in the New. For example: you brought up stealing. Stealing is considered a sin in the New Covenant.
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Anger, for example, was considered a sin in the Old and the New.
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
The punishment is dfferent however under the New Covenant. For example-we do not ask for those who break the sabbath to submit to a death penalty.
No, re-read my first post. :dizzy:
I advocate a biblical approach--"He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." I believe punishment should be in order for those whom are "wrongdoers."
You believe the Old Covenant's laws, in regards, to the death penalty, is valid for today. Then why didn't the apostle Paul, tell the "sexually immoral," "idolaters," "adulterers," "male prostitutes," and "homosexual offenders"--all of which were capital offences in the Old Testament, to petition the government to make a law declaring the death penalty for capital crimes or least be righteous and to be willing to submit to the death penalty. Does fidelity to the truth mean anything to you?
