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Why Capital Punishment, but not Abortion?

By Whit Sasser

Many feel that those who are anti-abortion and pro-capital punishment are grossly inconsistent. But is that true? An explanation is found in the matters of guilt or innocence and the "sword" of the government. First let us consider the matter of guilt or innocence. Does it make a difference whether a person is innocent or guilty, as to the justification of being put to death? The thief on the cross thought so (Luke 23:39-41). One of the seven things that are an abomination to God is the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:17).

On the other hand, there is a use of the sword in execution that is not vain. As the thief indicated, they were getting what they deserved because of their crime. Even the apostle Paul said, that death for a proven crime was acceptable in Acts 25:11. Romans 13:3-4 teaches that the civil government is executing wrath with a sword on evildoers as a minister of God. In other words, it is God's ordained place for them to punish, even capitally, the wrong-doer with a "sword" of vengeance. So, the slaughter of the innocents (abortion) is a thing God abhors, while the putting to death of criminals by the civil government, is not only permitted, it is one of their God-given purposes for existing.

Capital punishment is not forbidden by God in the commandment not to kill. It is similar to the issue of corporal punishment of children. Some see the spanking of a child as abusive and a violation of the instruction of God against striking another person. But, not so ! The same Bible that says one, says the other and there is no contradiction. And so it is with capital punishment...the Bible law against killing another is the condemnation of either, 1 ) putting to death the innocent, or 2) taking the law into your own hands and slaying even a guilty person. Both of these are murder, whereas the civil power's use of execution as a means of punishing a crime, is not.