Capital Irony
Saddam is dead. His life finally snuffed out by the justice system of the nation he once ruled with an iron fist. The killer found himself the one being killed. Kind of ironic really...
It was reported that Saddam carried a Koran to the gallows. This indicates to me that he probably died in his sins, with his faith placed in a god that cannot save. If that was truly the case, the world can be assured that Saddam is getting true justice at this very moment. Vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Some Christians protest the death penalty, but I do not. I fully support capital punishment. I believe it is Biblical; a God given power of human government to be used for the punishment of those who do evil. All a Christian needs to do is study Romans 13 to see this is true.
I fully support what the government of Iraq did to their former dictator. However, as I watched the news coverage of the events in Iraq, and in the moments leading up to the time Saddam was being hanged; I couldn't help but to think of this man's eternal destiny. I realized that in all likelihood, the man would be spending eternity in Hell.
This same experience happens to me every time I know of an execution that is about to occur. I find myself glad that justice is being served, yet at the same time I find myself hoping and praying that the person repents and receives Christ as his savior so that he/she doesn't spend eternity in everlasting torment.
Many in the world will celebrate the death of this man today. Some will think that because they have not committed "crimes against humanity" they are somehow more just than Saddam Hussein. The fact is, all people deserve eternal punishment, not just those we look at as being evil incarnate such as Hitler or Saddam. Unless people repent and believe the Gospel, they will perish along side of the most evil men of history.
"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" - Luke 13:3
2 comments:
Rhett, this was a fine post. Convicting too. Most of the time...we say kill him, get rid of him...he deserves it....But, we all deserve it because we all are under the same condemnation against a Holy God.
Rhett, in this article you've maintained the proper balance. It's alright to want justice and at the same time to want the wicked to turn from his ways. I'm reminded of these verses: Eze 18:23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? saith the Lord Jehovah; and not rather that he should return from his way, and live? Eze 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live. Eze 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Capital Punishment would be better understood by people who are against it if they understood this balance you spoke of. Fred
Post a Comment