The death penalty has been an issue that has divided this country for a long

time. It has divided families, friends, and even Christian brothers, and sisters.
The issue of whether or not death penalty is ethical, moral, or prescribed by
the Word of God has been a long standing question that has been heavily
debated especially among Christian circles.
Is death penalty really warranted under the Holy Scriptures and should
Christians support it?
According to Romans chapter 13
Rom 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For
there is no power but of God: the powers that be are
ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the
ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to
themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the
evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that
which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if
thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for hebeareth not
the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a
revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are
God's ministers, attending continually upon this very
thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom
tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom
fear; honour to whom honour.
KJV
It is clear that those who hold power are ordained of God. This is whether we
agree with their policies or not. God, as sovereign, has the power to ordain who
He would like to hold power. The mandate of the Bible is clear that we should
not resist such power, for if we do, we actually resist the ordinance of God.
The present policy goal of the current administration to reinstate the death
penalty is clear to bring back the death penalty in order to restore fear among
the evil doers in the populace. The imposition of the death penalty will be a
deterrent to crime. To argue whether it is moral or immoral is really just going
around in circles. There are jurisdictions that prove that the death penalty does
curtail crimes in as much as there are also abundant sources showing
otherwise.
The Word of God states that whatever penalty we impose, even death, the same
was a result of that person's own actions. Imposing the death penalty does not
bring upon the government the burden of guilt. It is the person himself who
did the wrong who caused his own damnation.
Rom 13:2
they that resist shall receive to themselves
damnation.
KJV

Rom 13:2
2 Therefore, whoever resists the authorities is resisting
what God has instituted; and those who resist will
bring judgment on themselves.
CJB
It is worthy to emphasize that the Bible teaches the principle of sowing and
reaping as exemplified in:
Romans 3:23 For the wages of sin is death...
Secondly, we need a government (authority) that is feared by everyone. The
authorities must be a terror upon those that do evil. As the Bible says:

Rom 13:3
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the
evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?
KJV

Rom 13:3
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.
Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?
NKJV

1 Peter 2:13-14
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the
Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by
him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise
of them that do well.
KJV

The Bible does not just speak of fear simply as being afraid; the bible refers to
reverential fear. A respect for authority, because such authority holds power.
We must have a government that acts as a terror to those who do evil, and a
strong ally of those who do good. Our government should not be limited in
exercising powers, especially to quench criminality. The government should not
be perceived hesitant to wield the sword, especially to those who do evil.
Thirdly, we need a justice system that is certain, enforceable, and executable.
The government should be presented of being able to make definitive decisions
 a government that truly represents the people, and takes care of its welfare.
We should erase the notion that only the elite have access to the law. We
should have a government that is ready to prosecute to the full extent of the
law, irrespective of a persons status, or position.

Rom 13:4
But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for hebeareth
not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a
revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
KJV

Rom 13:4-5
But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the
sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to
execute wrath on him who practices evil.
NKJV

Prov 20:26
26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the
wheel over them.
KJV
Finally, we need a justice system that offers reasonable, fair, just, and
equitable judgment. While we must work on ensuring that there is enough law
to cast fear, and to ensure that the government has enough elbowroom to wield
the sword, we must likewise make sure that our judicial system is fair and
just. The integrity of our justice system should be unquestionable. While lady
justice holds the balance blindly, we must work out that the appreciation of
evidence, and presentation of testimonies and witnesses are not rigged, paid or
manipulated. We must restore the nobility of our legal system through the
purging of our erring lawyers, judges, and justices. We must be mindful that
the word of God says that our justice system should bring to consideration
moral consciousness i.e, the recognition of good vs evil, right vs wrong.
Leviticus 19:15 says:
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt
not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the
person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou
judge thy neighbour.
Rom 13:5
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for
wrath, but also for conscience sake.
KJV

Rom 13:5
 5 Another reason to obey, besides fear of punishment,
is for the sake of conscience.
CJB
The death penalty is not tantamount to unwarranted, capricious, and arbitrary
taking of life. It is the sharpening of the sword so that it may instill reverential
fear, especially to those who do evil. The availability of the Death penalty,
coupled with an unquestionable justice system that would enforce judgments
with certainty, would bring about good that we all desire.