Over the past few years, there have been many forums held on capital punishment with most of the outcomes being against it or negative towards it.  Statements such as, "No civilized nation on earth can afford such a  travesty of injustice".  Meanwhile modern religious leaders have joined in with those opposing capital punishment in an attempt to have federal and  state governments to abolish it.  As a result the use of the death penalty in the United States has mostly been curtailed or abolished.  

Consequently, our nation has entered an era in which crime and criminal activity has increased at an alarming rate.  Psychologists cry that the criminal is made as a result of  his/her environment.  Thus, change the environment and you will change the individual.  The criminal is no longer responsible for his/her actions but society itself has to shoulder the blame.  All remedies seem to ignore or refuse to accept any of God's Word as a solution to problem. 

Our cities in the U.S. have become a war-zone with daily murders common and the value of human life cheap.  With violent criminals receiving a gentle slap on the wrist and a quick release our court system has become overwhelmed and cold-blooded murder is the order of the day.  After many years of criminal carnage it becomes clear that changing the environment of an individual does not solve the problem.  We must change the heart of criminals in order to stop their unlawful behavior, and only God's Word can do this. 

The Bible teaches that, "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man" (Genesis 9:6).  In Romans 12:1-7 of the New Testament the Bible reveals that, "For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil..."

Human Government was instituted by God and all people are commanded to support and obey this government as long as it does not conflict with God's Word.  It is for this reason that civilized nations have armies to serve and protect the best interest of its people.  Can you image what some crazed dictators would do if there were no opposing forces to protect  citizens.  However, there are many believers who object to capital punishment, mob control, and the right for a civilized nation to defend its interest by war.  It is ludicrous to think that a government can exist only as long as all its citizens voluntarily obey the law, but if they resist the government should be powerless to contest. 

In conclusion, the Bible teaches that, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is  fully set in them to do evil" (Ecclesiastes 8:11).