What follows is a letter to Christians regarding the death penalty,
from Dennis Skillicorn
 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many proponents of the death penalty base their position on Biblical precepts of an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth or hand for hand. This so-called law of retaliation as its context shows was meant to limit the punishment to fit the crime. By invoking the law of love, Jesus, our perfect example, corrected the popular misunderstanding of the law of retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42.

What is written in Leviticus 24:20 represents a statement of principle. This is not a literal verse. An actual eye for an eye was not required, nor is there any documentation to support that this practice was ever actually exacted. The purpose was to ensure that the punishment did not exceed the crime, a fact that can hardly be possible today.

There are many people placed on death row who truthfully have not killed anyone. The arbitrary and capricious factor allows for only 1 in 100 convicted of first degree murder to be placed on death row, proving to the objective mind that there must be a defect in the "fair and impartial" process by which we select our punishments.

We are now under Grace in the period of restoration. Seeking revenge is harmful and causes an endless cycle. In days of old, Sampson said, "As they did unto me, so I have done unto them."

Under the law of Grace, we are clearly to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. The revenge cycle is like a boomerang that cannot be thrown without cost to the thrower. The cycle can only be broken by forgiveness. We must rise above revenge and examine our motives. Are we trying to please men, or God? Gal. 1:10.

All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but the Lord weighs the heart. Prov. 21:2. People can find an excuse for doing anything, but God looks behind the excuse to the motives. We often have to make difficult decisions in all areas of our lives. Right decisions are hard to discern. We can help ourselves make such decisions by trying to identify our motives first, then asking "Would God be pleased with my real reasons for doing this?"

Jesus prayed before making decisions. So should we.

Take a stand for what is right. Esther 3-4. A doctrine of forgiveness is the very foundation of all we hope for, in that God demonstrated His love for each and every one of us by sending His son to die for us - the ultimate example of forgiveness. And He did so even though each and every one of us is guilty.

God takes no pleasure from the death of the wicked. A time of personal reflection and prayerful repentance brings Salvation and leaves no regret. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Jesus died so we could all be forgiven. Col. 3:13, Eph. 4:32, Heb. 9:22.

If we must apply by example what we see in the Old Testament, research will show that this same law of retaliation was recognized and evaluated by the code of Hammurapi. They never literally applied this practice. Like Christ, the middle of the road Pharisees (School of Hillel) objected to the extremist use of this judicial principle to excuse their private vengeance.

These extremists were known as School of Shammai. This sect of people interpreted the verse in Leviticus 19:18 where it clearly states "Do not take revenge" as meaning we should hate our enemies.

We need to send a message to all mankind – and especially to our young people - that there is an absolute policy when it comes to human life. Hate, in any respect, should not be tolerated or acceptable.

For as we learned in 1 John 3:15, those who hate are nothing more than murderers themselves.

And remember, let us in love, leave revenge to God. Rom. 12:19.

As for deterrents, it is clear that the application of the death penalty does not in any way deter violent crime. In fact, in states where the death penalty is applied, we see an increased, as opposed to a decrease, in violent  crime. Across the world, countries that have done away with the death penalty have seen a resulting decrease in violent crime.

When we look to deterrents for the sake of protecting society, harsher sentencing laws, as well as the level of security provided by corrections departments, ensure that placing a person in confinement more than meets the need.

It is time that we step away from the intellectual exercise of this issue and do a bit of soul searching as to the true desires of the heart. Where is the emotional aspect? What motivates our choice in any and all pro life or pro death positions?

Today, we have sound doctrine available in Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Rom. 13:9, Gal. 5:14, James 22:8, etc. We are not lacking in divine guidance. However, we must learn to apply these teachings in order to know the real freedom of God’s truth revealed. John 8:31-36.

The Word does, indeed, tell us to submit to authorities. It also says, that when the civil rulers overstep their proper function, the Christian is to obey God, rather than man. Acts 4:19, 5:29.

With the evidence of two kinds of wisdom - one worldly, the other from God – who among you is wise and understanding? When we place political ambition and denying the truth over human life, we will find disorder and every evil practice.

A wisdom that comes from Heaven, however, is first of all pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. James 2:13-17. Many people are secure in their attempts to wipe out every trace of God from traditions in our society and subjects taught in our schools. Don’t be discouraged, for they cannot eliminate His presence in the lives of believers. Psalms 4:1-23.

Scripture provides overwhelming proof of God’s desire. One only has to open the Word and the heart. Meditate with the briefest of reflection. Rest assured God’s Word, along with the Holy Spirit of promise will keep your way pure, prevent sin against Him and bless us with prosperity. Psalms 119:9-11, Joshua 1:8-9.

Oh, God, may the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of Your arm, preserve those condemned to die. Psalms 79:11.

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you, yourselves were suffering. Heb. 13:3.

When you see the least of the brethren, you see me. Those in need, those that are sick, those that are in prison. Matthew 25:31-46.

I urge you to test the spirits prayerfully and follow your heart. However God may lead you, share what you have read in this letter and remember, all you find within His will shall be yours.

Always in His service, in Jesus’ name,

 Dennis Skillicorn CP123
Potosi Correctional Center 5B-37
Rt. 2 Box 2222
Mineral Point, Mo. 63660

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