Over the past several decades our criminal justice system has become more and more lenient with criminals. We have increased the excuses we make for people who commit crimes and decreased the punishments for convicts. Exodus 21 illustrates the God of the Bible has always valued justice and punishment. When Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He took them to Mt. Sinai and gave them a criminal justice system that included clear rules and some harsh punishments. For us, Romans 13:4 tells us today’s governing authorities are ministers of God and avengers who bring wrath on evil-doers. This teaches us convicted criminals in our society should be punished for their crimes. Learn more in the following video:
Rom. 13:3-4 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.”