The New
Testament lays down the general principles of good government, but contains
no code of laws for the
punishment of offenders.
Punishment proceeds
on the principle that there is an eternal distinction between right and wrong, and that this distinction must be maintained for its own sake. It is not primarily intended for the reformation of criminals, nor for the purpose of deterring others from
sin. These results may be gained, but crime in itself demands punishment. (See
MURDER ; THEFT.)
Endless, of the impenitent and unbelieving. The rejection of this doctrine "cuts the ground from under the gospel...blots out the attribute of retributive
justice; transmutes sin into misfortune instead of guilt; turns all suffering into chastisement; converts the piacular work of
Christ into moral influence...The attempt to retain the evangelical theology in connection with it is futile" (Shedd).
I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
