Rest and Reflect

Why punishment is an ineffectual means of rehabilitation November 4, 2012

Ideas from Dr Tim Jenning’s Sabbath School Lesson 6, Q4, 2012

http://comeandreason.com/index.php/bible-study-class1/2012/4th-quarter-growing-in-christ

Under scrutiny we do not commit offence

Because we have fear of punishment

But it does not lead to heart transformation

When no longer scritinised, offenders almost universally re-offend

A sick drug addict who is about to die of an embolus – does he want to see the judge, or the doctor?

The woman caught in adultery – the first thing Jesus said to her:

“Where are your accusers?”

In other words, Jesus the rabbi, in ordinary circumstances would be seen as the accuser/judge; but Jesus is implying – “I do not accuse you”

Later he says it explicitly, “I don’t condemn you.”

Paul Heubach said – Human justice is fit for the crime; God’s justice is fit for the criminal