Articles
Should We Pray for God to Punish Sinners
During last Wednesday’s Bible class, I asked a question that generated some interesting discussion. Nehemiah’s enemies had scoffed at the Jews’ effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. This led Nehemiah to ask God to send the mockers into captivity and leave their sins unforgiven (Neh. 4:4-5). My question was, “Is this prayer appropriate for us to pray in the New Testament?” After receiving several good answers from the class about our duty to love our enemies, I read some New Testament passages that complicate the issue. Afterward the matter felt unresolved to me and likely to the class as well, thus my desire to write this article.
To provide clarity on this topic, I’ll present two seemingly contradictory facts followed by some necessary conclusions that resolve the issue in a balanced way.
The New Testament commands mercy and forgiveness.
Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:43). Passages like this could be multiplied. We should desire everyone’s salvation, like God (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9), and forgive anyone who has wronged us (Mark 11:25). On the cross Jesus prayed for forgiveness on His murderers, as did Stephen while being stoned (Luke 23:34).
The New Testament condones praying for His justice and vengeance.
Paul wrote, “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you” (2 Thess. 1:6). In the apostle John’s vision, he saw souls of martyred saints under the altar who prayed, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev. 6:10). Jesus Himself taught, “Now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?” (Luke 18:7).
My Conclusions
There are at least three conclusions we can deduce from all of the above information. Without space to elaborate, I’ll state these truths concisely and let you mull them over.
First, the New Testament is not entirely different from the Old Testament that it contains prayers asking God to punish the wicked. Second, the New Testament emphasizes mercy toward our enemies far more emphatically than the Old Testament. Third, to pray for God to judge impenitent sinners is not inherently hateful. It is possible to love and forgive our enemies while also praying for God’s justice to be meted out to them.
Based on these truths, I believe God technically allows us today to ask Him to punish the wicked, like Nehemiah did. However, we must do so without hatred in our hearts and with the ultimate desire that they repent and get saved. Having said that, I believe we do even better to forego prayers of judgment and instead pray for God’s mercy on our enemies from the outset.
