My question is concerning two aspects of our court system in the United States. The first is that I feel that I would not feel right about being asked to participate on a jury in a death-penalty eligible case.  Wouldn't this be opposed to the teachings of Matthew 7:1-2, or is it okay when this is the law as established by our government?  And secondly, I would not feel comfortable "swearing in" as it seems to contradict what we are told in James 5:12.  Is this wrong, and if so, what happens if you refuse to be sworn in due to your religious beliefs?

Sincerely,
Jury Pool

Dear Jury Pool,

Let’s address the death penalty case first.  God has given the government the authority to issue capital punishment upon criminals.  God told Israel to stone wicked people in certain circumstances (Lev 20:27).  Paul says that God gives governments “the sword”; they are a minister of God and an avenger of wrath to those that do evil (Rom 13:4).  When you are a juror, you are functioning as a part of the government, and therefore, have every right to cast your vote accordingly.

The second part of your question deals with taking oaths and “swearing in” at a court hearing.  When James says not to swear (Jas 5:12), he is reiterating what Christ said (Matt 5:36-37).  These verses are addressing a specific problem with people swearing frivolous and only considering their words binding if they are part of an official oath.  The Pharisees and scribes had become experts at finding loopholes to avoid the responsibilities of keeping their word (Matt 23:16-22).  It isn’t the taking of an oath that is the problem – but when we consider an oath as different from a normal promise.  Even God took an oath (Heb 6:13).  The book of Hebrews uses oath-keeping as a positive example (Heb 6:16).  Paul called upon God as his witness (1 Cor 1:23).  Jesus responded immediately when asked to take an oath that He was the Christ (Matt 26:63-64).  Jesus’ teaching on oaths is that whether formal or informal, our ‘yes’ should be ‘yes’ (Matt 5:37).

The Bible says that Jesus said, "No one gets to the Father except through me", which I have been taught means if you don't believe God is the Father and Jesus is His Son, you don't/won't go to heaven.

My question is: does this mean that three quarters of the world's population (non-christians, Jews, Mormons, the Dalai Lama, etc.) who don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God aren't going to heaven?  It doesn't seem to me that the God I believe in would let this happen.

Sincerely,
Sympathy For The Masses

Dear Sympathy For The Masses,

The verse you are referring to is Jhn 14:6.  Here is a great example of a fork in the road for christians.  Will we take the Bible at face value and accept what God says, or will we ignore certain verses in order to mold God into an image that is more suitable for us?  You are absolutely right; there is no mistaking the implications of Jhn 14:6.  All that do not follow Christ will not be saved.  In fact, there are other verses that re-emphasize this message.  Jesus said that the way to salvation was narrow, and the way to destruction was wide (Matt 7:13).  He also says that many people will erroneously claim to have served God and will be turned away on the Judgment Day (Matt 7:22-23).

These verses do exclude large swaths of mankind from heaven.  However, if we believe the Bible to be God’s infallible Word (and we here at AYP do – read “Who Wrote The Bible” to see why we are so convinced), then we must accept that the same loving God who would send His own Son to die for our sins has a very good reason for being so picky about who goes to heaven.  Remember, God doesn’t condemn people to hell; it is our sinful choices that does that (Rom 6:23).  Jehovah offers us salvation through His Son, even though we deserve death (Jhn 3:16).

Should I study the Scriptures with people that do not believe in the Holy Trinity?

Sincerely,
Three Strikes You’re In

Dear Three Strikes You’re In,

We here at AYP will study with anyone that is willing to actually study.  Paul studied with idolaters (Acts 17:22-23).  John the Baptist studied with publicans and harlots (Matt 21:32).  Paul said he would study and preach to anyone who would listen (1 Cor 9:20-22).  The issue isn’t what they do or don’t understand – the issue is whether someone is humble and honest enough to learn (Lk 8:15).  Plant the seed of God’s Word in an honest and good heart, and it will grow into something great.

The only person you shouldn’t study with is the belligerent person too proud to listen to God’s Word.  Don’t throw your pearls before swine (Matt 7:6).  Don’t even give a false teacher a greeting (2 Jn 1:10).  You must decide whether someone is simply humble but mistaken or proud and hard-hearted.

My question is regarding the needy, specifically panhandlers and homeless folks, and our obligations per the Bible to help them.  Hebrews 13:2 says that we may be entertaining angels without knowing it.  Matthew 25:35-39 also sounds like it is encouraging helping those in need, but where do we draw the line?  Are we obligated to give to everyone with their hands out?

Sincerely,
Wallet Watcher

Dear Wallet Watcher,

Christians must always do what they can to help the poor (Pr 14:21), but they must also balance that with the importance of not supporting laziness (Pr 21:25).  This becomes a constant battle as christians interact with the homeless and panhandlers.

Matt 25:35-39 is not applicable in this issue because it is specifically dealing with needy brethren, but there are other verses that we should consider.  Pure and undefiled religion is to care for widows and the fatherless in their distress (Jas 1:27).  When we have pity on the poor, we are pleasing to God (Pr 19:17).  If we don’t listen to the cry of the poor, our prayers will be hindered (Pr 21:13).  God blesses those who care for the poor (Pr 28:27).  God puts immense emphasis on having compassion for those less fortunate.

God also tells us not to support someone who won’t work.  If someone won’t work, neither should they eat (2 Thess 3:10).  Someone who will not provide for his own is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8).  Some people are financially destitute because they simply will not work for a living (Pr 24:30-34).

When giving out money to help the poor, a christian must make sure that they are actually helping the people.  Some people (especially people in third-world countries) are willing to work but are unable to find work.  Other people are willing to work, but health problems keep them from doing so.  And yet others are working but aren’t able to make enough to sustain themselves.  In all of these circumstances it would be a wonderful thing to help someone financially.  Unfortunately, some panhandlers are simply vagrants that are wasting their money on alcohol and drugs and have chosen a lifestyle of poverty – in that case, you would be wrong to help support them. You must use wisdom to decide in each individual case whether you will give and how much you will give.

How do you think negative people can affect your life, and what should you do if someone you care about has become very negative?

Sincerely,
The Glass Is Half Full

Dear The Glass Is Half Full,

Bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor 15:33).  Depending on the intensity of someone’s bad attitude or behavior, you may need to distance yourself.  Christians are constantly trying to strike the balance between being lights to the world (Matt 5:14) and keeping themselves pure and undefiled from the world’s influences (Jas 1:27).  As long as we live on this planet, we will have trials (Jhn 16:33).  It is a precarious balancing act between being an influence and being corrupted by the world.  There is no exact answer to your problem; you must apply these principles yourself.  If you can influence this person for good, then do so.  If they are corrupting you and keeping you from being the best christian you can be, begin to distance yourself.  You may even deem it appropriate to tell the person why you are distancing yourself.  Maybe, just maybe, they will change if they are made aware of what their choices are costing them.