As a result of Biblical teachings, we have the assumption that we should not delight in the death of someone whether we know then or not. However, in the case of serial killers, leaders of terrorist groups or dictators, are Christians allowed to be happy when they meet death?
Since the second generation of humans on earth, there has been murders throughout history. In the Bible, the very first killing happened when hatred occurred from Cain towards Abel, both sons of Adam. Ever since the beginning, death has been inescapable. We know that, in his own time, God will take every person away from Earth.In September of 2001, over 2,900 people were killed by a terrorist group. We do not know what everyone believed, but we can hope that they believed in God and are in heaven. Ten years later, Osama bin Laden was killed by American troops in Pakistan. At this news, people, including Christians, felt a form of happiness. Now, believers shouldn't rejoice that he or others are dead for the wrong reasons. The fact that has to be understood is that his time of grace is over and he has no more time to come to faith in Jesus. With the sadness at this fact should come an encouragement to spread God’s saving message to those who need it the most, including, but not limited to, serial killers, drug lords and other unbelievers. The question still remains if Christians are allowed to feel glad at the death of someone. Mr. Koepsell puts it in this way concerning bin Laden, “Happiness comes from not having a sword dangling over your head.” He later amends his statement and adds that happiness may not be the correct word to use in these cases, because that may imply vengeance, or the revenge that was wished upon someone has been completed. Instead words such as relief show that justice, or God's impartial judgement has been given to these people.
Now the topic has been about unbelievers who pose a serious threat to believers’ lives or faith. When a believer dies, Christian funerals are a time of mixed feelings as well. The pastor uses words to explain that this service is a time of seeking comfort and rejoicing that believers are in heaven, away from pain and suffering. Joy and relief are felt as believers are in heaven and are safe from more hurting on earth. Happiness is a not a feeling that is felt right away when a believer dies, but it is important to remember to be happy
It may sound like a confusing idea to be happy for someone's death, but in all cases, we submit to God’s will in the death of everyone. Not being fatalistic, or believing in karma, good luck or the law of averages, can be removed by the faith that God controls the eventual death of everyone. If he chooses to take people away, we should not be rejoicing that a “bad” person is dead, instead remember that another person’s time of grace has ended. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.” (Psalm 116:15) We are allowed to be happy when people die, but be sure it goes with what God says in his Word.
