I get the unconditional love part. What I don't get is why people say god isn't against death penalty just because he didn't say anything about it. Hindi bat magdiriwang ang buong kalangitan para lang sa isang magbabagong buhay? Pano ka magbabagong buhay kung pinatay ka na?
You are right. There is no hope kung patay ka na. Well The nearest na pwede natin gamitin from the bible (only to those who believes in the authority of the bible):
1 Peter 2:13-17New International Version (NIV)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Sa old testament may mga nangyari din na the leader was commanded to go to war. Siguro naman when an army goes to war, there will definitely be deaths. It is not death penalty per se pero kinda similar. I may be wrong too.
Disclaimer:
This verse doesn't apply to those extra judiciary killings. Baka ma-misquote naman ako. Hehe!