THE 6th COMMANDMENT, WAR, or the GOSPEL
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT AND WAR
[In the following study I wish to address from the Biblical perspective what God has to say about this commandment and the duties of the police and the soldier.
INDEX:
- THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT,
PRE-LAW,
UNDER THE LAW
-THE POLICE
-THE SOLDIER
-WHAT ABOUT THE BLOOD OF WAR?
-SUMMARY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT REGARDING THE TAKING OF A HUMAN LIFE
-THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE TAKING OF A HUMAN LIFE
-WHAT ABOUT ABORTION, EUTHANASIA, AND SUICIDE...?
-WHAT ABOUT REMOVING LIFE SUPPORT?
-ADVISE FOR CHRISTIANS AND TAKING UP ARMS FOR WAR
-THE GOSPEL WORK VS NATURAL CONFLICT
-CONCLUSION
“THOU SHALL NOT KILL.” Exodus 20:13
This is the sixth commandment, and as with all
the commandments it is timeless, borderless, leaving none exempt, and stands as a fearsome sentinel against one of the most grievous acts of human folly - taking the life of another human being. Let us take a look at how the Lord addresses it in His Word from both the Old and the New Testaments.
PRE LAW
Pre Law is the period from Creation until Moses and the Ten Commandments. The first recorded murder in the Bible was when Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy. He was cursed of God and driven from His Presence because of it. Genesis 4:1-15
AFTER THE FLOOD -
God brought on the flood to destroy all life because of the violence that plagued the earth, giving us a picture of how God views violence. When the Lord released Noah and all the animals into the "New World" following the Flood, He left this command and warning: "And surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, FOR IN THE IMAGE OF GOD HE MADE YOU." Genesis 9:8-9 NAS
From this passage we see some very serious ordinances:
1 - God has placed the death penalty on whoever or whatever kills a man
2 - He has required man to avenge murder/shedding "innocent blood"
"So you shall not pollute the land where you are: for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it." Numbers 35:33
3 - This is clearly no allowance for random revenge killing, but specifically the execution of the murderer. This also indicates that it is solely the judgment of God and not an entitlement for man and his judgments, or his desire for revenge "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord.'" Romans 12:19 NAS
4 - Here He declares the reason: man was created in God's image and likeness, therefore human life is sacred. Consequently, killing a person is an affront to God our Creator and absolutely not our right
5 - This verdict also clearly and absolutely sets the status and value of man far above and apart from all other living creatures
UNDER THE LAW
THE TOLERANCES - "He that strikes a man so that he dies, shall be surely put to death. And if a man lie not in wait, but God delivers him into his hand, then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. But if a man comes presumptuously upon his neighbor to slay him with guile, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die." Exodus 21:12-14
Under the Laws of God, He made a separation between the two types of killing, intentional or unintentional. For the unintentional there were cities of refuge where a person who killed someone unintentionally could flee from the avenger of blood (they had no police force in that day), take refuge until he be put on trial to determine his guilt or innocence. If he was innocent, the avenger of blood could not touch him as long as he remained in the city until the death of the high priest at that time, then he could go free. Numbers 35:9-34, Deuteronomy 19:1-13 It would appear that the law of God required the blood of anyone who shed the blood of a man, but He carefully made provision for those who may have killed unintentionally; however, the seriousness of such an act and the high value and cost of a human life is clearly set out by these laws. For instance, if a person has an animal that he knows is dangerous and has been known to attack people, if it kills someone, it is put to death and the owner is charged with murder Exodus 21:29. Also if a person builds a house but does not put a required safety buffer on it and someone falls and dies, the owner will be guilty of blood Deuteronomy 22:8.
Under the Law - Furthermore it is necessary to point out that under the LAW of God , there was no atoning sacrifice possible for this sin. And as already stated, no animal sacrifice could atone for any of the first seven sins. Violators were all subject to the death penalty.
THE FANTASTIC NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST = "And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts 13:39
THE SOLDIER AND THE POLICE - "...I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Luke 7:9 This recognition and acknowledgement that Jesus gave was to an occupying soldier.
In an ideal situation these two roles have a very practical and critical function in every society according to the provision of God Almighty as long as the human race has people who intend to harm others.
THE POLICE - "For he is the minister (servant) of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he bears not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil." Romans 13:4 In this passage the reference is regarding the equivalent of police for their times. The weapon they carry is not only to prevent evil but a tool provided by God for that very purpose, with God actually calling them (the police) His servants.The police force is designed to protect the local citizens from those who would steal, kill, and destroy (which are attributes of the devil John 10:10), and to help keep the order within the community.
THE SOLDIER - On a national level, the military is a sort of national police force with the primary function to protect the nation from outside attacks and to provide assistance if and where needed against threats. "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him saying, 'And what shall we do?' And he said unto them, 'Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages.'" Luke 3:14. In this passage, John the Baptist, when asked by the soldiers regarding what God expected of them, he clearly let them know that they were not to use their position to take advantage of people. Obviously they had a valid responsibility before God since He in no way denounced their service, but rather expected them to carry out their duties responsibly and with integrity.
WHAT ABOUT "THE BLOOD OF WAR"?
On one hand the Lord gives us the commandment "Thou shalt not kill.", and yet He mobilized armies, and not just Israel's. In the Bible there are a few reasons for war (He promises to put an end to war one day):
1 - In the case of self defense, when a nation invades another nation.
2 - To reclaim territory that was taken or overrun.
3 - To execute God's judgments on a nation or nations. God even called Nebuchadnezzar His servant who carried out His judgments against the nations in his day. The book of Ezekiel covers this extensively. We have no idea how seriously God takes our lawless behaviors.
During the reign of King David we learn the expression "The Blood of War" 1 Kings 2:5. The Ten Commandments were given to and through the nation of Israel and yet God sent them out to war initially to carry out His judgments on the wickedness of the nations of Canaan and then give them that land as an inheritance, but only when the cup of iniquity of the Amorites was full Genesis 15:16. Never did God ever send them out to merely conquer, pillage, and plunder. Anytime after this period when they went to war it was in self defense and or reclaiming territory, or subduing oppressive threats. Now King Saul was sent by God to avenge the Amalekites 1 Samuel 15. An interesting point of observation was that King David was not allowed by God to build the Temple because he had shed much blood. David indeed was a man of war and constantly faced much opposition from every side until he subdued all Israel's enemies; however, according to God, it had been excessive, especially with regards to the divine call to build a permanent dwelling for His name among the people of Israel. "But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars: you shall not build a house unto My name, because you have shed much blood upon the earth in My sight.'" 1 Chronicles 22:8
King David also charged Joab, his general, with the shedding the blood of war in a time of peace by killing two opposing generals after the wars were over, Abner and Amasa. Consequently he charged him with murder and had his son Solomon have him executed.2 Kings 2:5-6 Joab was David's nephew.
SUMMARY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT REGARDING THE TAKING OF A HUMAN LIFE
- In the Old Testament, God clearly lays out the sacredness of human life and the severity of the sin of murder (shedding innocent blood). He, on the other hand, commissioned them to execute the death penalty on those who have broken certain laws and thereby executing His judgments. These were not a right, it was a duty. He also made provision for those going to war. In most cases it is not regarded the same as murder.
THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE TAKING OF HUMAN LIFE -
"Whoso hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15
In God's eyes, even hating your brother is equivalent to murder. Although we are not under the Law of Moses for our salvation but in the covenant of Grace through our Lord Jesus Christ wherein the righteous principles of the Law are and were fulfilled in Christ. And as we abide in the leading of the Holy Spirit they will not be violated. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:4.
In Christ Jesus we are under the commandment of faith and Love, and love does not harm his neighbor. "For this, 'Thou, shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet.' and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:9-10
Under the New Testament the issues go much deeper than the outward acts. God is considering the intentions of the heart. What this is saying is that we can be a murderer in God's eyes, yet without killing anyone. No, that doesn't mean that you may just as well do it. You can repent of your attitude, but you cannot bring a life back, and, "... one sinner destroys much good." Ecclesiastes 9:18 Untold damage is done by a single sinful act.
WHAT ABOUT ABORTION, EUTHANASIA, SUICIDE...?
From the Scriptures, the shedding of blood, (the taking the life of an innocent human being) is the sin of murder before God in the New Testament as well as the Old. Grace is NOT an allowance for defying or breaking His laws. God is infinitely understanding and gracious and is not out to condemn any. He knows the heart and mind of every person and judges righteously. Jesus Christ His Son has provided forgiveness and redemption for all who confess, repent, and trust Him, though His Blood that He shed for our salvation. But always remember, THOU SHALL NOT KILL."
WHAT ABOUT REMOVING LIFE SUPPORT? This is another difficult situation and God knows. I would suggest that if there is any intent to end a person's life, you had better fear before God. However, if there was a genuine intention to release the person to the mercy of God and let Him make the decision, well...? Again, God knows the heart. An acquaintance's elderly mother had just come out of surgery and was failing. They had her on life support, but her condition was deteriorating. The family gathered together and decided to disconnect her and let her go naturally. Shortly after disconnecting her, she completely revived, sat up in bed, and asked if someone would do her hair.
There are many and varying scenarios, but never act with the intention to take a life, even to spare suffering (we need to trust Jesus for that). We need to fear God and seek Him in every decision we make.
ADVISE TO CHRISTIANS AND TAKING UP ARMS FOR WAR
As disciples of Jesus we must watch our motives ever so carefully and scrutinize our understanding from God's perspective regarding any conflict. The zeal to do and even fight an apparent 'enemy' for what we think is right is easily stirred up and can be taken advantage of by people with ulterior motives. Therefore, that zeal must be harnessed only by the Holy Spirit lest we are drawn away by our flesh and seduced into the causes and passions of men, and not of God. The Crusades were a primary example of such misplaced zeal where many followers of Jesus were deceived or forced into joining that evil campaign. Many a Christian has killed or died fighting for causes that are not so righteous (although they may not have had a choice).
The Bible says that there is a time for war and a time for peace, and there is a time when going to war is necessary (Ecclesiastes 3:8). God does call people to military and police services. If we are called to such work, (I myself have never had to) I would suggest a couple of things:
- You have a job to do. In the fear of God, serve to the very best of your ability in all that is required.
- Pray that the Lord will help you keep your heart. Our true enemy is the devil and his demons that use people for his own devices Ephesians 6:12.
- Soldiers and police are often subject to many untold things, and I pray that the Lord keep you from bitterness and hatred. War will likely require the shedding of blood. The Lord will guide you and keep you - stay close to Him.
THE GOSPEL WORK VS NATURAL CONFLICT
People may say that Jesus did say to His disciples before His passion to buy swords, and when His eleven disciples said they had two swords, He said that was sufficient. It was obvious He was not equipping them to go to war, but gave them an allowance for self defense. Shortly afterwards when Peter struck off the ear of the High priest's servant, Jesus told Him to put up his sword saying that, "...for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matthew 26:52
"The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (natural)... 2 Corinthians 10:4
When the people of Samaria did not want Jesus to come to their town because He was on His way to Jerusalem. His disciples, John and James, asked if they should call fire down from heaven on them the way Elijah did in order to punish them. Jesus flatly rebuked them saying, "You know not what spirit you are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:55-56
THE GOSPEL WORK IS TO BE SET APART FROM ALL OTHER HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND TO REFLECT ONLY THE CHARACTER OF JESUS. We must be careful not to give a mixed message regarding the Gospel by how we present our actions. The battles we fight for the Gospel as Christians are spiritual and not natural, and our enemy is the devil and his angels and not people.
True, not all activities of Christians are Gospel work. Furthermore, Gospel work can and should be intertwined with charity work, health care, social reforms, and social development that reflect the love and holy nature of Jesus Christ, which is how most missionary work is carried out; however, as Christians/followers of Jesus, there is no where in the Bible that allows us to kill in 'JESUS' name! The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Gospel of Peace and good will toward men (Luke 2:14), and is never meant for killing. We are no longer under the law of Moses, and Jesus' rebuke to James and John clearly puts that to rest. None of the Apostles of Jesus ever killed anyone in Jesus name. Rather, they and untold numbers of believers laid down their lives sharing the Love of God and the Gospel of Jesus to friends and foes alike. God is not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. If and when we are called to preach the Gospel, we are to demonstrate the love of Jesus to both those who welcome Him and us, as well as to those who hate both He and us, regardless. That takes faith and His amazing love. If a Christian is called or chooses to go into the service of the government as a soldier or police, then their duty and their service will be according to the demands of that responsibility and reasonably so, but in the fear of t he Lord. Or if he or she chooses to follow Jesus in the service of the Gospel, then their actions should reflect those demands accordingly.
CONCLUSION -
The laws of God are timeless, and the principles unchanging and designed for the good of all. With regards to service and conflict, God has made provisions for the welfare of all peoples. As Christians, we must be cautious with regards to following unstable and questionable social values and morals, and siding in conflicts. Any Christian who feels to serve in the police force or the military is a very valuable asset for the nation, and can bring the salt and light of Christ in dark places. May the love of Christ be with you.
PRE LAW
Pre Law is the period from Creation until Moses and the Ten Commandments. The first recorded murder in the Bible was when Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy. He was cursed of God and driven from His Presence because of it. Genesis 4:1-15
AFTER THE FLOOD -
God brought on the flood to destroy all life because of the violence that plagued the earth, giving us a picture of how God views violence. When the Lord released Noah and all the animals into the "New World" following the Flood, He left this command and warning: "And surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, FOR IN THE IMAGE OF GOD HE MADE YOU." Genesis 9:8-9 NAS
From this passage we see some very serious ordinances:
1 - God has placed the death penalty on whoever or whatever kills a man
2 - He has required man to avenge murder/shedding "innocent blood"
"So you shall not pollute the land where you are: for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it." Numbers 35:33
3 - This is clearly no allowance for random revenge killing, but specifically the execution of the murderer. This also indicates that it is solely the judgment of God and not an entitlement for man and his judgments, or his desire for revenge "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord.'" Romans 12:19 NAS
4 - Here He declares the reason: man was created in God's image and likeness, therefore human life is sacred. Consequently, killing a person is an affront to God our Creator and absolutely not our right
5 - This verdict also clearly and absolutely sets the status and value of man far above and apart from all other living creatures
UNDER THE LAW
THE TOLERANCES - "He that strikes a man so that he dies, shall be surely put to death. And if a man lie not in wait, but God delivers him into his hand, then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. But if a man comes presumptuously upon his neighbor to slay him with guile, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die." Exodus 21:12-14
Under the Laws of God, He made a separation between the two types of killing, intentional or unintentional. For the unintentional there were cities of refuge where a person who killed someone unintentionally could flee from the avenger of blood (they had no police force in that day), take refuge until he be put on trial to determine his guilt or innocence. If he was innocent, the avenger of blood could not touch him as long as he remained in the city until the death of the high priest at that time, then he could go free. Numbers 35:9-34, Deuteronomy 19:1-13 It would appear that the law of God required the blood of anyone who shed the blood of a man, but He carefully made provision for those who may have killed unintentionally; however, the seriousness of such an act and the high value and cost of a human life is clearly set out by these laws. For instance, if a person has an animal that he knows is dangerous and has been known to attack people, if it kills someone, it is put to death and the owner is charged with murder Exodus 21:29. Also if a person builds a house but does not put a required safety buffer on it and someone falls and dies, the owner will be guilty of blood Deuteronomy 22:8.
Under the Law - Furthermore it is necessary to point out that under the LAW of God , there was no atoning sacrifice possible for this sin. And as already stated, no animal sacrifice could atone for any of the first seven sins. Violators were all subject to the death penalty.
THE FANTASTIC NEWS OF THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST = "And by Him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." Acts 13:39
THE SOLDIER AND THE POLICE - "...I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Luke 7:9 This recognition and acknowledgement that Jesus gave was to an occupying soldier.
In an ideal situation these two roles have a very practical and critical function in every society according to the provision of God Almighty as long as the human race has people who intend to harm others.
THE POLICE - "For he is the minister (servant) of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he bears not the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil." Romans 13:4 In this passage the reference is regarding the equivalent of police for their times. The weapon they carry is not only to prevent evil but a tool provided by God for that very purpose, with God actually calling them (the police) His servants.The police force is designed to protect the local citizens from those who would steal, kill, and destroy (which are attributes of the devil John 10:10), and to help keep the order within the community.
THE SOLDIER - On a national level, the military is a sort of national police force with the primary function to protect the nation from outside attacks and to provide assistance if and where needed against threats. "And the soldiers likewise demanded of him saying, 'And what shall we do?' And he said unto them, 'Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages.'" Luke 3:14. In this passage, John the Baptist, when asked by the soldiers regarding what God expected of them, he clearly let them know that they were not to use their position to take advantage of people. Obviously they had a valid responsibility before God since He in no way denounced their service, but rather expected them to carry out their duties responsibly and with integrity.
WHAT ABOUT "THE BLOOD OF WAR"?
On one hand the Lord gives us the commandment "Thou shalt not kill.", and yet He mobilized armies, and not just Israel's. In the Bible there are a few reasons for war (He promises to put an end to war one day):
1 - In the case of self defense, when a nation invades another nation.
2 - To reclaim territory that was taken or overrun.
3 - To execute God's judgments on a nation or nations. God even called Nebuchadnezzar His servant who carried out His judgments against the nations in his day. The book of Ezekiel covers this extensively. We have no idea how seriously God takes our lawless behaviors.
During the reign of King David we learn the expression "The Blood of War" 1 Kings 2:5. The Ten Commandments were given to and through the nation of Israel and yet God sent them out to war initially to carry out His judgments on the wickedness of the nations of Canaan and then give them that land as an inheritance, but only when the cup of iniquity of the Amorites was full Genesis 15:16. Never did God ever send them out to merely conquer, pillage, and plunder. Anytime after this period when they went to war it was in self defense and or reclaiming territory, or subduing oppressive threats. Now King Saul was sent by God to avenge the Amalekites 1 Samuel 15. An interesting point of observation was that King David was not allowed by God to build the Temple because he had shed much blood. David indeed was a man of war and constantly faced much opposition from every side until he subdued all Israel's enemies; however, according to God, it had been excessive, especially with regards to the divine call to build a permanent dwelling for His name among the people of Israel. "But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 'You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars: you shall not build a house unto My name, because you have shed much blood upon the earth in My sight.'" 1 Chronicles 22:8
King David also charged Joab, his general, with the shedding the blood of war in a time of peace by killing two opposing generals after the wars were over, Abner and Amasa. Consequently he charged him with murder and had his son Solomon have him executed.2 Kings 2:5-6 Joab was David's nephew.
SUMMARY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT REGARDING THE TAKING OF A HUMAN LIFE
- In the Old Testament, God clearly lays out the sacredness of human life and the severity of the sin of murder (shedding innocent blood). He, on the other hand, commissioned them to execute the death penalty on those who have broken certain laws and thereby executing His judgments. These were not a right, it was a duty. He also made provision for those going to war. In most cases it is not regarded the same as murder.
THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE TAKING OF HUMAN LIFE -
"Whoso hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15
In God's eyes, even hating your brother is equivalent to murder. Although we are not under the Law of Moses for our salvation but in the covenant of Grace through our Lord Jesus Christ wherein the righteous principles of the Law are and were fulfilled in Christ. And as we abide in the leading of the Holy Spirit they will not be violated. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:4.
In Christ Jesus we are under the commandment of faith and Love, and love does not harm his neighbor. "For this, 'Thou, shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet.' and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:9-10
Under the New Testament the issues go much deeper than the outward acts. God is considering the intentions of the heart. What this is saying is that we can be a murderer in God's eyes, yet without killing anyone. No, that doesn't mean that you may just as well do it. You can repent of your attitude, but you cannot bring a life back, and, "... one sinner destroys much good." Ecclesiastes 9:18 Untold damage is done by a single sinful act.
WHAT ABOUT ABORTION, EUTHANASIA, SUICIDE...?
From the Scriptures, the shedding of blood, (the taking the life of an innocent human being) is the sin of murder before God in the New Testament as well as the Old. Grace is NOT an allowance for defying or breaking His laws. God is infinitely understanding and gracious and is not out to condemn any. He knows the heart and mind of every person and judges righteously. Jesus Christ His Son has provided forgiveness and redemption for all who confess, repent, and trust Him, though His Blood that He shed for our salvation. But always remember, THOU SHALL NOT KILL."
WHAT ABOUT REMOVING LIFE SUPPORT? This is another difficult situation and God knows. I would suggest that if there is any intent to end a person's life, you had better fear before God. However, if there was a genuine intention to release the person to the mercy of God and let Him make the decision, well...? Again, God knows the heart. An acquaintance's elderly mother had just come out of surgery and was failing. They had her on life support, but her condition was deteriorating. The family gathered together and decided to disconnect her and let her go naturally. Shortly after disconnecting her, she completely revived, sat up in bed, and asked if someone would do her hair.
There are many and varying scenarios, but never act with the intention to take a life, even to spare suffering (we need to trust Jesus for that). We need to fear God and seek Him in every decision we make.
ADVISE TO CHRISTIANS AND TAKING UP ARMS FOR WAR
As disciples of Jesus we must watch our motives ever so carefully and scrutinize our understanding from God's perspective regarding any conflict. The zeal to do and even fight an apparent 'enemy' for what we think is right is easily stirred up and can be taken advantage of by people with ulterior motives. Therefore, that zeal must be harnessed only by the Holy Spirit lest we are drawn away by our flesh and seduced into the causes and passions of men, and not of God. The Crusades were a primary example of such misplaced zeal where many followers of Jesus were deceived or forced into joining that evil campaign. Many a Christian has killed or died fighting for causes that are not so righteous (although they may not have had a choice).
The Bible says that there is a time for war and a time for peace, and there is a time when going to war is necessary (Ecclesiastes 3:8). God does call people to military and police services. If we are called to such work, (I myself have never had to) I would suggest a couple of things:
- You have a job to do. In the fear of God, serve to the very best of your ability in all that is required.
- Pray that the Lord will help you keep your heart. Our true enemy is the devil and his demons that use people for his own devices Ephesians 6:12.
- Soldiers and police are often subject to many untold things, and I pray that the Lord keep you from bitterness and hatred. War will likely require the shedding of blood. The Lord will guide you and keep you - stay close to Him.
THE GOSPEL WORK VS NATURAL CONFLICT
People may say that Jesus did say to His disciples before His passion to buy swords, and when His eleven disciples said they had two swords, He said that was sufficient. It was obvious He was not equipping them to go to war, but gave them an allowance for self defense. Shortly afterwards when Peter struck off the ear of the High priest's servant, Jesus told Him to put up his sword saying that, "...for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matthew 26:52
"The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (natural)... 2 Corinthians 10:4
When the people of Samaria did not want Jesus to come to their town because He was on His way to Jerusalem. His disciples, John and James, asked if they should call fire down from heaven on them the way Elijah did in order to punish them. Jesus flatly rebuked them saying, "You know not what spirit you are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke 9:55-56
THE GOSPEL WORK IS TO BE SET APART FROM ALL OTHER HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND TO REFLECT ONLY THE CHARACTER OF JESUS. We must be careful not to give a mixed message regarding the Gospel by how we present our actions. The battles we fight for the Gospel as Christians are spiritual and not natural, and our enemy is the devil and his angels and not people.
True, not all activities of Christians are Gospel work. Furthermore, Gospel work can and should be intertwined with charity work, health care, social reforms, and social development that reflect the love and holy nature of Jesus Christ, which is how most missionary work is carried out; however, as Christians/followers of Jesus, there is no where in the Bible that allows us to kill in 'JESUS' name! The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Gospel of Peace and good will toward men (Luke 2:14), and is never meant for killing. We are no longer under the law of Moses, and Jesus' rebuke to James and John clearly puts that to rest. None of the Apostles of Jesus ever killed anyone in Jesus name. Rather, they and untold numbers of believers laid down their lives sharing the Love of God and the Gospel of Jesus to friends and foes alike. God is not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. If and when we are called to preach the Gospel, we are to demonstrate the love of Jesus to both those who welcome Him and us, as well as to those who hate both He and us, regardless. That takes faith and His amazing love. If a Christian is called or chooses to go into the service of the government as a soldier or police, then their duty and their service will be according to the demands of that responsibility and reasonably so, but in the fear of t he Lord. Or if he or she chooses to follow Jesus in the service of the Gospel, then their actions should reflect those demands accordingly.
CONCLUSION -
The laws of God are timeless, and the principles unchanging and designed for the good of all. With regards to service and conflict, God has made provisions for the welfare of all peoples. As Christians, we must be cautious with regards to following unstable and questionable social values and morals, and siding in conflicts. Any Christian who feels to serve in the police force or the military is a very valuable asset for the nation, and can bring the salt and light of Christ in dark places. May the love of Christ be with you.
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