THE BIBLE, THE CONSCIENCE, AND DEADLY FORCE

THE CHRISTIAN AND DEADLY FORCE

I. PASSAGES USED BY THOSE WHO OPPOSE THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE

Comment on the prohibition against killing. "Thou shalt not kill"

A. Swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks

Isaiah 2:4 He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

b2. Explanation:

This prophecy dealt with the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ, which was accomplished on the day of Pentecost in 33 A.D. (Note Mark 9:1, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:2,5-8, 2:1-4) Within this Kingdom are people from all nations, and though they may be of different earthly nations they are not to war against each other for they are now citizens in the Kingdom of God.

B. Love Your Enemies As You Do Yourself

Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJ)

Luke 6:27 "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Luke 6:35 "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

b1. But note the same principles are found in the Old Testament.

Exodus 23:4-5

4 "If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 5 "If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it. (NKJ)

Job 31:29-30

29 "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted myself up when evil found him 30 (Indeed I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for a curse on his soul); (NKJ)

Proverbs 24:17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; (NKJ)

Proverbs 25:21-22

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you. (NKJ)

NOTE: These directives given by God were not intended by God to prohibit the people of Israel from personal and national defense. (Remember Samson both personal and natural defense, David, Jonathan, Abraham etc.) Neither does Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27,35 prohibit us from personal or nation defense.

(Tom Russell / 1105 Mary Ellen Pampa TX 79065 / 806 669 7378 / church@nts-online.net

C. "whoever slaps you on your right cheek" You mean we cannot resist anything?

Luke 6:29 "To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. (NKJ)

c1. Does this mean that if someone shoots us in one shoulder that upon being released from the hospital we should find the fellow and "offer" him the other shoulder? If our wife is abused we should "offer" him our daughter as well? Of course not, the Lord here is dealing with minor offenses and no more.

II. DEADLY FORCE AUTHORIZED IN NEW TESTAMENT

The Old Testament was law system given to the people of Israel, the system that all must now appeal to for forgiveness and authority is the New Testament. So we must turn to the New Testament to determine whether or not we are authorized to use deadly force.

A. The Lord authorizes deadly force

Luke 22:35-38

35 And He said to them, "When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?" So they said, "Nothing." 36 Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 "For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: 'And He was numbered with the transgressors.' For the things concerning Me have an end." 38 So they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough."

a1. Comment: The Lord is making this statement to His disciples moments before His betrayal by Judas. He is informing His people that they will not enjoy the same degree of provision and protection after His death as they have in the past. He is also informing them that they will have a much greater responsibility in providing for their needs and protection to the extent that they should take their money bag, knapsack and obtain a sword so that they might protect themselves. Some have argued that the Lord must have been speaking figuratively, but there is absolutely nothing in the passage that indicates this.

B. But what about the Lord's statement "all who take the sword will perish by the sword"?

Matthew 26:51-52

51 And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 But Jesus said to him, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (NKJ)

b1. Note: The same evening the Lord gave the directive recorded by Luke (22:35-38) Judas arrived with the mob to take Jesus into custody. Peter drew his sword and cut the ear off of Malchus, the High Priest's servant, the Lord immediately made the statement, "Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." This statement does not contradict Luke 22:35-38, for in Luke the Lord was addressing the issue of self-defense whereas this incident has to do with the sword, i.e.. the martial arm, being used to prevent the arrest and subsequent death of the Lord. We must remember that though the crucifixion of Jesus was carried out by evil men, it was in accordance with the will of the Father. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Peter, though acting sincerely, was in reality opposing the will of God in the action he took.

C. Another legitimate use of the "sword", i.e.. the martial arm, which if necessary could be exercised by a child of God.

Romans 13:1-5

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

Objection: "God is here using evil men to punish the wicked."

Answer: Note, "he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil." ..."executing wrath on him who practices evil." is a duty given these men by God therefore it cannot be wrong.

Conclusion:

The child of God is authorized by God

to utilize deadly force

in defense of self and others.