Should Christians Carry Weapons?
I’ve heard some say that for a Christian to carry a gun is unbiblical and that Jesus would condemn it.
“Turn the other cheek”, they say. The actual verse itself in Matthew says “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
If someone were to walk up to me and slap me, I would be tempted to slap them back…but if I did, I believe I would be in disobedience to God.
However, a slap to the face is entirely different than a loaded gun or other lethal weapon being brandished against me or someone defenseless. Jesus did not say,”… whosever shall stab you with a sword, turn to him the other side also.”
I also hear from these same people that Jesus reprimanded Peter for drawing his sword in the garden of Gethsemane.
“And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:51-54
Read it again. Peter was not reprimanded because of what he did. He was reprimanded because of WHEN he did it. Mark does not even record the reprimand. In Luke’s account in chapter 22, he mentions that several of Jesus’s followers were armed. “When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?”
Jesus's reply, after Peter hastily cut of the ear of one of the high priest’s servants, was “Suffer ye thus far,” and then He healed the man’s ear. In other words, “Now is not the time.”
Jesus was in command. He said if He desired, His heavenly Father would supply legions of angels to protect Him. But this was not the time and place for Peter to defend, because Jesus was on a mission…and that mission was the cross.
Peter carried a sword with him everywhere he went…including the time he spent with Jesus over a period of about 3 years. Never once does Scripture record Jesus reprimanding Peter for carrying the sword. The other followers carried as well…and again – no reprimand from Jesus, Who is God Himself.
Should Christians carry weapons?
That sword by Peter’s side in today’s world would most likely be a 9mm.
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Sunday, May 10, 2009
13 Comments:
I don't begrudge anyone who feels it's nobler to give their life rather than take another's. I don't think they can make the case that we're mandated to it in any way. Often, these people seem to think that those who wish to carry a weapon are eager to use it. Rather, I think most people who carry hope they'll never have to. But evil exists in the world and to roll over and let it call the shots doesn't seem quite right to me. Sure, I'll try non-violence first, but I won't risk my life, or worse, the life of anyone with me. I think that everyone should take some measures to learn to defend themselves, be it weapons or a martial art. Preferably both.
"Sure, I'll try non-violence first, but I won't risk my life, or worse, the life of anyone with me."
That is exactly my point as well, Marshall. The disciples were armed all the time, but even when faced with danger, there is not any record of them being irresponsible with their weapons. However, when it came down to the life of their Friend, they were willing to fight.
I think the marshall arts are wonderful. Three of my four children have studied one or more of them. Three of them are proficient with handguns and one prefers a knife.
None have ever used a weapon against anyone (in spite of several fistfights unprovoked by them), and like me, would prefer not to. But I like knowing that my family is ready and able to defend themselves if the situation warrants.
Ms.Green and Marshall Art, You've both hit the bulls eye. A violent Christian is a oxy-moron. But a prudent and careful Christian is not. Carrying a weapon for self defense and to defend those you love is just good common sense, even for Christians. All very well stated Ms. Green. Great Post. God Bless, Herm
Thanks Herm. And this is a little off the subject, but I just want to say that Jesus was no wimp. He didn't walk around like a hippie in a daze saying "Peace" and "Love" all the time.
Good points. There is nothing un-Christian about using a gun to defend human life. And if you just happen to be that human life, there is still nothing un-Christian about it.
Art just very politely emailed me probably to spare me the embarrassment - and pointed out that in the comment thread above, I called the martial arts "marshall arts".
Hahah! Thanks for pointing this out, Art. I do indeed know that they are called "martial" and not "marshall" - but I guess I spend too much time at your blog!
So now those that already think I'm an idiot for my views will think I'm a total moron.
Thanks for getting my day off to a good start with a good laugh, Art. And thanks for the chivalry in trying to keep from embarrassing me. The truth is, I pray often that God will keep me humble - and He is SOOO good at doing that. :)
And if you just happen to be that human life, there is still nothing un-Christian about it.
Neil, can you just imagine for a moment that a Christian is so backslidden that they would actually be killed by someone defending themselves or their family against this backslidden Christian?
Then as the Christian were instantly standing before God, instead of hearing "Well done, thou good and faithful servant... I imagine he would here " come'ere boy..."
This is 'Republican' version of Christianity as seen and practiced in America. There is nothing wrong or right about it - This is purely a personal choice and I respect it. There is no need to find an approval or disapproval from biblical records.
If guns are OK, can we allow Bombs too? How about Tankers to protect my farm house?
This is 'Republican' version of ChristianityNo, V. This is not about politics. This is about the Biblical worldview, and I showed clearly through Scripture, which is the final authority for Christians, that Jesus never condemned his followers for being armed.
Having a bomb to protect your property would not be practical. However, if you want to park a tank in your front yard because you believe it might be needed to protect your property, I have no problem with that. If you use it to commit a crime, however, you should be put under the jail and stay there.
Just something to ponder: There was one time that we know of Christ armed Himself and forcibly removed a bunch of theives...can't exactly say Christ was nonviolent and peace at all cost.
The killing of a defenseless human being is pure evil. All governments are ordained by God and have the right and obligation to bear the sword against those who practice evil.
Romans 13:3
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.
Every unanswered murder causes judgment to build up against ourselves and against our nation. The Lord demands a reckoning from animals who kill men and from men who kill men.
Genesis 9:5
5. Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man.
6. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
In the King James translation of the Bible, the translation that most people are familiar with, the sixth commandment reads:
Exodus 20:13
13. Thou shalt not kill.
The word “kill” is a poor translation of the Hebrew word “thrtzch” which is correctly translated “murder.” There is no place for premeditated murder but Scripture is very clear that there is a just self-defense … a just retribution. Christians not only have the right to take a life but in some circumstances, they have an obligation to take a life. When a Christian’s life is threatened or he sees innocent people about to be murdered, he has the right to protect himself and an obligation to protect innocent life. That's the difference between the Christian and the criminal … the Christian protects innocent life, the criminal takes innocent life.
For three years, Jesus knew that Peter carried a sword. Jesus never told Peter or the rest of His disciples to not carry a knife or a sword as was the custom of all men. When Peter cut off the servant’s ear, he was actually trying to kill him. The Lord didn’t tell Peter to throw away his sword but merely told him to put his sword back into its sheath. After Jesus supernaturally reattached the servant’s ear, He reminded Peter that if he had killed the servant, the law would have required that he be executed because the servant was not threatening Jesus’ life.
Matthew 26:51
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.
The world did not have police officers until the last several hundred years. For the previous thousands of years, if someone were murdered, God’s law required that a blood relative, an “avenger of blood,” be sent to avenge the death of a family member.
Numbers 35:19
19. The avenger of blood himself shall (mandatory) put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall (mandatory) put him to death.
God is removing His hand of blessing from America because our leaders will not execute murders. There should be no life sentences or “death row” for murders. Justice delayed is justice denied. One of the ways that the Lord can punish a nation is to have that nation destroyed by another nation. Another way to punish a nation is to allow the people of that nation to elect bad leaders for themselves … it’s the moral equivalence of you shooting yourself in your foot. This is a perfect example of Consequential Wrath … the wrath of sowing and reaping. That explains why we would be saddled with a president like Bill Clinton who is a serial adulterer, an impeached and disbarred perjurer, and a baby killer. In actuality, we didn't deserve someone as good as Bill Clinton. We deserved someone much worse.
The killing of a defenseless human being is pure evil. All governments are ordained by God and have the right and obligation to bear the sword against those who practice evil.
Romans 13:3
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.
Every unanswered murder causes judgment to build up against ourselves and against our nation. The Lord demands a reckoning from animals who kill men and from men who kill men.
Genesis 9:5
5. Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man.
6. Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
In the King James translation of the Bible, the translation that most people are familiar with, the sixth commandment reads:
Exodus 20:13
13. Thou shalt not kill.
The word “kill” is a poor translation of the Hebrew word “thrtzch” which is correctly translated “murder.” There is no place for premeditated murder but Scripture is very clear that there is a just self-defense … a just retribution. Christians not only have the right to take a life but in some circumstances, they have an obligation to take a life. When a Christian’s life is threatened or he sees innocent people about to be murdered, he has the right to protect himself and an obligation to protect innocent life. That's the difference between the Christian and the criminal … the Christian protects innocent life, the criminal takes innocent life.
For three years, Jesus knew that Peter carried a sword. Jesus never told Peter or the rest of His disciples to not carry a knife or a sword as was the custom of all men. When Peter cut off the servant’s ear, he was actually trying to kill him. The Lord didn’t tell Peter to throw away his sword but merely told him to put his sword back into its sheath. After Jesus supernaturally reattached the servant’s ear, He reminded Peter that if he had killed the servant, the law would have required that he be executed because the servant was not threatening Jesus’ life.
Matthew 26:51
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.
The world did not have police officers until the last several hundred years. For the previous thousands of years, if someone were murdered, God’s law required that a blood relative, an “avenger of blood,” be sent to avenge the death of a family member.
Numbers 35:19
19. The avenger of blood himself shall (mandatory) put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall (mandatory) put him to death.
God is removing His hand of blessing from America because our leaders will not execute murders. There should be no life sentences or “death row” for murders. Justice delayed is justice denied. One of the ways that the Lord can punish a nation is to have that nation destroyed by another nation. Another way to punish a nation is to allow the people of that nation to elect bad leaders for themselves … it’s the moral equivalence of you shooting yourself in your foot. This is a perfect example of Consequential Wrath … the wrath of sowing and reaping. That explains why we would be saddled with a president like Bill Clinton who is a serial adulterer, an impeached and disbarred perjurer, and a baby killer. In actuality, we didn't deserve someone as good as Bill Clinton. We deserved someone much worse.
Everybody knows who burn Rome, not christian!!!, but they were false accused and tortured on Arena. They could start defending themselfs and start strike,because they were RIGHT, but they chose to die for Christ, like all other deciples later after they were transformed with Holy Spirit. You have to have huge help and force from God to go thru this. By our sinful nature, we will just pull the gun and trigger and think after. How many times Peter and Paul encourage later, if you have to die for your beliefs and Christ, let that be, take it like it from God. Just my opinion. Thanx
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