I. The Bible Condemns Murder.
- An unrepentant murderer cannot enter the kingdom of
heaven. (Galatians 5:19-21; I John 3:15)
- There is a distinction between murder and “manslaughter.”
(Numbers 35:14-18; 35:20-24)
II. The Bible Condemns Personal Vengeance.
- Personal injury is to be either endured, escaped or
addressed by civil authority.
- “Do not resist an evil person.” (Matthew 5:38-40).
- “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another.” (Matthew
10:23; Luke 21:20,21).
- “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman?”
(Acts 22:22-29).
- An individual may not take personal vengeance. (Romans
12:18,19).
III. The Bible Gives Civil Authority the Right to
Punish
Wrongdoing.
- This is not considered murder on the part of the ruler.
(Numbers 35:19; 35:24-27; Romans 13:3,4).
- This is not considered murder on the part of those who carry
out the punishment. (Numbers 15:32-35; Deuteronomy 17:6,7;
21:18-21).
- Just as Scripture distinguishes between murder and
“manslaughter” one who carries out the punishment of civil law is not a
murderer (even though they take life). (Numbers 35:27 - “he shall
not be guilty of blood.”)
IV. The Bible Gives to Christians the Responsibility to provide
for their families.
- One who does not provide for their own is worse than
an unbeliever. (I Timothy 5:8). Note: context is not military
service, but we must ask ourselves...
- If we must provide those things necessary for sustaining life,
how could it be that we are not authorized to defend life? (Exodus
22:2).
V. The Bible does not condemn the Participation
in
Civil Government.
- John did not address warfare when addressing soldiers.
(Luke 3:10-14).
- Cornelius and Erastus were servants of the state. (Acts
10:1; Romans 16:23).
Conclusion.
- The same authority that gives civil government the
right to punish wrongdoing would would apply if an individual or nation
commits wrongdoing. (Deuteronomy 9:5).
- Citizens that act to carry out the punishment of wrongdoing
are not considered murderers. (Numbers 35:27).
- The same authority that would give to families the right to defend
their own as a provision for their families would apply when that protection
is in participation with the civil authority. (I Timothy 5:8).
- This does mean that a Christian may participate in carnal
warfare if the military campaign itself is an act of wrongdoing (i.e. cruelty,
theft, greed). (Acts 5:27-29).