Part 4: Finding a Biblical Balance – How Should Christians Decide?
In the past three articles, we have looked at one of the toughest ethical questions Christians face.
First, we saw that Scripture teaches both the value of human life and the reality of evil in our world.
Second, we looked at the biblical reasons people give for defending their families and others from violence.
Third, we considered the biblical case for Christian nonviolence and the call to follow Christ by showing sacrificial love.
If you were hoping for a simple yes or no answer from this series, you might feel disappointed.
There’s a simple reason for that.
The Bible does not give a single command that covers every situation.
Instead, it offers principles that believers have thought about and debated for centuries.
Our job is not just to find a verse that backs up what we already think. We need to look at all of God’s teaching with humility and put Christ above politics, personal preferences, or what our culture expects.
The Tension Within Scripture
Some Christians approach this discussion as though only one set of biblical passages matters.
That is a mistake.
Scripture presents truths that must be held together.
Jesus commands us to love our enemies.
Yet Nehemiah tells God’s people to defend their families.
Paul tells believers not to seek revenge.
Yet he also teaches that governing authorities “do not carry the sword for no reason” (Romans 13:4).
Jesus willingly surrendered to the cross.
Yet David defended his flock from lions and bears.
The Bible never encourages hatred, vengeance, or unnecessary violence.
Neither does it ignore the responsibility to protect innocent life.
Instead of forcing these truths into a simple answer, we should let Scripture speak in all its depth.
The Difference Between Vengeance and Protection
One of the clearest distinctions in the Bible is between revenge and protection.
Revenge is motivated by anger.
Protection is motivated by love.
Revenge seeks to punish.
Protection seeks to preserve life.
Revenge continues after the threat has ended.
Protection stops when the danger has passed.
Romans 12 forbids personal vengeance.
Nothing in Scripture permits Christians to take justice into their own hands simply because they have been wronged.
If a believer ever uses force, it must never flow from hatred or the desire to make someone suffer.
Instead, it should only come from a desire to protect innocent life when there is no peaceful option left.
The Christian’s Greatest Weapon
Whether someone decides to carry a weapon or to practice nonviolence, every Christian should remember this:
Our greatest weapon has never been physical.
Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.
Our weapons are truth.
Righteousness.
Faith.
The gospel.
Prayer.
The Word of God.
No gun, sword, or army has ever changed a human heart.
Only the gospel can do that.
The church’s greatest victories have never been won through violence.
TheyThey have come through faithfully sharing Christ.at About Pastors?
This question deserves special attention.
Should a pastor carry a weapon?
Should a pastor defend his church if violence erupts?
Scripture never directly answers those questions.
There is no verse commanding pastors to be armed.
Nor is there a verse forbidding them to protect those under their care.
Pastors occupy multiple biblical roles.
They are shepherds.
They are husbands.
They are fathers.
They are citizens.
Above all, they are disciples of Jesus Christ.
Some pastors conclude that protecting innocent people during an active threat is consistent with biblical shepherding.
Others conclude that their calling requires complete nonviolence, even if it costs them their lives.
Both positions seek to honor Christ.
Neither should be dismissed lightly.
Whatever choice a pastor makes should not be based on fear, politics, or personal pride.
It should come from prayer, careful study of Scripture, wise advice, and a heart fully given to Christ.
Questions Every Christian Should Ask
Before forming an opinion, every believer should honestly wrestle with several questions.
Am I allowing Scripture to shape my thinking, or have politics shaped my interpretation of Scripture?
Would I still hold this position if it were unpopular?
Am I motivated by fear, anger, or love?
Have I confused courage with aggression?
Have I confused trust in God with irresponsibility?
Would my response reflect the character of Jesus?
Am I seeking to preserve life or defend my pride?
Often, these questions tell us more than the answer itself.
Unity Despite Disagreement
Faithful Christians have disagreed on this issue for centuries.
Some of the greatest missionaries, pastors, theologians, and martyrs have embraced Christian pacifism.
Others have believed that protecting innocent life through limited defensive force is consistent with biblical teaching.
Both groups have loved Jesus deeply.
Both have taken Scripture seriously.
This should lead us to be humble.
We should never accuse someone of lacking faith simply because they reach a different conclusion after careful study of God’s Word.
Romans 14 reminds believers not to quarrel over disputable matters.
Even though this is a serious moral issue, Christians should handle it with grace, knowing that sincere believers can reach different conclusions while still respecting the authority of Scripture.
Our Citizenship Comes First
No matter what we believe about this, we need to remember that our highest loyalty is not to a political party, a country, or a self-defense philosophy.
Our citizenship is in heaven.
Jesus is our KinHis kingdom comes first for us.lty.
Everything else is secondary.
Whether we choose to defend or not, our main calling stays the same:
To love God with all our heart.
To love our neighbor as ourselves.
To proclaim the gospel.
To make disciples.
To live holy lives.
To glorify Christ.
Final Thoughts
The question of whether a Christian or a pastor should ever take up arms cannot be answered with slogans or political talking points. It needs careful, prayerful study of all of Scripture, and a clear understanding that our hope is not in our own ability to defend ourselves, but in Jesus Christ.
The Bible clearly condemns murder, hatred, revenge, and unjust violence.
The Bible also recognizes the reality of evil, the responsibility to protect others, and the legitimate role of governing authority in restraining wickedness.
Some Christians conclude that these truths permit defensive force in limited circumstances.
Others conclude that Jesus’ example of enemy-love and sacrificial suffering calls believers to reject all violence.
Both positions seek to honor the Lord.
In the end, each believer should study the Scriptures carefully, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, get advice from mature Christians, and act with a conscience shaped by God’s Word.
Whatever conclusion we reach, may we never forget this: our hope is not found in our ability to defend ourselves.
Our hope is found in Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd, the Lion of Judah, and the Lamb who was slain.
He alone is our Savior.
He alone is our security.
He alone is worthy of our complete trust.
Thoughts from Pastor Toney 