Many of you have heard about the recent effort of the Obama Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) proposal to ban .223 ammunition. If you haven’t, check out the article on FoxNews.com entitled, “Lawmakers Won't Be Silenced Over Obama Administration's Proposed Ammo Ban” by Maxim Lott, on February 28, 2015. Fortunately for Americans, the proposed ban doesn’t seem to be gaining much traction from lawmakers, police forces, or the general citizenry. However, it is just the latest salvo from the left-leaning, constitution-hating elitists in Washington.
As one who is proud to be an American (at least proud to support and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic), I am pleased to say that our fundamental document will not suffer a blow in this area today.
But I am also a Christian, devoted to Jesus Christ and His mission on earth – the salvation of mankind through His death on the cross on behalf of sinful humanity that has no hope of heaven otherwise. As a Christian, the discussion and direction of our nation regarding arms control has brought up a very big question for me: Is it right by the Bible for Christians to take up arms against their enemies? This age-old question is not new, but it is new to my heart. I am a hunter, a soldier (I spent 8 years on active duty, one of which was spent in Iraq), and I live in a place where a lawman is often more than 30-minutes away in the direst of emergencies. Criminals might have their way but for the fact that every household is well-armed, and unafraid to pull their triggers if need be (fortunately, in the 9 years here, we have never heard of such a thing happening). However, the reality is this: guns are a way of life here – not just for hunting; but is it something a genuine Bible-believer should practice?
I’m not a liberal who believes the government should disarm the people. Neither am I a conscientious objector when it comes to taking up arms for one’s nation. But as a citizen, I find myself tempted by the need for personal and family protection, to consider carrying a side-arm, either open- or concealed-carry. But is that the position I should take?
Some questions come to mind. I will share my thoughts, but before I do, I must say that I am not being dogmatic about the answers here. I am simply pondering the issue prayerfully, seeking to honor the Lord first with the question, then with my answer. I would love to hear your answers to these questions.
1. If Christ offered Himself up as a “Lamb to the Slaughter,” should Christians do likewise?
I believe the teaching of the Scripture goes against my nature as a human being, a man, and my soldier’s training – teaching me that a servant is not better than his master (John 13:12-16 (NKJV) So when
He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to
them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
You call me
Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord
and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's
feet. For I
have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Most assuredly, I
say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent
greater than he who sent him.). Therefore, the Bible says what I wish it didn't. Christians should do as Christ did.
2. Is it appropriate for Bible-Believing Christians to take up arms to protect their property and their family?
It is given by God that a man should be the protector and provider for his family. However, the Bible teaches hard teachings when it comes to suffering wrong at the hands of others. The Bible says that we should suffer wrong willingly so that those who commit it will be solely responsible for their crimes - and answer to God and governments.
See also:
Philippians 1:29 (NKJV) For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ,
not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
1 Peter 2:20 (NKJV) For
what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it
patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this
is commendable before God.
1 Peter 3:14 (NKJV) But
even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.
"And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
1 Peter 3:17 (NKJV) For
it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for
doing evil.
Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) Do not fear any of those
things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw
some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have
tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of
life.
3. While Hitler was easily able to subdue the Jews by disarming them, is it appropriate for Christians to take up arms against their government when it wants to disarm the American People?
This last question goes to another passage that deals with the relationship between Christians and their earthly governments. Jesus taught his disciples that Christians should pay taxes to their governments (Mark 12:14-17 (NKJV) When they
had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about
no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in
truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing
their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring
Me a denarius that I may see it." So they brought it. And He said to them,
"Whose image and inscription is this?" They
said to Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus
answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things
that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they
marveled at Him.
This passage says that there is a distinction between what belongs to man and what belongs to God. However, is the property of the Christian his, or his governments? That is the crux. When government tells us to violate our faith, disobey our Lord, or do unrighteously, then we are to obey the Lord, rather than man (Acts 5:29). But Government was given to do righteously - punishing criminals, not law-abiding citizens (Romans 13:1-7).
Ultimately, it seems, the Bible teaches what my earthly senses cannot accept. I need the help of God to be "ok" with His prescriptions in times like those we face as Americans. My only hope is to fight as a voter, citizen, and voice for the laws to reflect the right to keep and bear arms. I am not at will to fight my government.
If the government wishes to take my guns - and me to jail - then so be it. But I'll not be found voting for such a thing, or helping those who do!
If the government wishes to take my guns - and me to jail - then so be it. But I'll not be found voting for such a thing, or helping those who do!
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