Question
Considering Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:38-48, and our need to submit first to God’s law where it conflicts with a government’s law, would you say this prohibits a Christian from serving in the military and similar institutions?
Answer
Matt 5:38-48 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 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. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (KJV)
No, I would not say this prohibits a Christian from serving in the military and similar institutions.
John the Baptist preached to soldiers, but did not tell them to abandon their line of work:
Luke 3:14 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (KJV)
Jesus also preached to soldiers but did not tell them to abandon their line of work.
Peter preached to Cornelius, a soldier in management in Acts 10, and he did not tell Cornelius to abandon his line of work
Paul taught us the role of civil government:
Rom 13:1-6 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (KJV)
Governments are ordained by God, to perform definite functions in God’s overall scheme of things, such as law enforcement and national defense.
Often when these duties (law enforcement and national defense) are performed, people die. That is not the same as hating and murdering.
In the Old Testament, many times God led His people into battle, with His blessing.
Sometimes in law enforcement and national defense as well as in many other lines of work, employees are called upon to lie, cheat, steal, fornicate, murder, etc. which are all sins. A Christian cannot participate in these activities.
But a Christian can be employed in law enforcement and national defense and still be a Christian, and acceptable to God.
However, if your conscience tells you it is wrong, then you must not disobey your conscience:
Rom 14:22-23 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (KJV).
By David Baize
