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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
There are many wars mentioned in the Bible. Wars of conquest (Joshua 1:6), civil wars (2 Samuel 3:1), and even a war in heaven (Revelation 12:7). Of course, wars involve killing; there is no way ar...
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Shantkumar S. Kunjam
All killing is wrong, whether in war or judicial or self defense. All those killings in the O.T. must be interpreted in the light of the N.T. teachings and examples. Even in the O.T. itself God has revealed His will against killings. 1 Chr. 28:3 "But God said to me, 'You shall not build a house for My name, because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.'" Genesis 4:1-15 See here how God deals with the first murderer. Is. 2:1-4 God is not pleased with wars, hence He is going to abolish it. Genesis 15:18 Consider the words of God to Abraham, "To your descendants I have given this land from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates." Because of the faithlessness of the Israelite people they have never been able to posses this total land any time. They trusted on their military might or the military alliances, but not the promise of God. Ex. 3:8 "So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land,..." The possession of the promised land by the Israelite was to be a gift of God, not to be result of the military campaigns. Consider in Ex. 6:6-8 the words of the Lord God to Moses, "I am the LORD... And I will bring you into that land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and I will give it to you as a heritage. I am the LORD." But the Israelites trusted their military might and alliances, hence, they have never been able to fully posses the land. Our Lord, Jesus Christ's victory over the enemies and satanic forces is not by physical military might, but, as spelled out in the book of Revelation, by His sacrificed Lamb character. Through out the book of Revelation, specially in prophetic section, Jesus is referred to as Lamb, that was slain. Consider Is. 11:1 "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots." In this verse the ideal king of Israel, David is out of the picture. Compare this verse with Rev. 22:16, "I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." So Jesus our Lord is the true David and the true Davidic generation. When God said for David to be the man after God's heart, these words were fulfilled in Jesus, "This is My beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mt. 3:17). Jesus our Lord is not only our Savior, He is our example also. Innocently suffering for righteousness' sake and Jesus' sake is a matter of great joy and reward (Mt. 5:10-12). Innocent blood is a constant cry into the ears of God for vengeance (Rev. 6:10). So, all killings are wrong in the sight of God. We are called to trust God for our protections. Even we are called to do good to our enemies. Romans 12:14-21. We have to leave the vengeance to God. The O.T. saints are not our examples above the example of our Lord. They were at times relying on their physical strength, hence, since God by covenant was committed to their safety, God did not have any option but to let them fall into the killing spree. We Christians have better and brighter revelation than the O.T. saints, so we are to live following better and higher morality.
Salem Markus Purba
Once the war is declared (1 Samuel 17:1-11), it will involve all of the strength of both side; physically and spiritually; God versus gods (1 Samuel 17:45-51).So, killing the enemies is the will of God, it is not a sin. War is a matter of to kill or to be killed, it is a killing for self defence, involving the power of God; not for satisfying one's flesh desires(Galatians 5:19-21), wich are against the will of God, it is a sin.(Exodus 20:13).
Nduka Light
The Bible never supports killing, especially in war. PROOF: Matthew 26:47_ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 26:51 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. 26:52 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. 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? John1:4_ In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John8:12_ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
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