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The God of the Bible is not a pacifist, but the God of the Bible commands you to be a pacifist.
And me.
And every human being on the planet.
Jesus sacrificed Himself to save His enemies.
| Christ died for the ungodly God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. Romans 5:6,8,10 |
The heartfelt desire of every true Christian is the Regeneration, Repentance, Restitution, Reconciliation, and Redemption of "the enemy." Not the destruction of the enemy. In short: "Love your enemy." (Matthew 5:43) "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13) You cannot love your enemy after you kill him.
It is better to be killed than to kill.
"Blessed are the Peacemakers." Matthew 5:9
"Pacifism" is a Biblical worldview. A way of looking at the whole world, and a way of looking at the specific individual with whom you are in conflict.
I believe the Bible is a "pacifist manifesto." An anti-war manifesto.
This claim shocks many people, especially atheists who deride the Bible and the God of the Bible as a "violent" and "genocidal" "warmonger."
And it's true: God did command ancient Israel to commit a form of genocide against the Canaanites and other ethnic groups residing in the land God promised to Abraham.
So how can a book that endorses "holy war" be a "pacifist manifesto?"
Just because the Bible reports wars, does not mean the Bible endorses those wars. And while the Bible does endorse the "genocide" of the Canaanites four thousand years ago, any politician who recommends a foreign policy of military genocide in our day today based on those verses does not understand the Bible.
"Holy War" and "Capital Punishment" vs. Jesus -- How to understand Old Testament "Capital Punishment" and Genocide
The word "pacifism" comes from the Latin word for "peace" -- pax (genitive pacis). It does not come from the word "passive." Indeed, Biblical pacifists are active in overcoming violence, but they overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21).
No pacifist I know is opposed to "self-defense," strictly speaking. If someone comes after you with a sword, and you have a shield, every pacifist I know would approve of you defending yourself against the attacker with your shield. But if your attacker tires, and lies down to take a nap, you cannot use your shield to crack his skull open. "But it's a pre-emptive strike to defend myself against a future attack!" Nope. That kind of "self-defense" is a sin.
"Everybody knows" that Jesus commanded His disciples to be "pacifists." He commands us to
People who want to be respected by Presidents, Generals, Political Science Professors, and Defense Industry CEOs claim Jesus was only talking about our "personal" or "spiritual" side of our lives, but His commandments are not to be followed by those who are in positions of public responsibility ("The State"). As a result, since I was born, the government of the United States has killed, crippled, or made homeless TENS of MILLIONS of innocent non-combatant civilians around the world.
People who do not identify themselves as "pacifists" or do not believe that politicians and generals should take Jesus literally, believe that the United States is basically good, and is a force for good and for peace in our world. The prophets of the Old Testament would say that "The United States" is the modern parallel to Babylon or Assyria of old. The U.S. is the enemy of God and humanity.
Believing that "a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4), I don't care if I'm respected by the “military-industrial-congressional” complex (as Dwight Eisenhower at one point called it),
A logically consistent Christian pacifist is also an anarchist, for two reasons: first, a pacifist is against violence, and "the State" is institutionalized, systematic violence; second, Jesus prohibits His followers from being "archists" An "archist" is one who believes he has a right to impose his own will on others. Chiefly, the "archist" imposes his will on others through the machinery of "the State," which includes fines, prisons, torture, executions, armed invasions, and terrorism. The Christian, on the contrary, believes it is always sinful to impose your own will on others by initiating force or threatening violence. (We are to be servants, not "archists." Mark 10:42-45.) I know, that sounds "weird." "Anarchism?" Aren't "anarchists" bad people?
Because it is a pacifist manifesto, the Bible is an Anarchist Manifesto. "The State" is "the Sword." "The State" is a war machine.
There will always be criminals -- in a pacifist society, and in a militarist society. But if we reject Jesus' commandments for dealing with evil criminals, then we will be cursed with war and tyranny (see Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26). God supernaturally curses societies that refuse to take Jesus seriously, and yet this supernatural act of providence can be explained "naturally" -- non-pacifists "vote" for tyrants and generals to "protect" them from criminals. They "vote" for their own cursing and judgment.
Here is how the Bible says a pacifist society can respond to criminals.
Here is how the Bible says a pacifist society can prevent a lot of crime from occurring in the first place. (Example: our government prohibits public school teachers from telling students that God says "Thou shalt not steal." Do you think that's going to lower crime or increase it?)
The total social cost of a non-pacifist "government" (including police, courts, prisons, and the military-industrial complex) to "protect" us against criminals (both foreign and domestic) is greater than the total cost to society of criminals. "Government" takes 60% of everything you earn to "protect" you from criminals. (And it doesn't protect you, it only takes punitive vengeance against criminals after you have been damaged, and you pay for the vengeance.) If we abolished the institutionalized violence of non-pacifist "government," your income would be triple what it is today. You would have to pay half of your tax dividend for roads and schools and other "government services" in a competitive free market, where the quality of those services would be much higher than those you receive from socialist bureaucrats. Your discretionary income would double, and most people would tithe a fraction of that windfall profit to schools and rehabilitation programs for the poor (because when they voted to abolish the government, they understood the need to do this. See below.). This would dramatically reduce crime. There would still be some crime, but the cost to society would be much less than the cost to society of maintaining vengeful archist "government."
What are the necessary conditions for us to beat "swords into plowshares" (Micah 4:1-5)? At least a plurality -- if not a majority -- of voters would have to become pacifist/anarchists to vote all the politicians and generals out of office. They would most likely come to this point as a result of conversion to Christian pacifism. They will become "the salt of the earth" and a "city upon a hill." "The State" and its military-industrial complex will not be abolished by the criminals which state-educated people think of as "anarchists" -- atheists, criminals, and meth-heads. The typical cartoon "anarchist" character is a caped, bearded, bomb-throwing assassin. The Christian anarchist is a pacifist who takes personal responsibility to become the servant of others. In America, we would need 200 million church-going Christians to repudiate their support for the MIC and stop their cheerleading for war.
Abolition of the State requires massive, society-wide moral elevation. We would have to raise our commitment to obey Jesus in order to abolish the State.
Christian Theocracy: The Only Path to Liberty -- Does Anarchy Lead to Chaos?
The State will not be abolished by so-called "anarchists." It will not be abolished by people who "resist" tyranny. Resistance only feeds the Beast. Resistance only gives the State a raison d'etre and a joie de vivre. The State will go out of business when politicians, bureaucrats, generals, soldiers, and police realize that they are cracking the skulls and burning the flesh of people who are their moral superiors. The State will go out of business when statists repent of their non-pacifism and become followers of Jesus the executed Christ.
"But if we abolish the government and its armies, evil will take over."
That's the standard objection.
But after massive, society-wide conversion and moral elevation, sufficient to abolish the State, who is going to sign up to help "evil take over?" If Germans had been Christian pacifists, who would have run the trains that took the Jews to the concentration camps? Who would have run the concentration camps? Who would have gone door-to-door rounding up Jews? Hitler could not have done it himself. He needed "sensible," "practical," "realistic" Lutherans who didn't buy into all this "Christian pacifist" nonsense. Hitler needed "Christians" who limited Jesus to their "personal," "non-public" lives.
If you take Jesus seriously, the unbelieving world (and most church-goers) will say you're "unrealistic," "impractical," and "utopian." They will call you a "pacifist" and an "anarchist."
The Westminster Larger Catechism elaborates on the implications of the Sixth Commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." It is pretty much a pacifist manifesto. But the Westminster Divines included three excuses for not being a pacifist, and these three exceptions to the rule against killing virtually swallow up the entire rule:
We cover capital punishment here, war here, and self-defense here and here.
When God says "Thou shalt not kill," it is clear that God abhors killing. Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah? Most Christians know the Biblical answer. Or think they do. Why did God destroy the world at the time of Noah? The Bible says it was because "great men" were committing "violence" (Genesis 6). Who does most of the killing in the world? "The State" -- rich and powerful people -- through war and capital punishment (or other "police actions," like those in Korea and Vietnam). Very few people are killed in "self-defense," and most of those killings are by non-pacifist private citizens who are imitators of state action. "If the government can do it, so can I." They graduated from government-run "public" schools.
To repeat, no pacifist I've ever met is opposed to defending oneself against violence. If you have a shield, and some evil man is approaching you with a sword, no pacifist says you cannot use your shield to defend yourself against his sword. But if he gets tired of hitting his sword on your shield and says, "I need to take a break," you cannot bash his skull open with your shield while he sleeps, even though that would prevent him from resuming his attack after his nap. You can defend yourself by running away. Leave a note and a gift encouraging him to repent. "Thou shalt not kill."
What is called "self-defense" is almost always pure vengeance, and vengeance is prohibited by Scripture.
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Capitalism has raised the material standard of living of billions of human beings in the last two centuries. Socialism means tyranny, dark poverty, and mass death.
100% Pure laissez-faire capitalism is anarchism. Some call it "anarcho-capitalism."
Capitalism is economic pacifism.
Capitalism is a social system based on
the rejection of the initiation of force or violence against others.
Under Capitalism, if you want something, you work for it by serving others.
Under Socialism, if you want something, you vote for it, by electing violent thugs to seize what you want from your neighbor.
Capitalism is freedom.
Socialism is tyranny.
Wealth is created under capitalism and becomes more abundant for all.
Wealth is confiscated under socialism, and becomes the property of the State, leading to shortages for all -- except the Party Leaders.
Despite the obvious evil of socialism and the obvious good of capitalism as seen in history over the last 200 years, growing numbers of Americans (and, we assume, church-going Christians) think socialism is a good thing, and capitalism is bad. This is because growing numbers of people are secular humanists who don't understand Christianity.
Capitalism does not require economic planners in Washington D.C. Capitalism is freedom from archists.
Archists represent violence,
capitalists represent peace and prosperity.
As long as everybody is obeying "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" (to quote the Declaration of Independence) capitalism raises everyone's standard of living without the involvement of any politicians or bureaucrats. Fundamental economic laws ensure peace and prosperity, just like the law of gravity ensures that objects fall to the ground. Obedience to God's Law means God is King. Capitalism is "The Invisible Hand" of Divine Providence. This is how Christ reigns as Messiah: He wields the "sword of the Lord," which is His Word, which is His Law-Word. Every Word of the Messiah is Law. Christ governs by His Word.
Rushdoony writes:
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The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of peace, not of state-imposed violence. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the King of Peace, therefore the Ruler of Capitalism.
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(Luke 6:27-28) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, {28} Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
(Luke 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luke 1:77-79) To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, {78} Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, {79} To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
(Hebrews 12:14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
(1 Peter 3:9) Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called--that
you might inherit a blessing.
(1 Peter 2:21-23) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: {22} Who did no sin, neither
was guile found in His mouth: {23} Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:
(Romans 12:17-20) Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. {18} If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. {19} Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. {20} Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:
(Psalm 34:14) Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
(Psalm 35:20) For they do not speak peace, but they conceive deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
(Psalm 37:11) But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
(Psalm 37:37) Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
(Psalm 72:7) In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
(Psalm 85:10) Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
(Psalm 119:165) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
(Psalm 120:2-7) Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.{5} Woe is me, {6} My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. {7} I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war.
(Psalm 122:6-8) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. {7} peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. {8} For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, peace be within thee.
(Proverbs 3:17) The ways of Wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
(Proverbs 12:20) Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
(Proverbs 16:7) When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
(Isaiah 9:6-7) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace. {7} Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
(Isaiah 26:12) O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us.
(Isaiah 32:17-18) And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. {18} And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;
(Isaiah 48:18) O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
(Isaiah 48:22) There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
(Isaiah 52:7) How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
(Isaiah 54:13) And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
(Isaiah 55:12) For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
(Isaiah 57:19) I create the fruit of the lips; peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
(Ephesians 2:14-17) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; {15} Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; {16} And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: {17} And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
(Isaiah 59:8) The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
(Isaiah 60:17) For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.
(Isaiah 66:12) For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
(Ezekiel 34:25) And I will make with them a covenant of peace
(Ezekiel 37:26) Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.
(Daniel 4:1) Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; peace be multiplied unto you.
(Daniel 6:25) Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; peace be multiplied unto you.
(Nahum 1:15) Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.
(Haggai 2:9) The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
(Zechariah 6:13) Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
(Zechariah 8:16) These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
(Zechariah 8:19) Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
(Zechariah 9:10) And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
(Malachi 2:5-6) My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. {6} The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.
(Malachi 2:6) The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.
(Romans 1:7) To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Romans 2:10) But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
(Romans 3:10-18) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: {11} There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. {12} They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. {13} Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: {14} Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: {15} Their feet are swift to shed blood: {16} Destruction and misery are in their ways: {17} And the way of peace have they not known: {18} There is no fear of God before their eyes.
(Romans 8:6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(Romans 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(Romans 14:17-19) For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. {18} For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. {19} Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
(Romans 15:33) Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
(Romans 16:20) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
(1 Corinthians 1:3) Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 14:33) For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
(2 Corinthians 1:2) Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Corinthians 10:3-5) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: {4} (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {5} Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
(2 Corinthians 13:11) Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
(Galatians 1:3) Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
(Galatians 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(Galatians 6:16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
(Ephesians 1:2) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Ephesians 4:3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Ephesians 6:15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
(Ephesians 6:23) peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:2) Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 4:9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
(Colossians 1:2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Colossians 1:20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
(Colossians 3:15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
(1 Thessalonians 1:1) Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 1:2) Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16) Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
(1 Timothy 1:2) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
(1 Timothy 2:2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
(2 Timothy 1:2) To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
(2 Timothy 2:22) Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
(Titus 1:4) To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
(Philemon 1:3) Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(James 3:17-18) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. {18} And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
(Hebrews 13:20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(1 Peter 1:2) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
(1 Peter 3:11) Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
(1 Peter 5:14) Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(2 Peter 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
(2 Peter 3:14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(2 John 1:3) Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
(3 John 1:14) But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
(Jude 1:2) Mercy unto you, and peace and love, be multiplied.
(Revelation 1:4) John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
More Bible Verses about War, Peace, and Pacifism:
For deeper understanding, look up these scripture verses in your own Bible and read them in context.
Thou shalt not kill
Matthew 5
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Luke 6
27 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
The Sovereignty of God - Providence
God orchestrates the actions of every human being on the planet.
(Proverbs 16:7) When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.Psalm 46:9
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Psalm 76:6
At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Deuteronomy 20:1
“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD
your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
1 Samuel 8:11-13
11 And he said,
“This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some
will run before his chariots. 12
He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons
of war and equipment for his chariots. 13
He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.
Isaiah 31:1 Alas for those who go down to Egypt for help and who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!
Matthew 10.28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in
hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s will. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Romans 8.37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels,
nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
Colossians 1.16 for in him [the son] all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or
dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.
Hebrews 1.2-3 In these last days [God] has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 who being
the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right
hand of the Majesty on high,
Luke 12:22 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on.
Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
Luke 6:42 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ’Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
1 Peter 3.8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. :9 Do not return evil for evil
or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Romans 12.17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends
on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I
will repay, says the Lord." 20 No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning
coals on their heads."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good .
1Thessalonians 5:15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.
THE ROOTS OF WAR
James 4Galatians 5.19-23 Now the works of the flesh are clear, which are these: evil desire, unclean things, wrong use of the senses, 20 Worship of images, use of strange powers,
hates, fighting, desire for what another has, angry feelings, attempts to get the better of others, divisions, false teachings, 21 Envy, uncontrolled drinking and feasting, and
such things: of which I give you word clearly, even as I did in the past, that they who do such things will have no part in the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, 23 Gentle behavior, control over desires: against such there is no law.
Matthew 6.24 You cannot serve God and mammon.
Luke 4.5 Then the devil led Jesus up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this
authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours."
THE WAY OF PEACE
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good-will.
John 14.27. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Matthew 5.9. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
James 3.18. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.
Romans 10.15. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6.14 f. Stand therefore . . . having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 4.1-3 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith you were called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love; giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Hebrews 12.14 Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord.
Romans 16.20. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
2 Corinthians 13.11 Finally, brethren . . . be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4.7 The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus..
Matthew 11:29. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Philippians 2:5 10. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. He humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and
gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow.
Matthew 5:3, 5. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:25-28. You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would
become great among you shall be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and to give his life a ransom for many.
Matthew 23.12 Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted.
1 Peter 5:5 -6. God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
THE COMMANDMENT OF LOVE
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This
is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
Galatians 5.14 The whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Romans 13.10, 8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments ... are summed up in this word, 'Love your
neighbor as yourself.'
Matthew 5.44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who
is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
John 13:34 f. A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my
disciples.
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.
I Corinthians 13.4 f. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not
provoked, thinks no evil; ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Thessalonians 3.12. The Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men.
1 Peter 1:22. Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently.
1 Peter 4.8. Above all things be fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covers a multitude of sins.
THE DUTY OF FORGIVENESS
Luke 23:34. Jesus said, 'Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.'
Mark 11.25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Luke 17.3 f. If your brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he sin against you seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to you saying, I repent;
you shall forgive him.
Colossians 3.12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one
another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Ephesians 4:31f. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: and be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving
each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.
CHRIST'S WAY OF MEETING EVIL
1 Peter 2.21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his
steps.
22 He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who
judges justly.
Matthew 26.47 And while [Jesus] was still talking, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a band armed with swords and sticks, from the chief priests and those in authority
over the people. 48 Now the false one had given them a sign saying, The one to whom I give a kiss, that is he: take him. 49 And straight away he came to Jesus and said, Master! and
gave him a kiss. 50 And Jesus said to him, Friend, do that for which you have come. Then they came and put hands on Jesus, and took him. 51 And one of those who were with Jesus put
out his hand, and took out his sword and gave the servant of the high priest a blow, cutting off his ear. 52 Then says Jesus to him, Put up your sword again into its place: for
all those who take the sword will come to death by the sword. 53 Does it not seem possible to you that if I make request to my Father he will even now send me an army of
angels? (BBE)
John 18.36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but
now is my kingdom not from hence. (KJV)
John 12:47. I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Luke 9:54 f. When his disciples saw this, they said, Lord, would you that we bid fire to come down from heaven, and consume them? But he turned and rebuked them.
1 Corinthians 4:12. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we intreat.
James 4:12. One only is the lawgiver and judge, even he who is able to save and to destroy: but who are you that judge your neighbor?
Matthew 7:12 In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Luke 6:27 f. Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.
Matthew 5.39. Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smites you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
I Corinthians 6:7. Why not rather take wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?
2 Timothy 2:24. The Lord s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all forbearing in meekness, correcting them that oppose themselves.
Romans 12:14 f. Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. . . . Render to no man evil for evil.... If you can, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with all the
world... Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." But if your enemy
hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Thessalonians 5.15 . See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.
1 Peter 3:8 f. Finally, be you all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, : humble minded not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but
contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were you called, that you should inherit a blessing.
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
Romans 5:8. God commends his own love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Hebrews 12 :2. Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame.
1 Peter 4.1. Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm you yourselves also with the same mind.
2 Corinthians 4:8 10. We are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; always bearing
about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.
Matthew 16:24 If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me....
Hebrews 13.12f. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp,
bearing his reproach.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION
Romans 5.8,10 8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.... 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled
to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life;
and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Colossians 1:19 f. It was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through
the blood of his cross.
Ephesians 2:14 17. He is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity . . . that he might create in himself
of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and he came and preached peace to
you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh.
2 Corinthians 5:18 f. All things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave .unto us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ
reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
THE FAMILY OF NATIONS
Ephesians 3.15 I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
Ephesians 4:25. Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak you truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
1 Corinthians 12:13. In one spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Romans 10:12. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him.
Galatians 3:28. There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male or female: for you are all one man in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3.11 There cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
THE MORAL EQUIVALENT OF WAR
1 Timothy 6.12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on the life eternal.
1 John 5.4 This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the
casting down of strong holds ; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ.
Ephesians 6.12f For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the
spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
2 Timothy 2:3. Take your part in suffering hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:7 f. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give to me at that day: and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
"If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is struck and killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder.
But if it happens in daylight, the one who killed the thief is guilty of murder.
Matthew Henry:
Yet, if it was in the day-time that the thief was killed, he that killed him must be accountable for it (Exod. 22:3), unless it was in the necessary defence of his own life. Note, We ought to be tender of the lives even of bad men;
Reformation Study Bible:
The daytime thief was readily identifiable and killing was not justified.
Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament:
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible:In the latter case the slayer contracted blood-guiltiness, because even the life of a thief was to be spared, as he could be punished for his crime, and what was stolen be restored according to the regulations laid down in Exodus 22:1 and Exodus 22:4.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible:If a thief be found - If a thief was found breaking into a house in the night season, he might be killed; but not if the sun had risen, for then he might be known and taken, and the restitution made which is mentioned in the succeeding verse
If a thief, in breaking into a dwelling in the night, was slain, the person who slew him did not incur the guilt of blood; but if the same occurred in daylight, the slayer was guilty in accordance with Exodus 21:12. The distinction may have been based on the fact that in the light of day there was a fair chance of identifying and apprehending the thief.
We are Now in the Daytime of the New Covenant. In fact, as James Jordan points out, the entire Old Covenant economy could be viewed biblically as being the “night” and the New Covenant as the “day.”
The moon, of course, governs the night (Psalm 136:9; Jeremiah 31:35), and in a sense the entire Old Covenant took place at night. With the rising of the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2), the “day” of the Lord is at hand (Malachi 4:1), and in a sense the New Covenant takes place in the daytime. As Genesis 1 says over and over, first evening and then morning. In the New Covenant we are no longer under lunar regulation for festival times (Colossians 2:16–17). In that regard, Christ is our light.2
Following this same idea, Zacharias prophesies at the birth of John the Baptist that he would be “the Sunrise from on high” who shall “shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78–79). The light of Christ creates the everlasting day, so that in the New Jerusalem,
the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it (Rev. 21:23–24; compare Is. 60:19–20).
The New Testament was written in the last days of the Old Covenant. The "night" of the Old Age was passing (Hebrews 8:13), and we are now to live in the Day (Romans 13:11-13; Luke 1:78; Malachi 4:2; Revelation 22:5; 1 John 2:8). Christians who live in the Day do not need to kill. God will hold us to the higher standard.
“And [Jesus] came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both [Jews and Gentiles] have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:17-18).
This is the truly “good news” of the Star of Jacob, the Star of Bethlehem, and the King which it announces.
The American Vision: Why a Star?
Deuteronomy 20: A Pacifist Approach
