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Within Christianity, the topic of warfare often divides. Throughout history, and even today, there are pacifists, military leaders, and, inarguably, interventionists, often using the tenets of the faith to justify military actions.
Studying the Old Testament, it is clear that warfare played a significant role in God’s judgment and providence. In times of judgment, Israel was attacked and conquered. At the same time, there were days of deliverance, with Israel being rescued by God’s sovereign actions.
The story of Pharaoh’s hardened heart and the eventual destruction of his army underscores the sovereign control of God.
The Old Testament is also notable for its accounts of great warriors such as Joshua, David, and Samson.
However, what did Jesus teach about war?
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
In another passage, Jesus referenced war, specifically stating:
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:6–7).
Here, Jesus likens warfare to natural disasters and famines. The lesson undoubtedly emphasizes that warfare is destructive and tragic.
Perhaps most well-known is Jesus’ reference to Peter laying down his sword:
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword’” (Matthew 26:52).
The pacifist is right that Jesus promotes peace and love. After all, the Greatest Commandment teaches us to love God and love our neighbor. Not to mention, Paul taught that the greatest virtues of a believer are faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
In good conscience, pacifists attempt to showcase love and peace.
However, the world is temporary and fallen. Nobody desires a hurricane to hit Florida or a tornado to cause destruction in Oklahoma. Humanity grieves for those lost to viruses that kill millions of souls. Famines also continue to occur worldwide.
Using the same logic, warfare still exists. Though one nation’s leader may seek peace and establish a moral code of justice and freedom, the next leader may not share those sentiments.
The lesson from warfare is to seek peace and to promote the ways of Jesus Christ. However, what does the Christian do when a nation or a people group threatens and harms the innocent? This has long been the question of philosophers and theologians alike.
The teachings of Christ tend to promote the defense of mankind for the greater good of society.
Should massacres occur in any part of the world without intervention? Anyone with a moral code knows the massacres in Rwanda and Cambodia were attacks against humanity, and many argue that intervention should have taken place by the leaders of the world.
Warfare is horrible, but through war, God’s providence, judgment, and even mercy can be seen.
The Jewish people were saved from extermination during World War II, and Europe was freed from tyranny. In the U.S. Civil War, the conflict ultimately ended legal slavery.
As finite beings, we may not always see the outcome so clearly, but warfare is no different from a disaster striking the world. God is at work, even when we do not fully understand His purposes.
