War: What Is It Good For?
Genesis 6:1-5, Exodus 20:13 and Joshua 1:12-18
Since the earliest of times mankind has declared war on themselves. War is another word for mass killings. Under the banner of territory (land), God (religion), or for money (greed), mankind has wiped out villages, nations and peoples. Young, old, armies, and the injured, the key in battle often is to remove the enemy.
The question is how does God feel about war. Are soldiers who fight in wars committing sin to do so? Does God ever approve of war? Would He only want us to be pacifists?
In order to understand what the Bible says we must understand Scripture in its entire context. To summarize some of what the Bible states:
1) Since the fall of Adam and Eve mankind lives in a fallen world (ruled by sin)
2) God’s will was never to destroy people. However, when people do not obey His will God repeatedly enforces His promises (which can mean destruction or death).
3) If God did not destroy or, in some cases, death, then His promises or covenants (or contracts) would be invalidated (which would mean God is a liar for He does enforce all His promises).
4) The Ten Commandments prohibits murder. Is all killing murder? What if God directs an army to enforce His will?
On this Memorial Holiday we need to honor those who have died, injured, and given up their time and comforts so that we, the living, can worship freely. Men and women, from the earliest Christians (led by Christ Himself) then to saints who stood for Jesus and gave up their lives, to those who fought for religious freedom through the centuries. May God rest their souls and we say “thank you” to those who have gone before us and gave so much.
- Michael Zerkich
Image by: basibanget
