A Christian heart and a Warrior Mindset

At times the question is put to me, “How can you claim to be a Christian and at the same time carry a gun?” Not always has the question been posed in such blatant terms, but sometimes it happens. Here is the short answer. No where does the Bible teach us that we are not to defend ourselves or our families when confronted with the threat of life or grave bodily harm. Indeed defending our family is a responsibility of all Christian men.

Beyond that basic fundamental, some of us are called to be warriors just as some are called to be preachers or teachers. I have been told it is something you are born with and I am inclined to agree that; however, I believe we are born with our calling because the Lord placed it within us. As Christian warriors we are committed by moral and biblical grounds to physically defend the church and, if required, to die protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Bottom line – a Christian warrior may be called upon to kill an evil person(s) in order that others may live. I also believe one does not have to be a military or law enforcement professional to be a Christian warrior.

I believe the following Bible verses in Matthew 26:51-53 and Luke 22:36-38 support my belief.

Luke 22:36-38 - Holman CSB ®
35 He also said to them, “When I sent you out without money-bag, backpack, or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Not a thing,” they said.

This conversation is taking place just after the Lord’s Supper but before the confrontation in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is making the point that the disciples did not lack for anything when He was with them, as a man.

36 Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a backpack. And whoever doesn’t have a sword should sell his robe and buy one. 37 For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me: And He was counted among the outlaws. Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment.”

But now, as Jesus is about to die, he makes it clear to the disciples that they should use what means they have available, including arming themselves, to prepare themselves for their calling to the Lord.

38 “Lord,” they said, “look, here are two swords.” “Enough of that!” He told them.

Apparently two disciples carried swords. I think this speaks to the fact that not everyone is called to carry a weapon, but some are, including two of the Lord's disciples.  Who by the way were not policeman or soldiers.

Matthew 26:51-53, - Holman CSB ®
51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear.

This was Peter, one of the sword carrying disciples, who must have been pretty good with the sword to have just cut an ear off and to not have done other damage to the slave. In Luke 22:50 it is stated that it was the slaves right ear that was cut off.  If we were to assume Peter was probably right-handed this would have been an even more impressive feat of swordsmanship.  The implication with this act is Peter must have not only carried a sword, but he also practiced to have had such a skill level.

52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword."

Here Jesus is teaching us a lesson that you can’t go through life solving all your problems with a sword (violence) and not expect to eventually wind-up dying by a sword (violence). I don’t think this means as some do that violence is never an option and therefore a sword should not be carried. If this were the case, Jesus would have not allowed the two swords that were carried by the disciples.

53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels?

This information tells us that Jesus too is a warrior and one who is in command of 12 legions of angels. A legion is 6,000 people. That’s a lot of firepower!

54 “How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

Jesus knew what needed to happen to fulfill his mission for us (dying on the cross for our sins) and Peter pulling out a sword and causing the situation to escalate into a sword fight was not part of the plan for our salvation.

• Follow Christ's example in baptism.
• Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
• In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study
• Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.