Introductory note: This study is not an advocacy for war. It is not set forth as a justification for present or past conflicts. It is though a look at what the Bible says about a person's involvement in the military or police service. Specifically a Christian's standing with God if so employed. Does such involvement put the individual who has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ out of a right relationship with God, or potentially shut someone out of a right relationship with God by doing, or having done so? That is what is sought out and set forth here. Therefore since the matter is about an individual and their relationship to God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son, the Scriptures are the sole reference.
Consider if you will then that John the Baptist in preparing the people for the Lord Jesus Christ’s coming never told the soldier’s he encountered to repent of their military service. In the gospel of Luke, when the soldiers approached John, and they specifically asked him what they should do to prepare themselves for the coming of Christ, he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:14
Now if military service is a sin why didn't John the Baptist as Christ’s forerunner rebuke the soldiers for their military service? These men specifically asked John what they should do in preparation for Jesus Christ’s coming. Yet it’s clear from John’s response to them their military service wasn't an issue, rather what kind of service they rendered while so employed in the military. For John’s declaration to the soldiers was basically don't abuse your military authority, or use it for any evil purposes. Which is far different than condemning them for having it, or implying that being a soldier (or even a policemen) is evil or wrong in the sight of God, which sadly some Christians do, reasoning it so because one may have to take another’s life in the execution of their duties. Yet if that were so, why didn't God charge any of His people with sin when He expressly commanded them to serve Him in such a capacity? For even a brief look at the Old Testament Scriptures reveals that this was an inherent part of their duties commanded of them by God. And so those who reason such are taking God's commandment, "Do not murder" and equating it with the taking of any life, which God never commanded. For God never charged His people with sin when a life was taken in serving His justice. For as the Scripture reveals throughout, God fully approves of the taking of a life, when this is done justly and lawfully (Ex. 21:13-14; Num. 15:30-36; 35:16-21; Lev. 20:1-27; Deut. 17:2-7; Rom. 1:28-32; 1 Tim. 1:9-11). For God created governments and all structures of authority to rule humanity justly (and in the fear of God), as well as to execute His judgment against all evil on the earth. And so we are commanded by God to submit too and honor all ruling authorities in the fear of God (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Now with that said, God does not give lawfully authority a carte-blanche "license" to do as they please. For God holds all who are in authority accountable to Himself (just as He does us all) as to how they execute the authority He entrusts them with. And so God does not approve of lawfully authority acting corruptly, or showing partiality, or oppressing or exploiting those who they are to govern. Nor does God approve of lawful authority using unmitigated force or violence, or using lethal force unnecessarily in arresting or subduing evil on earth. One Biblical example of this abuse of power is that of Jehu, a military commander called by God to destroy the house of Ahab (see 2 Kings 9-10). Yet Jehu went well beyond what God wanted done in his "zeal for God", and thus Jehu went on to commit some atrocities which in the end brought down God's judgment on his own house (see 2 Kings 10:11, then Hosea 1:4). And so this kind of behavior is recorded in the Scriptures, showing us both the good and bad sides of people, whether in lawful authority or not, and thus their behavior does not always represent Godly examples for us to follow, but rather as historical people who lived real lives we learn how God not only accomplished His Will through them, but also how He dealt with them, when they strayed from Him, and thus how He deals with us all.
Now in terms of a believer being involved in military service, and the misguided and misleading notion that this somehow breaks God’s commandments by one doing so. It should be remembered that from *Moses to King David, the Israelites conducted military campaigns according to the direct commandments of Almighty God. Who first sent His angel before them as their commander (Ex. 23:20-33; Joshua 5:13-15). So that they might execute His judgment on the land of Canaan, before they inherited it (Num. 31:7; Deut. 20:10-18). Therefore one cannot carte blanche condemn all military service based on the Biblical record as being sinful. For to imply that all military service is sinful or wrong for a sanctified person to partake in puts one at serious odds with not only the Scriptures, but the Lord Himself (consider Ex. 15:3; Deut. 7:1-5; 32:30; Joshua 5:13-15; 1 Samuel 15:3 etc.) who promised to fight for the Israelites if they obeyed Him by their doing so (Joshua 1:1-9). And so though Israel's history in the O.T. is not one of ongoing faithfulness and obedience towards God, still at critical times in their history, they had the direct intervention of Almighty God on their armies behalf to not only save them from peril, but also accomplish His purposes in the earth (Ex. 14:13-15:18; Judges 7:9-25; 1 Sam. 17:45-47; 1 Chr. 5:18-22; 2 Chr. 20:1-30, vs. 17; Isaiah 37:33-38).
Similarly David, Israel’s most renowned earthly king, whose throne God has established so that the Lord Jesus Christ will one day sit and reign on it forever, was not only a man of war (1 Samuel 16:18) but many times David recalls the Lord’s strengthening him for the battles he faced (Ps. 18:29, 32-34, 39-42; 27:1-3; 144:1-2). Therefore God’s people were not only called to be a holy people set apart from the Canaanite nations idolatrous (Deut. 29:14-29), immoral (Lev. 18) and sorcerous practices (Deut. 18:9-14). But every male over twenty years was to serve God with military service (Num. 1:19-54), exemptions being found in (Num. 1:48-49; Deut. 20:5-7; 24:5). And this military service (Deut. 20:1-9) no way hindered their holiness as a people sanctified by the Lord God of Israel (Num. 32:20-23; Joshua 6:12-14). Indeed the Israelites military service finds very honorable mention in the New Testament as inspiration for the church as their being Godly examples of faith who “quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:34 Not that we as believers are called to use force, or take up arms in the proclamation or defense of the Gospel (Matt. 26:52); but now as God's New Covenant and sanctified people (1 Peter 2:9-10) we too by faith will overcome the enemy of our souls (Rev. 12:11).
Now in terms of the New Testament there simply are no commandments restricting believers from military or police service. For again the N.T. commends all authority as given by God for the punishment of evildoers and for praise of those who do good (See Rom. 13:1-7). Therefore if an individual while serving in the military or police service in the execution of their duties justly uses force to apprehend evil they are not breaking Jesus Christ’s commandments to love ones enemy (Matt. 5:44). For nowhere does love for ones enemy suspend the apprehension of evil by governing authorities; even if they must use as a last resort lethal force in doing so. Just as God did not charge His people with breaking His commandment “You shall not murder.” When they took lives in executing His judgment collectively as a nation sent into Canaan to purge it of evil so that they might inherit it. Or when the Law required that someone be put to death according to it. For there is a difference between the two. Therefore a policemen’s self-defense or the defense of others, or the execution of justice through the courts when they decree a life is to be taken, cannot be equated with murder, if the life is taken justly. For though a life is taken, God does indeed make a distinction between the life taken unjustly and the life taken in the execution of justice (Gen. 9:5-6; Ex. 23:7; Deut. 19:16-21; 32:4; 2 Chr. 19:5-10). Therefore condemning the very authorities God charges with preventing lawlessness and or executing His wrath against it is not to be a believer’s position in their Godly desire to prevent violence and or promote peace on earth (Rom. 13:7). For the Scripture universally approves of those authorities who execute just judgment according to the Word of God (Deut. 17:1-13; Joshua 20:1-7; 2 Sam. 8:15; Prov. 24:23-25; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Consider in the N.T. that the Apostle Paul when he was brought before the Roman courts, though unjustly, saw nothing wrong with incurring judgment from them if he had done something worthy of it. Even if that judgment meant death (Acts 25:11). Therefore as Jesus Christ’s disciples we are commanded to pray for all authority that we might all live peaceable lives (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Thus our responsibility is not to needlessly criticise or condemn lawful authority, rather the Bible says: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Rom. 13:1-2
Now Scripturally war is the result of either mans sin or God’s judgment against it (2 Kings 24:1-4; 2 Chr. 36:11-21; Isaiah 45:7; Jer. 12:12; Matt. 22:7; Luke 19:43-44; Rev. 6:4) and thus conflict and war is not His desire for us, nor His blessing on us, which is always peace (Num. 6:24-26; Ps. 29:11; 37:11, 37; 55:18; 72:7 etc.). Therefore in saying that military or police service was not a sin for the Old Covenant Israelite’s is not to say that Jesus Christ in the New Covenant has called us who believe in Him to take up arms to forward His Kingdom or defend His Name (Matt. 26:52). For nowhere does the Gospel advocate war, and certainly not in defending the cause of the Prince of Peace and His Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Since Jesus Christ’s very Incarnation, Kingdom and Gospel is to bring peace to everyone, and through everyone who believes in Him (Luke 1:72). Therefore Jesus commands us as recipients of His peace (John 14:27) to be His peacemakers in all aspects of life (Matthew 5:9). Yet Jesus Christ’s Person, Kingdom and Gospel will inevitably create divisions in human relationships (Matthew 10:34-42) and hostility towards us who believe. Since loyalty to Christ will always mean hatred by the world (Ps. 120:7; John 15:18-25).
Nonetheless God’s desire is never for conflict, but always for peace, and to achieve peace for us He sent His Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die in our place so that He might bring His peace into all of us who repent and believe in Him (Mark 1:15). Therefore the love of God is what the church is first and foremost called to be a witness and servant too (John 3:16-21). To be people of peace, (Matthew 5:9) having our feet shod with the gospel of peace (Luke 2:14; Eph. 6:15) offering conditions of peace; by the Spirit of God and not the letter of Law; to every sinner and enemy of God because of the blood of Christ’s cross (Col. 1:19-23). To live lives of peace both individually and collectively. “To pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will see the Lord” Heb. 12:14
Now there are two important instances in the N.T., both involving Roman centurions, which I believe clearly demonstrates God's acceptance of us all solely by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person.
Now the first begins outside of Capernaum when Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion pleading with Him to heal his servant. To which Jesus’ responds to his plea for help by saying, …“I will come and heal him” (See Matt. 8:5-7). Now consider Jesus does not refuse the man’s request because he was a Roman centurion, which then ruled over the Jews. Nor does Jesus shun away from him in the midst of a Jewish crowd because of his military service or even his representing Gentile rule at that time over God's people. Instead Jesus without hesitation says: …“I will come and heal him” Matt. 8:7
Now when the Roman centurion heard Jesus’ response to him he answered and said to Jesus: …“Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 “For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. Matt. 8:5-13
Consider then Jesus' response! For it is clear that whatever things the Jews thought inherently approved them to God actually did not. And that error is not just exclusive to them! For people who have grown up in the house of faith must also guard against that same arrogance. For it is only the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Man of Glory, and ones faith in Him that determines ones acceptance by God. Jesus then by publicly talking with and promising to come to the aid of a Roman centurion in the midst of the Jews who often saw such as their arch enemies was a radical move indeed. Yet that's what Jesus Christ came to do, breakdown all barriers between God and mankind. Especially those barriers to God that the "religious man" himself imposes on his fellow man. So that we all might be accepted by grace and justified in the sight of God, only and all by what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us all, when we believe in Him (Rom 5:1). Now the centurion’s response is no less remarkable in that he (though a Gentile and a despised and rejected man by the Jewish multitudes; not just for his being a Gentile; but also for his Roman military service) demonstrates for us all essential saving faith! For he approaches Jesus, believing Jesus is fully able to heal his servant with a word. So much so that he feels utterly unworthy to have Christ come into his home. In stark contrast then to the "devout" and "religious" Scribes and Pharisees who constantly contended with Jesus about whose authority He was acting on. Or the Jews in general who were always seeking signs of proof of Jesus Christ's Person and Calling (John 6:25-40; 1 Cor. 1:22-25). This Roman Centurion knew that Jesus was acting on God’s Authority. Therefore he diligently sought Him out, and when He found Him, he believed Him at His Word. Now that is the righteousness of faith that God requires of us all (John 3:16-21). The Roman Centurion then models for us all not only essential saving faith, but extraordinary faith! Thus long before Peter’s infamous confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Here is an unknown solider, a Roman centurion who believed that Jesus is the Lord.
Now during Jesus’ time with him, Jesus made nothing of the centurion’s military service as if that would somehow exclude him from the Kingdom of heaven. Indeed Jesus cites him, a loyal Roman centurion to all present there as example of great faith not to be found, not even in Israel! Just as He first cited a widow from Zarephath in Sidon in days of Elijah (See 1 Kings 17:8-24); then Naaman the commander of the entire Syrian army in the days of Elisha the prophet (See 2 Kings 5:1-27) as true people of God to His own hometown in Nazareth. For they both believed the prophets messages spoken to them, while His very hometown didn’t (Luke 4:24-30). Therefore what truly matters to the Lord is not the centurion’s military service. As if that would somehow exclude him from the Kingdom of heaven; but rather his genuine faith, which understood Jesus Christ’s Authority as coming from God. There can be no doubt that what the centurion meant was that Jesus’ miracles were being done by a Man directly under God’s Authority. Which brought about Christ’s stunning revelation that many people other then the sons of the Kingdom will sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the Kingdom will be cast into outer darkness. Jesus Words then are a warning to anyone who presumes upon the Kingdom simply because they grew up “in the faith”. For you do not enter the Kingdom of heaven by default. Nor do you enter by affiliation, baptism, or by affirming or "preaching" your denominations favorite pet decrees. You have to make a personal decision for Jesus Christ as Lord. Crucified and risen from the dead for your sins remission (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). In other words you have to put your trust in Jesus Christ apart from any man made notions of what qualifies you, or disqualifies somebody else. For Jesus Christ is God who forgives all who repent of their sins and believe in Him (Psalm 99:8; Mark 3:28-30), that is how you must know Him; never forget that (Heb. 12:24) for He receives anyone and everyone into His Kingdom who simply repents and believes in Him (Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 15:11-32; 18:9-14; 23:39-43).
Now the second occurrence of an active Roman centurion's acceptance by God is likewise profound. It occurs in Acts chapter ten. A crucial turning point for the newly Holy Spirit endowed believers who at that time were Jews. It is there against the backdrop of the Apostle Peter’s vision. That another centurion is mentioned, a man named Cornelius. Now as you read the whole chapter. You will see God’s hands on both Cornelius’ and the Apostle Peter’s lives. To bring this incredible event about, so that Cornelius a Roman centurion would be the first Gentile baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ! Therefore if Jesus’ Words hadn’t yet sunk in about many, other then Israelites, coming from the east and the west to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven; then this event was about to change everything! Now the Scripture says that Cornelius was: “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” Acts 10:2
And thus Cornelius' military service in no way hindered God's choosing and accepting him or even of his living Godly. The Scripture also says that while Cornelius was in prayer he saw in a vision an angel descending down from heaven to him and when he saw him he was afraid and said: “What is it lord”. To which the angel responded: …“Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do. 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.” Acts 10:4-8
Now the word used to describe both Cornelius and the solider he sent as devout is also used in 2 Peter 2:9 where it translated godly in the New King James, and where it says: “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.” This solider then, like Cornelius, was also a God fearing man. It is likely than that there were other God fearing soldiers as well. Since we know that Roman soldiers were later apart of the early church (Phil. 4:22). And though there are similar words like this one in the N.T. describing Godly people. It is to be noted, that this particular word, is used only of Cornelius (vs. 2); the solider he sent (vs. 7), and Ananias of Damascus, later described by the Apostle Paul as “…a devout man according to the Law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there” Acts 22: 12
Cornelius then was not the only Roman solider that God knew was reverent before Him. For just as an angel of God instructed Ananias the devout Jew, so God sent an angel to instruct Cornelius the devout Roman Centurion, making no distinctions between them. Now Cornelius’ servants and the devout solider he sends will seek out the Apostle Peter according to the angels instructions given Cornelius. And when they find him (Peter having likewise already received a vision from God, the Spirit of God having instructed him that they were coming and that he must go with them, doubting nothing, vs. 9-23). Will upon their arrival go down to them and say: …“Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Acts 10:21-23 Now the Apostle Peter upon arrival at Cornelius’ home will preach the gospel to all there, and he begins by saying: “…In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:34-35 Now that is what God had revealed to Peter through the vision given him, and is what Jesus earlier demonstrated by the Roman centurions faith in Capernaum when He responded to it by saying: “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 8:11-12 Therefore God has sanctified everyone who believes (Acts 10:15) by the sacrifice of His Son (Heb. 9:13-14).
Now the Apostle Peter when he had preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household about Jesus concludes by saying: “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43 Therefore like the Lord Jesus Christ in Capernaum with the Roman centurion there. The Apostle Peter here makes no mention of Cornelius’ military service in Joppa as if he needs to repent of that in order to be saved from his sins and brought into a right relationship with God. Indeed the Word of God says that while the Apostle Peter was preaching to them, and to the amazement of Peter and those with him, that the Holy Spirit was immediately poured out on Cornelius and his household. Just as it was on them at Pentecost. Therefore by the Sovereign Will of God, Cornelius the Roman centurion of the Italian Regiment becomes the first Gentile the Holy Spirit baptizes into the Body of Christ. And the Apostle’s later water baptize into Jesus Christ’s discipleship (Acts 10:44-48). That reality should put an end to any and all notions of military or police service as somehow being discordant with obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. For in God’s eyes Cornelius’ military service wasn’t an issue. And we know the Scriptural reason. It is that the Risen Jesus Christ is Lord over all. 12 “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Rom. 10:12-13 Therefore though we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are given both power and authority in the church to bind and loose (Matt. 18:18), no one as a recipient of God’s grace is given power or authority to deny that privilege to anyone else. Since God is the just and the justifier of everyone who has faith in the Jesus regardless of their past lives, whether civilian or solider (Rom. 3:26-28). Therefore we must be very careful not to alienate anyone from God by our own man-made ideals of what constitutes being right in the sight of God. Rather we should consider how we as people of peace can bring the gospel of peace to all people around the world without partiality. Receiving them as brethren just as the Apostle’s and brethren did when they also receive the Lord Jesus Christ with no regards to their military or police service past, present or future. For I’d much rather be in a church filled with Cornelius’ then without them.
Scripture Quotations:
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
* Gleaned from the New International Dictionary on New Testement Theology article on polemos
Consider if you will then that John the Baptist in preparing the people for the Lord Jesus Christ’s coming never told the soldier’s he encountered to repent of their military service. In the gospel of Luke, when the soldiers approached John, and they specifically asked him what they should do to prepare themselves for the coming of Christ, he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” Luke 3:14
Now if military service is a sin why didn't John the Baptist as Christ’s forerunner rebuke the soldiers for their military service? These men specifically asked John what they should do in preparation for Jesus Christ’s coming. Yet it’s clear from John’s response to them their military service wasn't an issue, rather what kind of service they rendered while so employed in the military. For John’s declaration to the soldiers was basically don't abuse your military authority, or use it for any evil purposes. Which is far different than condemning them for having it, or implying that being a soldier (or even a policemen) is evil or wrong in the sight of God, which sadly some Christians do, reasoning it so because one may have to take another’s life in the execution of their duties. Yet if that were so, why didn't God charge any of His people with sin when He expressly commanded them to serve Him in such a capacity? For even a brief look at the Old Testament Scriptures reveals that this was an inherent part of their duties commanded of them by God. And so those who reason such are taking God's commandment, "Do not murder" and equating it with the taking of any life, which God never commanded. For God never charged His people with sin when a life was taken in serving His justice. For as the Scripture reveals throughout, God fully approves of the taking of a life, when this is done justly and lawfully (Ex. 21:13-14; Num. 15:30-36; 35:16-21; Lev. 20:1-27; Deut. 17:2-7; Rom. 1:28-32; 1 Tim. 1:9-11). For God created governments and all structures of authority to rule humanity justly (and in the fear of God), as well as to execute His judgment against all evil on the earth. And so we are commanded by God to submit too and honor all ruling authorities in the fear of God (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Now with that said, God does not give lawfully authority a carte-blanche "license" to do as they please. For God holds all who are in authority accountable to Himself (just as He does us all) as to how they execute the authority He entrusts them with. And so God does not approve of lawfully authority acting corruptly, or showing partiality, or oppressing or exploiting those who they are to govern. Nor does God approve of lawful authority using unmitigated force or violence, or using lethal force unnecessarily in arresting or subduing evil on earth. One Biblical example of this abuse of power is that of Jehu, a military commander called by God to destroy the house of Ahab (see 2 Kings 9-10). Yet Jehu went well beyond what God wanted done in his "zeal for God", and thus Jehu went on to commit some atrocities which in the end brought down God's judgment on his own house (see 2 Kings 10:11, then Hosea 1:4). And so this kind of behavior is recorded in the Scriptures, showing us both the good and bad sides of people, whether in lawful authority or not, and thus their behavior does not always represent Godly examples for us to follow, but rather as historical people who lived real lives we learn how God not only accomplished His Will through them, but also how He dealt with them, when they strayed from Him, and thus how He deals with us all.
Now in terms of a believer being involved in military service, and the misguided and misleading notion that this somehow breaks God’s commandments by one doing so. It should be remembered that from *Moses to King David, the Israelites conducted military campaigns according to the direct commandments of Almighty God. Who first sent His angel before them as their commander (Ex. 23:20-33; Joshua 5:13-15). So that they might execute His judgment on the land of Canaan, before they inherited it (Num. 31:7; Deut. 20:10-18). Therefore one cannot carte blanche condemn all military service based on the Biblical record as being sinful. For to imply that all military service is sinful or wrong for a sanctified person to partake in puts one at serious odds with not only the Scriptures, but the Lord Himself (consider Ex. 15:3; Deut. 7:1-5; 32:30; Joshua 5:13-15; 1 Samuel 15:3 etc.) who promised to fight for the Israelites if they obeyed Him by their doing so (Joshua 1:1-9). And so though Israel's history in the O.T. is not one of ongoing faithfulness and obedience towards God, still at critical times in their history, they had the direct intervention of Almighty God on their armies behalf to not only save them from peril, but also accomplish His purposes in the earth (Ex. 14:13-15:18; Judges 7:9-25; 1 Sam. 17:45-47; 1 Chr. 5:18-22; 2 Chr. 20:1-30, vs. 17; Isaiah 37:33-38).
Similarly David, Israel’s most renowned earthly king, whose throne God has established so that the Lord Jesus Christ will one day sit and reign on it forever, was not only a man of war (1 Samuel 16:18) but many times David recalls the Lord’s strengthening him for the battles he faced (Ps. 18:29, 32-34, 39-42; 27:1-3; 144:1-2). Therefore God’s people were not only called to be a holy people set apart from the Canaanite nations idolatrous (Deut. 29:14-29), immoral (Lev. 18) and sorcerous practices (Deut. 18:9-14). But every male over twenty years was to serve God with military service (Num. 1:19-54), exemptions being found in (Num. 1:48-49; Deut. 20:5-7; 24:5). And this military service (Deut. 20:1-9) no way hindered their holiness as a people sanctified by the Lord God of Israel (Num. 32:20-23; Joshua 6:12-14). Indeed the Israelites military service finds very honorable mention in the New Testament as inspiration for the church as their being Godly examples of faith who “quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:34 Not that we as believers are called to use force, or take up arms in the proclamation or defense of the Gospel (Matt. 26:52); but now as God's New Covenant and sanctified people (1 Peter 2:9-10) we too by faith will overcome the enemy of our souls (Rev. 12:11).
Now in terms of the New Testament there simply are no commandments restricting believers from military or police service. For again the N.T. commends all authority as given by God for the punishment of evildoers and for praise of those who do good (See Rom. 13:1-7). Therefore if an individual while serving in the military or police service in the execution of their duties justly uses force to apprehend evil they are not breaking Jesus Christ’s commandments to love ones enemy (Matt. 5:44). For nowhere does love for ones enemy suspend the apprehension of evil by governing authorities; even if they must use as a last resort lethal force in doing so. Just as God did not charge His people with breaking His commandment “You shall not murder.” When they took lives in executing His judgment collectively as a nation sent into Canaan to purge it of evil so that they might inherit it. Or when the Law required that someone be put to death according to it. For there is a difference between the two. Therefore a policemen’s self-defense or the defense of others, or the execution of justice through the courts when they decree a life is to be taken, cannot be equated with murder, if the life is taken justly. For though a life is taken, God does indeed make a distinction between the life taken unjustly and the life taken in the execution of justice (Gen. 9:5-6; Ex. 23:7; Deut. 19:16-21; 32:4; 2 Chr. 19:5-10). Therefore condemning the very authorities God charges with preventing lawlessness and or executing His wrath against it is not to be a believer’s position in their Godly desire to prevent violence and or promote peace on earth (Rom. 13:7). For the Scripture universally approves of those authorities who execute just judgment according to the Word of God (Deut. 17:1-13; Joshua 20:1-7; 2 Sam. 8:15; Prov. 24:23-25; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Consider in the N.T. that the Apostle Paul when he was brought before the Roman courts, though unjustly, saw nothing wrong with incurring judgment from them if he had done something worthy of it. Even if that judgment meant death (Acts 25:11). Therefore as Jesus Christ’s disciples we are commanded to pray for all authority that we might all live peaceable lives (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Thus our responsibility is not to needlessly criticise or condemn lawful authority, rather the Bible says: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Rom. 13:1-2
Now Scripturally war is the result of either mans sin or God’s judgment against it (2 Kings 24:1-4; 2 Chr. 36:11-21; Isaiah 45:7; Jer. 12:12; Matt. 22:7; Luke 19:43-44; Rev. 6:4) and thus conflict and war is not His desire for us, nor His blessing on us, which is always peace (Num. 6:24-26; Ps. 29:11; 37:11, 37; 55:18; 72:7 etc.). Therefore in saying that military or police service was not a sin for the Old Covenant Israelite’s is not to say that Jesus Christ in the New Covenant has called us who believe in Him to take up arms to forward His Kingdom or defend His Name (Matt. 26:52). For nowhere does the Gospel advocate war, and certainly not in defending the cause of the Prince of Peace and His Kingdom of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Since Jesus Christ’s very Incarnation, Kingdom and Gospel is to bring peace to everyone, and through everyone who believes in Him (Luke 1:72). Therefore Jesus commands us as recipients of His peace (John 14:27) to be His peacemakers in all aspects of life (Matthew 5:9). Yet Jesus Christ’s Person, Kingdom and Gospel will inevitably create divisions in human relationships (Matthew 10:34-42) and hostility towards us who believe. Since loyalty to Christ will always mean hatred by the world (Ps. 120:7; John 15:18-25).
Nonetheless God’s desire is never for conflict, but always for peace, and to achieve peace for us He sent His Son Jesus Christ to suffer and die in our place so that He might bring His peace into all of us who repent and believe in Him (Mark 1:15). Therefore the love of God is what the church is first and foremost called to be a witness and servant too (John 3:16-21). To be people of peace, (Matthew 5:9) having our feet shod with the gospel of peace (Luke 2:14; Eph. 6:15) offering conditions of peace; by the Spirit of God and not the letter of Law; to every sinner and enemy of God because of the blood of Christ’s cross (Col. 1:19-23). To live lives of peace both individually and collectively. “To pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will see the Lord” Heb. 12:14
Now there are two important instances in the N.T., both involving Roman centurions, which I believe clearly demonstrates God's acceptance of us all solely by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person.
Now the first begins outside of Capernaum when Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion pleading with Him to heal his servant. To which Jesus’ responds to his plea for help by saying, …“I will come and heal him” (See Matt. 8:5-7). Now consider Jesus does not refuse the man’s request because he was a Roman centurion, which then ruled over the Jews. Nor does Jesus shun away from him in the midst of a Jewish crowd because of his military service or even his representing Gentile rule at that time over God's people. Instead Jesus without hesitation says: …“I will come and heal him” Matt. 8:7
Now when the Roman centurion heard Jesus’ response to him he answered and said to Jesus: …“Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 “For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. Matt. 8:5-13
Consider then Jesus' response! For it is clear that whatever things the Jews thought inherently approved them to God actually did not. And that error is not just exclusive to them! For people who have grown up in the house of faith must also guard against that same arrogance. For it is only the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Man of Glory, and ones faith in Him that determines ones acceptance by God. Jesus then by publicly talking with and promising to come to the aid of a Roman centurion in the midst of the Jews who often saw such as their arch enemies was a radical move indeed. Yet that's what Jesus Christ came to do, breakdown all barriers between God and mankind. Especially those barriers to God that the "religious man" himself imposes on his fellow man. So that we all might be accepted by grace and justified in the sight of God, only and all by what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us all, when we believe in Him (Rom 5:1). Now the centurion’s response is no less remarkable in that he (though a Gentile and a despised and rejected man by the Jewish multitudes; not just for his being a Gentile; but also for his Roman military service) demonstrates for us all essential saving faith! For he approaches Jesus, believing Jesus is fully able to heal his servant with a word. So much so that he feels utterly unworthy to have Christ come into his home. In stark contrast then to the "devout" and "religious" Scribes and Pharisees who constantly contended with Jesus about whose authority He was acting on. Or the Jews in general who were always seeking signs of proof of Jesus Christ's Person and Calling (John 6:25-40; 1 Cor. 1:22-25). This Roman Centurion knew that Jesus was acting on God’s Authority. Therefore he diligently sought Him out, and when He found Him, he believed Him at His Word. Now that is the righteousness of faith that God requires of us all (John 3:16-21). The Roman Centurion then models for us all not only essential saving faith, but extraordinary faith! Thus long before Peter’s infamous confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Here is an unknown solider, a Roman centurion who believed that Jesus is the Lord.
Now during Jesus’ time with him, Jesus made nothing of the centurion’s military service as if that would somehow exclude him from the Kingdom of heaven. Indeed Jesus cites him, a loyal Roman centurion to all present there as example of great faith not to be found, not even in Israel! Just as He first cited a widow from Zarephath in Sidon in days of Elijah (See 1 Kings 17:8-24); then Naaman the commander of the entire Syrian army in the days of Elisha the prophet (See 2 Kings 5:1-27) as true people of God to His own hometown in Nazareth. For they both believed the prophets messages spoken to them, while His very hometown didn’t (Luke 4:24-30). Therefore what truly matters to the Lord is not the centurion’s military service. As if that would somehow exclude him from the Kingdom of heaven; but rather his genuine faith, which understood Jesus Christ’s Authority as coming from God. There can be no doubt that what the centurion meant was that Jesus’ miracles were being done by a Man directly under God’s Authority. Which brought about Christ’s stunning revelation that many people other then the sons of the Kingdom will sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the Kingdom will be cast into outer darkness. Jesus Words then are a warning to anyone who presumes upon the Kingdom simply because they grew up “in the faith”. For you do not enter the Kingdom of heaven by default. Nor do you enter by affiliation, baptism, or by affirming or "preaching" your denominations favorite pet decrees. You have to make a personal decision for Jesus Christ as Lord. Crucified and risen from the dead for your sins remission (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). In other words you have to put your trust in Jesus Christ apart from any man made notions of what qualifies you, or disqualifies somebody else. For Jesus Christ is God who forgives all who repent of their sins and believe in Him (Psalm 99:8; Mark 3:28-30), that is how you must know Him; never forget that (Heb. 12:24) for He receives anyone and everyone into His Kingdom who simply repents and believes in Him (Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 15:11-32; 18:9-14; 23:39-43).
Now the second occurrence of an active Roman centurion's acceptance by God is likewise profound. It occurs in Acts chapter ten. A crucial turning point for the newly Holy Spirit endowed believers who at that time were Jews. It is there against the backdrop of the Apostle Peter’s vision. That another centurion is mentioned, a man named Cornelius. Now as you read the whole chapter. You will see God’s hands on both Cornelius’ and the Apostle Peter’s lives. To bring this incredible event about, so that Cornelius a Roman centurion would be the first Gentile baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ! Therefore if Jesus’ Words hadn’t yet sunk in about many, other then Israelites, coming from the east and the west to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of heaven; then this event was about to change everything! Now the Scripture says that Cornelius was: “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” Acts 10:2
And thus Cornelius' military service in no way hindered God's choosing and accepting him or even of his living Godly. The Scripture also says that while Cornelius was in prayer he saw in a vision an angel descending down from heaven to him and when he saw him he was afraid and said: “What is it lord”. To which the angel responded: …“Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do. 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.” Acts 10:4-8
Now the word used to describe both Cornelius and the solider he sent as devout is also used in 2 Peter 2:9 where it translated godly in the New King James, and where it says: “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.” This solider then, like Cornelius, was also a God fearing man. It is likely than that there were other God fearing soldiers as well. Since we know that Roman soldiers were later apart of the early church (Phil. 4:22). And though there are similar words like this one in the N.T. describing Godly people. It is to be noted, that this particular word, is used only of Cornelius (vs. 2); the solider he sent (vs. 7), and Ananias of Damascus, later described by the Apostle Paul as “…a devout man according to the Law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there” Acts 22: 12
Cornelius then was not the only Roman solider that God knew was reverent before Him. For just as an angel of God instructed Ananias the devout Jew, so God sent an angel to instruct Cornelius the devout Roman Centurion, making no distinctions between them. Now Cornelius’ servants and the devout solider he sends will seek out the Apostle Peter according to the angels instructions given Cornelius. And when they find him (Peter having likewise already received a vision from God, the Spirit of God having instructed him that they were coming and that he must go with them, doubting nothing, vs. 9-23). Will upon their arrival go down to them and say: …“Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Acts 10:21-23 Now the Apostle Peter upon arrival at Cornelius’ home will preach the gospel to all there, and he begins by saying: “…In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:34-35 Now that is what God had revealed to Peter through the vision given him, and is what Jesus earlier demonstrated by the Roman centurions faith in Capernaum when He responded to it by saying: “And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 8:11-12 Therefore God has sanctified everyone who believes (Acts 10:15) by the sacrifice of His Son (Heb. 9:13-14).
Now the Apostle Peter when he had preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household about Jesus concludes by saying: “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43 Therefore like the Lord Jesus Christ in Capernaum with the Roman centurion there. The Apostle Peter here makes no mention of Cornelius’ military service in Joppa as if he needs to repent of that in order to be saved from his sins and brought into a right relationship with God. Indeed the Word of God says that while the Apostle Peter was preaching to them, and to the amazement of Peter and those with him, that the Holy Spirit was immediately poured out on Cornelius and his household. Just as it was on them at Pentecost. Therefore by the Sovereign Will of God, Cornelius the Roman centurion of the Italian Regiment becomes the first Gentile the Holy Spirit baptizes into the Body of Christ. And the Apostle’s later water baptize into Jesus Christ’s discipleship (Acts 10:44-48). That reality should put an end to any and all notions of military or police service as somehow being discordant with obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. For in God’s eyes Cornelius’ military service wasn’t an issue. And we know the Scriptural reason. It is that the Risen Jesus Christ is Lord over all. 12 “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Rom. 10:12-13 Therefore though we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are given both power and authority in the church to bind and loose (Matt. 18:18), no one as a recipient of God’s grace is given power or authority to deny that privilege to anyone else. Since God is the just and the justifier of everyone who has faith in the Jesus regardless of their past lives, whether civilian or solider (Rom. 3:26-28). Therefore we must be very careful not to alienate anyone from God by our own man-made ideals of what constitutes being right in the sight of God. Rather we should consider how we as people of peace can bring the gospel of peace to all people around the world without partiality. Receiving them as brethren just as the Apostle’s and brethren did when they also receive the Lord Jesus Christ with no regards to their military or police service past, present or future. For I’d much rather be in a church filled with Cornelius’ then without them.
Scripture Quotations:
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
* Gleaned from the New International Dictionary on New Testement Theology article on polemos
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