Friday, April 26, 2013

should christians get violent?

Matthew 5:38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.


"While it is the divine right of the secular government to wage a “Just War”. It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The Supreme need of the world is the acceptance of his teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8, Romans 12:18-19,13:1-4, 14:19, Matthew 5:9,21-26,38-48, 6:33, 26:52 Isaiah 2:4, Luke 22:36, Hebrews 12:14, James 4:1-2" from the freedom baptist church  confession of Faith.

As we read from the scripture and turn our attention to my confession (which is extremely close to the baptist faith and message on in this article)
You may wonder How I can be a martial artist in good conscience and be a practitionaer of martial arts simulatneously?

While I could start off with a rebuttal and justify squeeking past the principle. Instead I want show why I nevertheless do believe in this principle.

The gospel is for all mankind.
1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Our war is not against flesh and blood
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

we should not fight out of vengeance
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.




However there is a purpose for self defense

There is a time ecclesiastes 3
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.


And even Jesus advises weapons for self defense.
Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
   Here we see that the disciples are advised to get weapons for protection.  Now the disciples were never told to get weapons at any other time.  This is because their lifestyle never required them to protect themselves from attack.  Yet when Danger was near christ was responsible to provide them permission for self defense.

I will probably do a follow up concerning specific apllications,
In christ.
Matt