Christians don’t have to be pacifists. But, our war is more on the spiritual side than the physical side.

³ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We are nearing the end of our study of the Baptist Faith & Message. Today, we look at:

XVI. Peace and 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.

Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.

The key to this article is the phrase, “The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord.” Nothing was mentioned about Christians being soldiers, nor was anything mentioned about self-defense or physical protection of families. This article was purposely written with a broad brush so that each person can work out the specifics between him and the Lord. We must not judge another’s servant based upon our own conscience and conviction (1 Corinthians 10:29, Romans 14:4).

In case you were wondering, many soldiers in the Roman army were Christians, and they used their influence to bring many other soldiers to Christ. For interesting reading, go to earlychurchhistory.org.

I look forward to the day when every soldier beats his sword into a plowshare and his spear into a pruning hook (Isaiah 2:4).

Abba, may that Day come in Your time. I know You are filling the earth with Your Church. One day, she will be complete and You will come back to establish Your kingdom fully here on earth. I look forward to that Day. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.