red_koral_ph (Pixabay)
by Leonard V Johnson
Here in the United States of America, November 11th is Veterans Day. It is a day to
remember and honor those who have served in foreign wars and in the military.
My father served in the U.S. Army, beginning his military career on March 9th, 1946, in Marysville, California, at Camp Beale. He would later serve in Okinawa, South
Korea, and in Kirchgöns, Germany, at the Headquarters Battery 44th Field Artillery
Battalion in 1953. He ended up serving 21 illustrious years in the military.
Now, the historical position of the true Church of God is that we do not become a
part of the military of this or any other worldly government. And, if for no other
reason than the words of John the Baptist, who was asked by some soldiers, “And what
shall we do?” And he said unto them, “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any
falsely; and be content with your wages.” – Luke 3:14, KJV.
In my case, I have never served in the military.
Sadly, long before the 20th century ended, most who were affiliated with the Worldwide Church
of God publicly changed their position on the military and had begun teaching that
it is now acceptable for true Christians to be a part of the military of this or any other
worldly government ── and to commit violence on our fellowman.
Some seemingly poke fun at us who stand firm on God’s living word
on this matter. The Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries (COJCOM) continues
to stand firm in the original position.
We should always remember the living word of God, “Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8. Our Lord Jesus tells His Church, “’
Behold, I am coming quickly! HOLD FAST what you have, that no one may take
your crown.’” – Revelation 3:11. We should be reminded that even though the
Apostle John had written to seven churches that were there in Asia Minor, the Body
of Christ is one – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.
Sadly, many of the remnant churches of God, who believe they are a part of the true
Church of God, now favor that a true Christian can join the military of this or any
other worldly government. It is shameful. They are either ignorant or completely
overlook the New Testament and the historical teachings of the Church of God.
Here is our position of the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries ──
Our Lord and Savior teaches us, “’ My kingdom is not of this world. …’” – John
18:36. And, John the Baptist taught, “’ Do violence to no man.’” – Luke 3:14, KJV.
Historically, the members of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Church ── it’s His Church
because He built it ── have considered military service in opposition and against
the will of God. Now, from the Revolutionary War, and even to the time of the
American Civil War, to the present, countries such as the United States of America
have had provisions to exempt the Church of God members from participating in the
military because of conscientious objections. In truth, early true Christians did not
participate in military service and or warfare ── including the participation in and
or watching violent sports and entertainment, i.e., the ancient Roman gladiator
tournaments.
The Apostle Paul ── under divine inspiration ── taught, “Now then, we are
ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; …” – 2
Corinthians 5:20; see also Ephesians 6:20. The Apostle Peter taught us that we are
“a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that
[we] may proclaim the praises of Him who called [us] out of the darkness into His
marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9. God’s living word also teaches us, brethren, that this
present evil age has been deceived by Satan the Devil – Revelation 12:9, and that
the LORD God’s chosen people are to separate ourselves from this world (John
15:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James 4:4; and Revelation 18:4). So, since a true
Christian is indeed an Ambassador for Christ, and this responsibility is our duty of
service above any which may arise from human relationships (cf. Acts 4:18-20; 5:26
31), we are to only be soldiers for Christ Jesus, and should not engage ourselves with governmental wars of this life! Be sure to read our article: “Commentary: Voting & Choosing Are the Same,”
as well as “Commentary: Should Christians Vote?”
Indeed, true Christians ── are to give supplications, prayers, intercessions, and give
thanks for all men (1 Timothy 2:1-3), as well as submitting ourselves to every
ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13-17), including the paying of our
taxes (Matthew 22:17-21). However, if there is a conflict between the ordinances
and laws of man and the Law of God, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” –
Acts 5:29.
For the first three centuries, true Christians were pacifists. It wasn’t until
“Christianity” became the official religion of the “Holy” Roman Empire, backed by Emperor Constantine the Great himself, that a “Christian” leader began building the
case for a “Just War” theory, giving “Christians” the right to defend themselves.
Our Master, Savior, and Elder Brother, the Lord Jesus Christ, has this to say to us
──
“You have heard that it was said to those in ancient times, ‘You shall not commit
murder; but whoever commits murder shall be subject to judgment.’ 22) But I say to
you, everyone who is angry with his brother without cause shall be subject to
judgment. Now you have heard it said, ‘Whoever shall say to his brother, “Raca,”
shall be subject to the judgment of the council.’ But I say to you, whoever shall say,
‘You fool,’ shall be subject to the fire of Gehenna.” – Matthew 5:21-22, NET.
“ … ‘You shall not commit murder’; …” – Matthew 19:18, NET.
As you can see, such as in Matthew 5:21-22, our Lord Jesus expanded the restrictions
against murder. Those expansions do not condone carnal warfare for true Christians, nor do they encourage violence in sports.
Also, notice this from the Apostle Paul ──
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 4) For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal [that being, a physical sword, knife, gun, or
assault rifle, etc.] but mighty in God …” – 2 Corinthians 10:3, 4.
True Christians ARE NOT TO BE A PART OF PHYSICAL MILITARY WARS!
Some may ask about Luke 22:36, “ … ‘he who has no sword, let him sell his garment
and buy one.’” If true Christians are not to fight in a war, or even defend themselves,
why did our Lord Jesus Christ tell His disciples that those who had no sword should go and
buy one?
And, this question is forefront in my mind, because my dear Sister had asked this
question several years ago. The answer to this is found in the following verse,
“’ And He was numbered with the transgressors.’” – cf. Isaiah 53:12. He was
numbered among the sinners.
For this prophecy to have been fulfilled, our Lord Jesus Christ needed to be taken into custody as one who was numbered as an ordinary criminal ──
even though He Himself was not a transgressor (Luke 22:52). And, this is exactly what happened. He was put to death as a common criminal (Mark 15:27-28). But,
the question can be asked, how do the “two swords” make our Lord Jesus appear to
be a criminal? Notice carefully our Lord Jesus’ response to His disciples, He said, “’
It is enough.’” Many just assume that His words mean that He wanted to terminate
the whole conversation and just simply stated that two swords would be enough to
provide the protection needed ── and in so saying this, getting back to our earlier
discussion of those claiming to a part of the true Church of God, they are approving
that Christians are allowed by God to join the military or even protect themselves
with physical weapons.
The two swords were NEVER MEANT FOR PROTECTION but were only to give
the Pharisees an excuse to consider our Lord Jesus a criminal. Two swords were
‘enough’ to spread the report that He and His disciples were armed. He said to the
chief priests, the captains of the temple, and the elders, “’ Have you come out, as
against a robber, with swords and clubs?’” – Luke 22:52.
In fact, our Lord Jesus FORBADE His followers to use swords ── even in self-defense. Notice: “When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said
to Him, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’” Immediately, impetuous Peter,
“having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right
ear.” – Luke 22:50; John 18:10. Jesus answered, “‘Permit even this.’” And He touched
his ear and healed him.
Our Lord and Savior, even here, taught us a great lesson for all mankind. He said,
“’ Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’” – Matthew 26:52.
Let us notice the type of weapons and armor that true Christians are to bear ── and
they are all for “spiritual” warfare, not physical warfare ──
Gird Up Your Loins With Jesus Christ!
Brethren, the LORD our God does not leave us defenseless. Our mighty Lord Jesus
THE MAGNIFICENT goes beyond just telling us what not to do – He also
instructs us what we should be doing to thwart Satan the devil and his devices. He
has not given us “a spirit of fear” or ignorance, “but of power and of love and of A
SOUND MIND” – 1 Timothy 1:7.
The apostle Paul goes over this with us in Ephesians 4 –
“if indeed you have been taught BY HIM, as the truth is IN JESUS: 22) that you put
off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to
the deceitful lusts, 23) and BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND, 24)
and that you PUT ON THE NEW MAN which was created according to God, in true
righteousness and holiness.
25) Therefore, PUTTING AWAY LYING [which includes putting away FALSE
RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS], ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’
for we are members of one another. 26) ‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun
go down on your wrath 27) nor give place to the devil. 28) Let him who stole steal
no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may
have something to give him who has need. 29) LET NO CORRUPT WORD [or even
FALSE DOCTRINE, or GOSSIP] proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” …
Turning to Ephesians 6 describes our defenses against Satan’s kingdom.
“Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD” and take up the WHOLE ARMOR OF
GOD! “so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
“above all, taking the SHIELD OF FAITH with which you will be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked one” – Ephesians 6:10-16.
What are his fiery darts? Well, they may come in various guises – persecutions, false
accusations, and tribulations. But, brethren, so long as we have THE SHIELD OF
FAITH – “FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST” – Satan’s fiery darts will only bounce off!
…
“praying ALWAYS with all prayer and supplication IN THE SPIRIT, being watchful
to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints─” – Ephesians
6:18.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-9 ── “But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the
BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE, and as A HELMET THE HOPE OF
SALVATION. 9) For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Those who teach and advocate physical warfare or violent sports for true Christians
do not properly understand the glorious gospel of peace.
As far as Veterans Day, we in the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries, even
though we are pacifists, do respect the fact that many have made the ultimate
physical sacrifice for their own ideas of duty to country, or some other calling. We
honor and respect them. But we ourselves do not teach nor advocate carnal warfare
and do not believe that true Christians should ever be a service member of our
military or any other military of this world. □
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