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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Many people make the mistake of reading what the Bible says in Exodus 20:13, "You shall not kill," and then seeking to apply this command to war. However, the Hebrew word literally means "the inten...
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John Smith
Supporter
Does God order and back all wars? Because God has sent people to war in the old testament does mean He sends his people to war today? The cruelty and insanity of war means you hate if you kill. War is the "Intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice." The supreme proof of genuine Christianity is loving our enemies. Romans 12:14-21 Jesus established this high standard in contrast with the prevalent idea of His time. Luke 6:27 Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Luke 6:29 "him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other". Luke 6:35 "But love your enemies" The Christian's answer to hostility and antagonism is to "overcome evil with good" Romans 12:21. The bible adds clarification to killing, using the word "hate". 1 John 3:15 "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." Does the bible say it is OK to kill as long as you don't murder? Not according to 1 John 3:15. "Is God against man (governments) deciding who lives and dies"? Yes! Romans 12:19 "Vengeance is mine saith the Lord". Government (man)controlled wars: Civil War, World War 1, and World War 2, brother killing brother, Christians killing Christians. Jesus' teachings set such a high ideal of a selfless, loving life that most of us probably feel overwhelmed and discouraged. The Lord would never ask us to love and serve those who are hateful, unlovable, wanting to kill us without providing us also the means to accomplish it. (Luke 6:35,36) His Grace. What did Jesus do when he was put to death? Jesus demonstrated His love and grace and forgave those that nailed him to the cross. Luke 6:37 Judge not.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
The Bible speaks of the evils of war in Amos 1:13 and Rev. 19:17, 18, for example. It is under the figures of battle and war that John in Revelation conceives the age-long conflict between righteousness and sin, Christ and Satan, and the final triumph of the Lamb, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords (Rev 16:14-16; 17:14; 19:14). As B H Bell already so ably mentioned, wars and rumors of wars are spoken of by Jesus in Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:7; and Luke 21:9.Among the signs of the last days given by our Lord are "wars and rumors of wars" (Mt 24:6; Mk 13:7; Lk 21:9; 21:24).
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about war? The Bible presents war as a tragic reality of a fallen world, regulated at times, rebuked at others, and ultimately destined to end under God's peace. It speaks with honesty about conflict while consistently pointing toward justice, restraint, and the hope of a future without war. War as a Reality in a Fallen World Scripture acknowledges that conflict is woven into human history. Jesus warns that "you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars" (Matthew 24:6–7), describing war as an ongoing feature of the world until the end. Revelation's imagery of the red horse shows war as part of humanity's broken condition, symbolising peace being taken from the earth. War in the Old Testament God sometimes permits or commands war for specific covenant purposes, such as Israel's conquest of Canaan (Joshua 8:1). Victories and defeats often reflect Israel's obedience or disobedience, showing war as intertwined with spiritual life. The Old Testament also stresses God's sovereignty: "Victory is of the LORD" (Proverbs 21:31). But God has a Heart for Peace. Prophets consistently point toward a future without war. Isaiah envisions nations beating swords into ploughshares and abandoning warfare entirely (Isaiah 2:4). Psalms portray God as the one who "makes wars to cease" (Psalm 46:9). The New Testament, however, shifts this thought toward Enemy-Love and Nonviolence. Jesus teaches radical nonviolence: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44). He rejects retaliation and embodies self-giving love that breaks cycles of violence. Paul urges believers to "overcome evil with good" while acknowledging the state's role in restraining evil (Romans 13:4). Christian Responses to War Early Christians were largely pacifist, viewing military service as incompatible with following Christ. Later, thinkers like Augustine developed Just War Theory, outlining conditions under which war might be morally justified (e.g., cause, right intention, last resort). Modern Christian ethics wrestle with balancing enemy-love and protecting the vulnerable. The Bible's Vision of a World without War. Scripture ultimately points toward a world where God ends all conflict and establishes perfect peace. The prophetic hope of swords becoming ploughshares is the Bible's clearest statement: war is temporary; peace is God's eternal plan. A Recap of the subject: War as a Reality in Human History Matthew 24:6–7 — Jesus says there will be "wars and rumours of wars", showing conflict as part of the world's brokenness. James 4:1–2 — War springs from human desires and conflicts within the heart. Revelation 6:4 — The red horse symbolises peace being removed from the earth. God's Involvement in Israel's Battles Exodus 14:14 — "The LORD will fight for you." Deuteronomy 20:1–4 — God reassures Israel of His presence when they go to battle. Joshua 10:11–14 — God intervenes directly in Israel's warfare for covenant purposes. Proverbs 21:31 — "Victory belongs to the LORD." Jesus' Teaching on Peace and Enemy-Love Matthew 5:9 — "Blessed are the peacemakers." Matthew 5:38–48 — Jesus rejects retaliation and commands love for enemies. John 18:36 — Jesus says His kingdom is not advanced by violence. The Christian Call to Peaceful Conduct Romans 12:18 — "If possible… live peaceably with all." Romans 12:21 — Overcome evil with good, not violence. Colossians 3:15 — Let Christ's peace rule in your hearts. God's Desire to End War Psalm 46:9 — God "makes wars cease to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 2:4 — Nations will beat swords into ploughshares and abandon warfare. Micah 4:3 — Conflicts will be settled without violence. Final Peace in God's Kingdom Revelation 21:4 — No more death, mourning, or pain—war's consequences are gone. Revelation 19:11–16 — Christ judges evil and establishes righteous rule. Isaiah 11:6–9 — A world of harmony where violence is absent.
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