“THIS WEEKEND
AMERICA HONORS OUR GALLANT MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES WHERE
MANY GAVE THEIR LIVES TO DEFEND OUR LIVES AND LIBERTY. YET TODAY, PATRIOTISM
HAS BECOME A DIRTY WORD.”
I’m Dennis
Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a
moment we’ll talk about Memorial Day and its meaning from a Christian
perspective…
…
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for
those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its
actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being
the birthplace of Memorial Day. The fact of the matter is America has chosen
in its historic past, to set this day aside to give honor to the men and women
who have died serving our nations armed forces. Sadly over
the years the meaning of Memorial Day has faded more and more from the public
consciousness. From a solemn day of mourning, of remembrance, of honor to our
departed loved ones, it has degenerated into a day where only token nods
toward our honored dead is given, if at all. Too many people don't even know
what the day stands for. I believe this has come about because our nation’s
schools have set aside all teaching of patriotism, in favor of promoting a
“multi-culturalism” mentality to our youth who now being adults sees no
need for being a patriot. However, today I want to honor the many unsung
heroes who gave their lives to defend us in war, many being Christians who had
dual citizenship. They were and still are citizens of Heaven by and through
Jesus Christ, but also they were good and godly citizens of this nation, the
United States of America. But in the interest of building a patriotic spirit
for this weekend occasion, let’s pause again and listen to another moment
of, you guessed it, patriotic music. Then I’ll return to talk about the
Christian, War and patriotism. Stay tuned…
…Some
years ago, a Norwegian using a computer figured out that in about 5,560 years
of recorded history, man has fought 14,351 wars (over 2 1/2 annually) and in
185 generations, mankind has had only 10 years of peace! Yet the Bible says because of man's fall at the beginning of
time, the sin nature within all of us will inevitably break out, and war is
inescapable among unredeemed humanity. James writes in the New Testament :
James 4:1-2 (NLT) "What
is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn't it the whole army of evil
desires at war within you? 2 You want what you don't have, so you scheme and
kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess
it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you
don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it."
The
Bible affirms that as long as mankind exists in our fallen sinful state, there
will never be hope of ending wars. Yet,
the God's Word also states, that war will one day come to an end when God
intervenes in the affairs of men. You see, God promises to return to this
earth and to set up a sovereign kingdom ruled by His Son the Lord Jesus
Christ. At that time, mankind's
sinful nature will be destroyed in the resurrected redeemed, and controlled in
those who are living on earth. In Scripture, this is a time period is called
the Millennium. Therefore until
then, we can expect wars of some sort, will continue!
Now the question is, can Christians support war?
Can it be Biblical to kill others in time of war?
This we must examine from Scripture, for my answers and thoughts will
not do, only the Word of God shall and must be our guide.
Well,
among those who believe the Bible, Christians generally seem to have taken
three approaches to the issue of war and its taking of life.
Some take the pacifist approach and state they believe the New
Testament and Jesus Christ's teachings, clearly state that all war and all
taking of life of any kind, is wrong. Many in the pacifist camp further
believe capital punishment, by a civil government is also wrong.
The Scriptures most often quoted to substantiate this are found in
Matt. 5:38-41 where Jesus told His disciples they were to NOT RESIST EVIL and
in chapter 5 verses 43-45 Jesus also said, they were to," love ones
enemies". Pacifists believe
these commands apply to nations as well as individuals.
Groups
such as the Mennonites and Quakers are best known for such pacifist positions.
However, an overwhelming majority of Christians today, believe that
war, all war is repugnant and evil. Notwithstanding,
these people do believe that some wars can be classified as "JUST
WARS." Most
evangelical-fundamental Christians today believe in the JUST-WAR THEORY and
THEOLOGY. Can war be reconciled with the Bible? Well, lets look at this for a moment.
Is
pacifism Biblical? Well, one of
the basic arguments against pacifism is that it does not take into account the
sin nature of the human race. The
Bible constantly affirms that mankind, individually and collectively, will
always gravitate downward and away from God's laws and goodness. Such is the
point of James 4:1-2. It is my opinion that Pacifism although a noble stand,
is inconsistent and inappropriate in a world where sin is deeply etched in the
lives of nations and men. Always,
in demonic form, this sin nature will surface and inflict its aggressive evil
on others, with the main desire to enslave and control them.
What is necessary to fully understand what God means by calling His
people to not resist evil and to love ones enemies, can only be known when we
rightly divide God's Word.
So,
first of all, the Lord Jesus' words in Matthew 5 were spoken to those who,
opted to follow the Lord. It was
His standard for individuals, for as Christians, we are to first seek peace,
as well as love our enemies. These
were commands for the individual walk of believers. In addition, it is clearly
spoken that, we must not commit murder. One
of the Ten Commandments God never rescinded is …
Exo 20:13 (NNAS) ""You
shall not murder."
Yet,
the same Bible says that when people organize a collective government, such a
government takes on a different position than individuals.
Governments, Paul the apostle says, are of God.
Rom 13:1 (NNAS) "Every
person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no
authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."
Therefore
all government God approves of and blesses, must represent God and His will
and word before its society. Yes,
t Creator of all life has clearly said, that mankind is to subdue the earth
and provide a place of peaceful coexistence, as much as possible.
So
we see, that the Bible affirms that God has ordained the governments of the
earth to stand in His stead. They
are to uphold His laws and practice His principles of life and living.
Furthermore, to resist such laws within a nation is to actually resist and
rebel against God Himself. The
Bible says,
Rom 13:2-5 (NNAS) "Therefore
whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have
opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a
cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of
authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is
a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for
it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an
avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is
necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for
conscience' sake."
Clearly
God says here that governments are given the role of delivering punishment for
those who defy and destroy peaceful coexistence; those who domineer in society
for selfish gains; those who bring tyranny in the midst of society, by their
greedy goals and desires. In such
cases the government is God's representative agent of wrath, and therefore
executes such wrath with God's permission, even taking the life of such
rebels.
So
you see, in the Bible there are two positions God gives to mankind. Individual
rules and responsibilities, and collective obligations under government.
Accordingly, I am not permitted to personally murder, or kill without just
cause. But God, permits a
government under certain principles given in the Bible, to execute such
judgment against other nations or individuals who break godly law, and
challenge the authority of it.
Now,
the question that comes up time and time again is: "
CAN WAR EVER BE JUST?"
The answer depends upon a clear definition of a “just war.”.
Perhaps a beginning definition is this:
“A JUST WAR, IS A WAR THAT MUST BE FOUGHT, TO PRESERVE LIFE,
LIBERTY AND TO PUT DOWN THOSE NATIONS AND PEOPLE WHO WOULD DISRUPT SUCH A
PEACEFUL FREE SOCIETY, TO THE PERIL OF FREE MEN."
A continuing definition of a" JUST WAR", would also
include:" A WAR FOUGHT
FOR LIMITED ENDS WITH APPROPRIATELY LIMITED MEANS."
In other words," just wars", are never initiated, only
responsively acknowledged when all means and manner of negotiations have
ended, with the impending threat and peril of safety.
THE
JUST WAR THEOLOGY says we can best love our enemies when we restrain their
tyranny and destructive actions that would go on in an unchecked environment.
What's more, we can best love the people of a free peaceful society by obeying
God's command, to protect them(Rom. 13:4). As such, the norm of conduct, if a
war must be fought, must be under the principle of Christian love and ethical
standards.
Let's
discuss what this means. Let’s
hypothetically say war has come to our nation in the 21st century,
as an inevitable option to our God-fearing nation. When such a situation appears, our godly government is forced
to protect its citizens from all peril, loss, and tyrannized freedoms it has
enjoyed under such a godly government. Therefore,
it must exercise the act of war as humanely as possible to maintain it.
Mass annihilation of people can never be just.
Immoral and indiscriminate killing of civilians is never permitted
under God's principles of love. Thus,
our present nuclear ability to annihilate nations as a whole, seems to be a
questionable use of power in a just war.
How can total annihilation ever be just?
However, with the same breath it must be recognized that when one is
forced to engage in war, the proper goal is to win the war as quickly and
surely as possible, with a minimum loss of life in defense. This was the
justification of using the Atom Bomb in WW II. But of course, there are really
no winners in any war, and civilians, tragically are often the biggest losers
in all wars. Yet, no country ever goes to war, unless the people have
supported the ruler who requested it. In addition, no war is ever fought
without labor and manpower support. So
in a sense civilians in any country at war, are not totally innocent victims,
for no war can ever be fought without their aid, support and help.
War
is as someone well said," a foretaste of Hell". Yet it can be at times a tragic necessity to carry out and
obey God's will, as a just government organized to protect its citizens from
exploitation, harm and enslavement.
In
the 10 commandments we are told “thou shalt not kill.” But, the Bible's English translation loses the original
Hebrew command. God never said thou shalt not kill, but rather thou shalt
not" murder". Individuals
do not have the right to take aggressor’s life if one's own or other’s
life is in peril. One may defend
himself, his family, or another human being against such immediate aggression.
Also, one may biblically hunt animals for food purposes, not just for sports.
Moreover, governments may execute criminals after a fair impartial trial which
judges a crime worthy of death. Yes,
God is clear that the object of all love is to provide mankind and individuals
with the freedom to live out their lives, in the quest to find and serve the
living God.
So,
as we observe another Memorial Day this week, let us remember those brave
self-giving men and women, who through all of America's wars obeyed the
Biblical command to serve their governments in wars that were just. Lawful that is, in the sense that they had to be fought to
preserve life and liberty. But let us also remember that all wars are itself
evil, but at times necessary to preserve society from demonic chaos and
destruction. Our century has
witnessed extravagant oscillation between pacifism and uncompromising
belligerence. Both of these forms of moralism are dangerous, because they fail
the crucial ethical test of realism and responsibility.
The Bible says:
Mat 5:9 (NNAS) ""Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Say,
talking about that, do you know that
God is the great Peacemaker, now making peace?
Yes indeed, He is calling all men and women, boys and girls of every
nation to Himself. He has sent forth ambassadors in this world to make peace
with men who are alienated from His purity, holiness, and love.
The Bible says, our whole world is in rebellion to God's initial plan
for a peaceful society. Man opted to become the rebel, the peace-breaker, and
as such God for thousands of years has been reconciling people to His just
plan and government for the universe. However, while we still live, in a time
of peace between God and mankind, there is coming a day when God's wrath and
patience will no longer be held in abeyance. The Bible says God in His wrath
will one day, pour out His justice on a Christ rejecting world.
Acts 17:30-31 (NNAS)
""Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is
now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He
has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a
Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him
from the dead.""
That
period of time, a day fixed in our future, God will begin His JUST, and HOLY
WAR against hardened sinners. This is described in the Bible as the time of
GREAT TRIBULATION.
My
friend, that day is coming and could even come before this year is out.
All of us as members of the human race are in perilous danger. The
Scriptures declare you and I, WE ARE AT WAR WITH GOD, WE ARE THE REBELS
FORCES! The only answer is ¾ we should throw down our arms, our hardness toward God
and His Word, and accept His offer and terms of peace!
Yes, God offers pardon and peace to everyone who receives His great
ambassador, and peace-maker, our Lord Jesus Christ. So friend, Memorial Day then is a good time of remembering
the great sacrifice soldiers have made to “SERVE & DEFEND.”. So
likewise, let us remember God's great judgment day when at the Cross of
Calvary, God satisfied the debt of all men who will come to Him by the way of
the cross.
Now
the question for you! Have
you come to Jesus? Have you made peace with God through Him? You see my
friend, there is no other way to be reconciled, and if we reject God's offer
of love, God has no alternative but to declare war and judgment upon all who
reject His last offer of pardon. Yes
God's "just and holy war," when it begins, will be waged for total
destruction of all who stand against God. Then there will be lasting peace,
tranquility and obedience to the greatest government this world will ever see.
The government of God Himself on this earth forevermore.
The
Bible tells us, God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, will be ruling on
the throne of the Universe, and all creation will say AMEN!
I
wonder, can you see your need at this time?
Are you at peace with God through Jesus Christ?
Have you confessed Him before Heaven and earth as your Lord and Savior?
Have you acknowledged His peace offering of full forgiveness, through
Christ's substitutionary atonement for your sins?
Are you walking in obedience today with the King?
This Memorial Day weekend, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could
claim it as a day when you became a child of God through faith in Jesus
Christ. Receive Him now, who knows that day of peace may end soon,
and then the thought of making peace ¾ well it will be too late…
…
Christians must recognize that all war is a result of human insanity, but at
times it will be necessary to fight one to preserve a godly society.
Also, we must remember that no individual has the right to wage war
against another, but a collective society does in defense of God's laws for
life and freedom. As senseless as
war is, it may be a reality due to the sinful aggressive unregenerate nature
of fallen men. But before we go
to wage any war, we must exhaust every avenue to make and find peace without a
shot fired. And, we must keep in
mind a civil state exists under God's will, to restrain evil and those who
would disrupt and destroy society. Governments
are of God and are ordained to collectively take the lives of those who
consistently and unrepentantly imperil others.
This is a brutal fact, but a biblical one.
I
believe Christians can fight in a nation's war, but only if it is a just war,
and only if its intended goal, is to restore and preserve the life and liberty
of the people who are under it. How
thankful we must all be for our nation that has stood as a bulwark of
Christian freedoms, and has defended it on all counts as necessary for the
preservation of such freedoms. However
as our nation turns from its Judaic-Christian heritage, believers must be
watchful to be sure that those who are governing remains loyal to God and His
Word. When a nation forgets God, it is in danger of being the aggressor, and
in time it too will suffer the wrath of God via the grave.
Psa 9:17 (NIV) "The
wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God."
May
God grant each of us, open eyes to surrender first to God's peace overtures
found in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus Christ died for you
and me, and as we believe and trust in Him alone, God promises to grant us
life eternal, and give reconciliation of all sins.
Today while you have breath and life - surrender your heart, to the
King of Kings!
- Radio talk #2101
- Broadcast date: May 27, 2001
- Speaker: Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator
- Program: The World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast
- Address: P.O. Box 40133 Grand Junction, CO 81504
The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over
21 years, and serves as General Director.
These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them.
Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.
For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please
write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/