WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL PRECIDENT FOR THE USE OF VIOLENCE TO STOP A VIOLENT CHURCH ATTACK?

Violence to stop violence is always a controversial issue. This becomes a particularly hot topic when we consider this topic in a house of worship/church environment. The issue is complex. It touches on faith, morality and practical safety in a world that seems to have gone insane. Much of the controversy on this subject comes from the varied points of view presented in the Bible.

Picture of a Bible.

Under the Mosaic Covenant:

In the old Mosaic Covenant, there are many passages that talk about defending yourself, your loved ones and even property with violence.

• Exodus 22:2, NIV

"If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of murder". circa 1446BC

This seems pretty extreme compared to today's laws, since most jurisdictions do not allow the application of deadly force to protect property.

• Psalm 144:1-2

King David wrote: "Praise be to the Lord who trains my hands for war and my finger for battle. He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me." circa1023 BC

• Nehemiah 4:9

Nehemiah the profit said: "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet the threat" circa 445BC

Clearly Nehemiah believed that God directed him and the Jewish people to guard and protect the congregation.

Throughout the Old Testament, which covers the time period of the Mosaic Covenant, it is very clear that using violence, up to and including lethal force, when defending human life, or even property is perfectly acceptable. In fact, when defending the faithful, that act is more than just acceptable and legal, it becomes a duty.

The Intertestamental Period

From roughly 430BC, to the birth of John the Baptizer and his cousin Jesus of Nazareth, between 5 and 2BC is the time frame generally accepted for the Intertestamental Period. This period is frequently referred to as the "silent years", because after Nehemiah, there were no major prophets active during that time period.

The silent period abruptly ended with the Ministry of John the Baptizer. John came as a fulfilment of the prophesy of Isaiah, who said " A voice of one calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord, make straight a highway for our God". Isaiah 40:3

Picture of the inside of an empty sanctuary.

The New Covenant

Jesus of Nazareth was the fulfillment of that prophesy when he began his ministry. It is important to remember that Mosaic Law was still in place and being enforced when Jesus, who Christians today acknowledge as "The Christ" (the anointed one of God) began His ministry, marked by what must have been considered at the time really radical teachings. The Radical ideas that Jesus proclaimed from His first major address in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7, were earth shaking in Roman occupied first century Israel. When Jesus said "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them and offer your left cheek also." Matthew 5:39. This was a concept that was diametrically opposed to the "eye for an eye" concepts from Exodus 21:23-25, Leviticus 24:19-20, and Deuteronomy 19:21. Beyond the teachings of tolerance, non-violence, and restraint, Jesus's message was also about murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, revenge, love for one's enemies, giving to the needy, fasting etc., etc. All of these teachings were revolutionary to first century Jews and Gentiles alike.

Jesus knew His time was short, so he laid out the basic ground rules for living a Godly life under the New Covenant. He knew this New Covenant would go into effect immediately after His death on the cross.

In the two plus years between the Sermon on the Mount and His death on the cross at Golgotha he continued to preach to the masses about what the rules would be under the New Covenant. Simultaneously, He spent a lot of time and energy trying to make his disciples see and understand what the future would hold. This was a future that would include Jesus's death on the cross as well as His resurrection and ascension into heaven., leaving them physically alone here on Earth.

• Jesus said, "You will be hated by everyone because of me., but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22

• "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me". Matthew 24:9

Jesus's message became more dire as he got closer and closer to Calvary. He still taught the same message of love and tolerance as He had at the Sermon on the Mount, but now He began to talk (especially to the disciples) about the harsh realities of the life of the saint who truly follows Him. A prophesy that turned out to be very accurate when one considers that every one of His disciples, with the exception of John, would die a martyr's death. Jesus did not change the message He preached; He added to it. In the same way He did not change the law when He came bringing the New Covenant with Him.

• " Do not think I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish them but fulfill them. Matthew 5:17

  
  

  

  Picture of a church, a Bible, and a sword.

His message and His guidelines did not change, they just expanded as He got closer to the end of His time on earth and hopefully, as His disciple's understanding grew. This was when He began to teach the operational side of the New Covenant.

Finally, on the night He was betrayed, and less than 24 hours before He was killed on the cross, knowing He was only a few moments away from being arrested. "Then Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you without purse bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' 'Nothing.' they answered. He then said to them, 'But now if you have a purse take it, and also a bag; and if you do not have sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'" Luke 22:35-36.

The Christ knew that this was His last night on earth. His last night with them in human form. He knew that after this night, He would no longer be there to protect them from attack. This was the last thing Jesus told His disciples before His death on the cross, arm yourself so you can defend yourself from attack.

Mosaic law was still in place as Jesus was put through the mockery of a trial. He was shuttled back and forth between the Sanhedrin and the Roman Governor. Finally, He was condemned to death and hung on a cross to die. As he gasps His last breath, the skies darkened and an earthquake hits Jerusalem. The Temple curtain that separates the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple was torn from top to bottom. This signified the end of the Mosaic Covenant and the start of the New Covenant in Christ Jesus.

The new Covenant in Christ represents a fundamental shift in God's requirements for salvation. The New Covenant introduces salvation through faith, and that faith is exhibited in each imperfect person's willingness to live a good and Christ-like life. This can only truly be accomplished with the honest intent to follow Christ's teachings and through an acceptance of Jesus the Christ as Lord Savior and redeemer, which washes away one's sins.

What does that have to do with God's view of the use of violence to stop or prevent violence against oneself or God's flock?

Everything!

The principles of love, forgiveness, non-violence are all principles that as Christians we MUST embrace and try to uphold. Any violence in defense of ourselves or others MUST only be used as a last resort. In the end, in the New Covenant brought about by the crucifixion of Jesus, leaves us in a position where the world will hate us because of Him. We should follow the teaching of the Christ with the increase of violence and hatred against us and carefully follow His last earthly lesson to us, "...if you do not have sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Luke 22:36.

We are not trying to tell anyone what they must or should do. Each person must follow their own conscience and beliefs. Each church should prayerfully consider how they are going to defend the faithful. However, in a world where Christians are routinely targeted, attacked and killed, we believe the scriptural basis for defending the faithful is extremely strong.

Emmaus Defense, LLC works with houses of worship to develop an individualized plan to ensure the safety and security their congregations. Contact them for a free consultation.