Love and Non-Resistance

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Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
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Love and Nonresistance.

Love seeks to do only good towards our enemies. Jesus was willing to lay down his very own life so as to save mankind from his sin. It is written that Christ is our example and we are to walk as Christ walked. So if believers are to walk as Christ walked according to Scripture, then they will not act in violence out of self defense but they will act in such a way so as to lay down their life for Christ in all given situations.

For if one were to study 1 Corinthians 13 at any length, they would see that love is something that is not selfish or self seeking. Love is anti-self. It is caring about ALL people no matter who they are. For God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

Yes, Jesus will return to bring vengeance or wrath upon the remaining nations that will not repent of their sins and accept Him as their Savior, but until His return, we are under the age of grace and mercy whereby there is time to still repent and live like Christ lived (Which was in a loving and non-violent manner). In fact, nowhere will you find in Scripture any occurence in the New Testament where Jesus and his followers ever acted violently to protect themselves (while being in favor with Christ or God). But what about Peter? Did he not act violently? Did he not buy a sword as the Lord told him to?

Here is a really good article that helps to explain this one.

WHY DID JESUS ASK HIS DISCIPLES TO BUY A SWORD? HE SAID: "HE THAT HATH NO SWORD, LET HIM SELL HIS GARMENT, AND BUY ONE". (LUKE 22:36)

Indeed it is a very interesting statement made by the Prince of peace!

Was Jesus telling them to buy a sword for offence, self-defense, or was He meaning something else? He said earlier:

Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
(Matthew 5:39-40, Matthew 5:44)

The real battle is not with fellow humans but with the prince of demons. The apostle Paul penned down clearly these wonderful words of truth:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

We are to be equipped in this great warfare. In fact the entire armories we require in an earthly battle are also required in the spiritual battle. Each earthly weapon symbolizes some spiritual weapon.

Look at how the apostle relates the earthly to the spiritual:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

You have the "whole armour"-breastplate, shield, helmet, sword, etc! It is not the literal weapons, but rather "the breastplate of righteousness", "the shield of faith", "the helmet of salvation", and "the sword of the Spirit"!

Jesus told each of His disciples to possess a sword. Which sword? Was it literal swords that He bid them have?

Many times we see when Jesus spoke figuratively people got Him wrong. Even the learned Nicodemus misunderstood Christ regarding being born again. When Jesus talked about the spiritual birth he took it literally.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (John 3:4)

On another occasion when Jesus said that all must eat His flesh and drink His blood, the multitude took it literally and misunderstood

Him so badly that most of them never followed Christ after that! John records:

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying,

How can this man give us his flesh to eat?... Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?... From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:52, John 6:60, John 6:66)

Coming to the swords: Was Jesus talking about the literal swords to be taken? If He meant the literal swords why did He rebuke Peter for using the sword against His enemy, and why did Jesus heal the injured man? Behold the scene.

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Look at the compassion of Christ even for His enemies who came to kill Him!

And he touched his ear, and healed him. (Luke 22:51)

Notice how Jesus reacted to Peter's method of protecting his

Master:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:52-53)

A legion in the Roman army division was around 6,000 soldiers. "Twelve legions of angels": that is, one legion for each of them-Christ and the eleven apostles. (Judas had already joined the enemies of Christ, and was leading the other band!)

Christ did not need any earthly defense; the mighty heavenly air force was at His disposal if He wanted to. In fact we see the enemies of Jesus falling down, powerless, just before they arrested Him.

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And

Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. (John 18:3-6)

The power of the divine Christ most likely flashed forth through His human flesh, as it happened also on the Mount of Transfiguration where the three apostles of Jesus fell down on their faces seeing His glory (See Matthew 17:1-7).

God was giving His murderers another chance to let them know whom they were about the handle and crucify!

Before telling His disciples about the fierce battle ahead in Gethsemane and Calvary, Jesus cautioned Peter about the attack of the devil on him. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:31-34)

Peter and the rest had no idea as to what exactly Christ spoke.
They had so many preconceived opinions about the future.

Peter truly loved the Lord. We can see it when he took the sword to defend his Master! But he trusted his own strength and wisdom. Therefore he finally denied his dearly beloved Lord. When he realized what he had done he wept bitterly!

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)

Peter and the rest failed during the crucial hour of test and temptation because they did not understand the Word of God! They did not put on the whole armor of God, but rather had the physical armor!

Which sword did Christ mean? Obviously He did not mean the literal sword as he rebuked Peter for using it. The Scripture reveals the true sword.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:17)

Revelation talks about the sword that Christ will use, as His weapon, to defeat His enemies finally:

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations. (Revelation 19:15)

The sword that comes from His mouth is His Word!

Even in the wilderness when He was battling it out with the devil Christ used the "sword"-the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. For all the three fierce temptations that Satan assailed Him with, the weapon of Jesus was the Word of God-"It is written"! (See Matthew 4:1-11)

Christ was asking them to get ready for the fiercest battle that was just ahead of them. He was asking them to get equipped.

After telling the disciples to get prepared for the battle, Christ showed them as to what He meant, by taking them to the Garden of Gethsemane, for a powerful season of prayer, and the battle with the forces of darkness.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. (Matthew 26:36-38)

Instead of watching and praying, the disciples were overtaken with sleep. Jesus battles it alone! And He comes to check how the disciples are fairing in their battle, and, lo, they are already knocked out!

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:40-41)

Peter had a sword, but the wrong sword! What he was told to have was the spiritual sword to fight the battle in the Garden of great temptation. They were to "watch and pray" to escape temptation.

But they slept, and therefore Peter fell into temptation, and to the enemies' trap. And to make up for the spiritual sword, he wielded his literal sword!

ONE MIGHT SAY: Jesus said that the two swords which they had were "enough". Therefore it is obvious that He was referring to the literal swords!

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (Luke 22:38)

Please note, Jesus did not say "the two swords were enough", but said, "It is enough". If Jesus meant about the literal swords, how could two swords be enough for twelve people if they were going to war? And if Jesus meant just two swords were enough then He would be contradicting His own words earlier, where He told all of them should have a sword each! He said earlier:

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)

Therefore, "It is enough", means, to wind up this conversation, as it was also time up to go and start praying! And the next thing they did was to march to the site of spiritual warfare.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. (Luke 22:38-39)

Also Christ wanted to end that conversation, as they were not in a position to understand what He was saying. Jesus told them earlier:

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:12-13)

They were not to have the two swords, but the two-edged sword!

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)

This is the powerful weapon that Jesus wields against His enemies.

These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. (Revelation 2:12)

ONE MIGHT AGAIN SAY: If Christ meant the spiritual sword why did He say to "buy" a sword? He said:

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)

Well, this method of speaking spiritual things in a literal way was not new. Jesus used the illustration of selling something to buy another thing even in His parables.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44)

To get something spiritual we have to "sell" or give up the things that are an obstacle to its possession. It is only when we give up our selfish ambitions and motives we will be able the "buy" or receive the heavenly gift. Though spiritual things are free we are to "buy" it, as the Gospel prophet, Isaiah, too, penned down the invitation of God regarding "buying" things for free!

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1)

Jesus told Peter just before the temptation in the Garden to strength his brethren later when he got converted. And when the apostle got converted he admonished God's people to give much attention to the sword, which he lacked-the Word of God. He wrote:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)

Are we carrying the sword everyday? We need to! But not the literal sword that Peter once carried, but:

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).​


Article Source:
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Clear Bible Answers
 
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Love and Biblical Pacifism.

Love seeks to do only good towards our enemies. Jesus was willing to lay down his very own life so as to save mankind from his sin. It is written that Christ is our example and we are to walk as Christ walked. So if believers are to walk as Christ walked according to Scripture, then they will not act in violence out of self defense but they will act in such a way so as to lay down their life for Christ in all given situations.

For if one were to study 1 Corinthians 13 at any length, they would see that love is something that is not selfish or self seeking. Love is anti-self. It is caring about ALL people no matter who they are. For God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

Yes, Jesus will return to bring vengeance or wrath upon the remaining nations that will not repent of their sins and accept Him as their Savior, but until His return, we are under the age of grace and mercy whereby there is time to still repent and live like Christ lived (Which was in a loving and non-violent manner). In fact, nowhere will you find in Scripture any occurence in the New Testament where Jesus and his followers ever acted violently to protect themselves (while being in favor with Christ or God). But what about Peter? Did he not act violently? Did he not buy a sword as the Lord told him to?

Here is a really good article that helps to explain this one.

WHY DID JESUS ASK HIS DISCIPLES TO BUY A SWORD? HE SAID: "HE THAT HATH NO SWORD, LET HIM SELL HIS GARMENT, AND BUY ONE". (LUKE 22:36)

Indeed it is a very interesting statement made by the Prince of peace!

Was Jesus telling them to buy a sword for offence, self-defense, or was He meaning something else? He said earlier:

Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
(Matthew 5:39-40, Matthew 5:44)

The real battle is not with fellow humans but with the prince of demons. The apostle Paul penned down clearly these wonderful words of truth:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

We are to be equipped in this great warfare. In fact the entire armories we require in an earthly battle are also required in the spiritual battle. Each earthly weapon symbolizes some spiritual weapon.

Look at how the apostle relates the earthly to the spiritual:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

You have the "whole armour"-breastplate, shield, helmet, sword, etc! It is not the literal weapons, but rather "the breastplate of righteousness", "the shield of faith", "the helmet of salvation", and "the sword of the Spirit"!

Jesus told each of His disciples to possess a sword. Which sword? Was it literal swords that He bid them have?

Many times we see when Jesus spoke figuratively people got Him wrong. Even the learned Nicodemus misunderstood Christ regarding being born again. When Jesus talked about the spiritual birth he took it literally.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (John 3:4)

On another occasion when Jesus said that all must eat His flesh and drink His blood, the multitude took it literally and misunderstood

Him so badly that most of them never followed Christ after that! John records:

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying,

How can this man give us his flesh to eat?... Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?... From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:52, John 6:60, John 6:66)

Coming to the swords: Was Jesus talking about the literal swords to be taken? If He meant the literal swords why did He rebuke Peter for using the sword against His enemy, and why did Jesus heal the injured man? Behold the scene.

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Look at the compassion of Christ even for His enemies who came to kill Him!

And he touched his ear, and healed him. (Luke 22:51)

Notice how Jesus reacted to Peter's method of protecting his

Master:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:52-53)

A legion in the Roman army division was around 6,000 soldiers. "Twelve legions of angels": that is, one legion for each of them-Christ and the eleven apostles. (Judas had already joined the enemies of Christ, and was leading the other band!)

Christ did not need any earthly defense; the mighty heavenly air force was at His disposal if He wanted to. In fact we see the enemies of Jesus falling down, powerless, just before they arrested Him.

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And

Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. (John 18:3-6)

The power of the divine Christ most likely flashed forth through His human flesh, as it happened also on the Mount of Transfiguration where the three apostles of Jesus fell down on their faces seeing His glory (See Matthew 17:1-7).

God was giving His murderers another chance to let them know whom they were about the handle and crucify!

Before telling His disciples about the fierce battle ahead in Gethsemane and Calvary, Jesus cautioned Peter about the attack of the devil on him. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:31-34)

Peter and the rest had no idea as to what exactly Christ spoke.
They had so many preconceived opinions about the future.

Peter truly loved the Lord. We can see it when he took the sword to defend his Master! But he trusted his own strength and wisdom. Therefore he finally denied his dearly beloved Lord. When he realized what he had done he wept bitterly!

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)

Peter and the rest failed during the crucial hour of test and temptation because they did not understand the Word of God! They did not put on the whole armor of God, but rather had the physical armor!

Which sword did Christ mean? Obviously He did not mean the literal sword as he rebuked Peter for using it. The Scripture reveals the true sword.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:17)

Revelation talks about the sword that Christ will use, as His weapon, to defeat His enemies finally:

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations. (Revelation 19:15)

The sword that comes from His mouth is His Word!

Even in the wilderness when He was battling it out with the devil Christ used the "sword"-the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. For all the three fierce temptations that Satan assailed Him with, the weapon of Jesus was the Word of God-"It is written"! (See Matthew 4:1-11)

Christ was asking them to get ready for the fiercest battle that was just ahead of them. He was asking them to get equipped.

After telling the disciples to get prepared for the battle, Christ showed them as to what He meant, by taking them to the Garden of Gethsemane, for a powerful season of prayer, and the battle with the forces of darkness.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. (Matthew 26:36-38)

Instead of watching and praying, the disciples were overtaken with sleep. Jesus battles it alone! And He comes to check how the disciples are fairing in their battle, and, lo, they are already knocked out!

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:40-41)

Peter had a sword, but the wrong sword! What he was told to have was the spiritual sword to fight the battle in the Garden of great temptation. They were to "watch and pray" to escape temptation.

But they slept, and therefore Peter fell into temptation, and to the enemies' trap. And to make up for the spiritual sword, he wielded his literal sword!

ONE MIGHT SAY: Jesus said that the two swords which they had were "enough". Therefore it is obvious that He was referring to the literal swords!

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (Luke 22:38)

Please note, Jesus did not say "the two swords were enough", but said, "It is enough". If Jesus meant about the literal swords, how could two swords be enough for twelve people if they were going to war? And if Jesus meant just two swords were enough then He would be contradicting His own words earlier, where He told all of them should have a sword each! He said earlier:

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)

Therefore, "It is enough", means, to wind up this conversation, as it was also time up to go and start praying! And the next thing they did was to march to the site of spiritual warfare.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. (Luke 22:38-39)

Also Christ wanted to end that conversation, as they were not in a position to understand what He was saying. Jesus told them earlier:

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:12-13)

They were not to have the two swords, but the two-edged sword!

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)

This is the powerful weapon that Jesus wields against His enemies.

These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. (Revelation 2:12)

ONE MIGHT AGAIN SAY: If Christ meant the spiritual sword why did He say to "buy" a sword? He said:

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)

Well, this method of speaking spiritual things in a literal way was not new. Jesus used the illustration of selling something to buy another thing even in His parables.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44)

To get something spiritual we have to "sell" or give up the things that are an obstacle to its possession. It is only when we give up our selfish ambitions and motives we will be able the "buy" or receive the heavenly gift. Though spiritual things are free we are to "buy" it, as the Gospel prophet, Isaiah, too, penned down the invitation of God regarding "buying" things for free!

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1)

Jesus told Peter just before the temptation in the Garden to strength his brethren later when he got converted. And when the apostle got converted he admonished God's people to give much attention to the sword, which he lacked-the Word of God. He wrote:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)

Are we carrying the sword everyday? We need to! But not the literal sword that Peter once carried, but:

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).​


Article Source:
While the Website is currently down, here is their Facebook page.
https://m.facebook.com/Clear.Bible.Answers/

Nice article. But..... if you expect many remarks its way too long for almost anyone to read. I don't think you will get very many posts.
 
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You are most welcome. I am reminded of Christ's response to Peter about how he could have called down angels to protect him.

In the following video: If you were to skip to a few seconds back from minute 48:00, you would see this Pastor talk about the amazing power of angels (that come from our protection of the Lord).



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Love and Biblical Pacifism.

Love seeks to do only good towards our enemies. Jesus was willing to lay down his very own life so as to save mankind from his sin. It is written that Christ is our example and we are to walk as Christ walked. So if believers are to walk as Christ walked according to Scripture, then they will not act in violence out of self defense but they will act in such a way so as to lay down their life for Christ in all given situations.

For if one were to study 1 Corinthians 13 at any length, they would see that love is something that is not selfish or self seeking. Love is anti-self. It is caring about ALL people no matter who they are. For God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

Yes, Jesus will return to bring vengeance or wrath upon the remaining nations that will not repent of their sins and accept Him as their Savior, but until His return, we are under the age of grace and mercy whereby there is time to still repent and live like Christ lived (Which was in a loving and non-violent manner). In fact, nowhere will you find in Scripture any occurence in the New Testament where Jesus and his followers ever acted violently to protect themselves (while being in favor with Christ or God). But what about Peter? Did he not act violently? Did he not buy a sword as the Lord told him to?

Here is a really good article that helps to explain this one.

WHY DID JESUS ASK HIS DISCIPLES TO BUY A SWORD? HE SAID: "HE THAT HATH NO SWORD, LET HIM SELL HIS GARMENT, AND BUY ONE". (LUKE 22:36)

Indeed it is a very interesting statement made by the Prince of peace!

Was Jesus telling them to buy a sword for offence, self-defense, or was He meaning something else? He said earlier:

Resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also... Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
(Matthew 5:39-40, Matthew 5:44)

The real battle is not with fellow humans but with the prince of demons. The apostle Paul penned down clearly these wonderful words of truth:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

We are to be equipped in this great warfare. In fact the entire armories we require in an earthly battle are also required in the spiritual battle. Each earthly weapon symbolizes some spiritual weapon.

Look at how the apostle relates the earthly to the spiritual:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)

You have the "whole armour"-breastplate, shield, helmet, sword, etc! It is not the literal weapons, but rather "the breastplate of righteousness", "the shield of faith", "the helmet of salvation", and "the sword of the Spirit"!

Jesus told each of His disciples to possess a sword. Which sword? Was it literal swords that He bid them have?

Many times we see when Jesus spoke figuratively people got Him wrong. Even the learned Nicodemus misunderstood Christ regarding being born again. When Jesus talked about the spiritual birth he took it literally.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (John 3:4)

On another occasion when Jesus said that all must eat His flesh and drink His blood, the multitude took it literally and misunderstood

Him so badly that most of them never followed Christ after that! John records:

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying,

How can this man give us his flesh to eat?... Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?... From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:52, John 6:60, John 6:66)

Coming to the swords: Was Jesus talking about the literal swords to be taken? If He meant the literal swords why did He rebuke Peter for using the sword against His enemy, and why did Jesus heal the injured man? Behold the scene.

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Look at the compassion of Christ even for His enemies who came to kill Him!

And he touched his ear, and healed him. (Luke 22:51)

Notice how Jesus reacted to Peter's method of protecting his

Master:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:52-53)

A legion in the Roman army division was around 6,000 soldiers. "Twelve legions of angels": that is, one legion for each of them-Christ and the eleven apostles. (Judas had already joined the enemies of Christ, and was leading the other band!)

Christ did not need any earthly defense; the mighty heavenly air force was at His disposal if He wanted to. In fact we see the enemies of Jesus falling down, powerless, just before they arrested Him.

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And

Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. (John 18:3-6)

The power of the divine Christ most likely flashed forth through His human flesh, as it happened also on the Mount of Transfiguration where the three apostles of Jesus fell down on their faces seeing His glory (See Matthew 17:1-7).

God was giving His murderers another chance to let them know whom they were about the handle and crucify!

Before telling His disciples about the fierce battle ahead in Gethsemane and Calvary, Jesus cautioned Peter about the attack of the devil on him. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. (Luke 22:31-34)

Peter and the rest had no idea as to what exactly Christ spoke.
They had so many preconceived opinions about the future.

Peter truly loved the Lord. We can see it when he took the sword to defend his Master! But he trusted his own strength and wisdom. Therefore he finally denied his dearly beloved Lord. When he realized what he had done he wept bitterly!

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)

Peter and the rest failed during the crucial hour of test and temptation because they did not understand the Word of God! They did not put on the whole armor of God, but rather had the physical armor!

Which sword did Christ mean? Obviously He did not mean the literal sword as he rebuked Peter for using it. The Scripture reveals the true sword.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Ephesians 6:17)

Revelation talks about the sword that Christ will use, as His weapon, to defeat His enemies finally:

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations. (Revelation 19:15)

The sword that comes from His mouth is His Word!

Even in the wilderness when He was battling it out with the devil Christ used the "sword"-the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. For all the three fierce temptations that Satan assailed Him with, the weapon of Jesus was the Word of God-"It is written"! (See Matthew 4:1-11)

Christ was asking them to get ready for the fiercest battle that was just ahead of them. He was asking them to get equipped.

After telling the disciples to get prepared for the battle, Christ showed them as to what He meant, by taking them to the Garden of Gethsemane, for a powerful season of prayer, and the battle with the forces of darkness.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. (Matthew 26:36-38)

Instead of watching and praying, the disciples were overtaken with sleep. Jesus battles it alone! And He comes to check how the disciples are fairing in their battle, and, lo, they are already knocked out!

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:40-41)

Peter had a sword, but the wrong sword! What he was told to have was the spiritual sword to fight the battle in the Garden of great temptation. They were to "watch and pray" to escape temptation.

But they slept, and therefore Peter fell into temptation, and to the enemies' trap. And to make up for the spiritual sword, he wielded his literal sword!

ONE MIGHT SAY: Jesus said that the two swords which they had were "enough". Therefore it is obvious that He was referring to the literal swords!

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. (Luke 22:38)

Please note, Jesus did not say "the two swords were enough", but said, "It is enough". If Jesus meant about the literal swords, how could two swords be enough for twelve people if they were going to war? And if Jesus meant just two swords were enough then He would be contradicting His own words earlier, where He told all of them should have a sword each! He said earlier:

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)

Therefore, "It is enough", means, to wind up this conversation, as it was also time up to go and start praying! And the next thing they did was to march to the site of spiritual warfare.

And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough. And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. (Luke 22:38-39)

Also Christ wanted to end that conversation, as they were not in a position to understand what He was saying. Jesus told them earlier:

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:12-13)

They were not to have the two swords, but the two-edged sword!

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)

This is the powerful weapon that Jesus wields against His enemies.

These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. (Revelation 2:12)

ONE MIGHT AGAIN SAY: If Christ meant the spiritual sword why did He say to "buy" a sword? He said:

He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. (Luke 22:36)

Well, this method of speaking spiritual things in a literal way was not new. Jesus used the illustration of selling something to buy another thing even in His parables.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44)

To get something spiritual we have to "sell" or give up the things that are an obstacle to its possession. It is only when we give up our selfish ambitions and motives we will be able the "buy" or receive the heavenly gift. Though spiritual things are free we are to "buy" it, as the Gospel prophet, Isaiah, too, penned down the invitation of God regarding "buying" things for free!

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1)

Jesus told Peter just before the temptation in the Garden to strength his brethren later when he got converted. And when the apostle got converted he admonished God's people to give much attention to the sword, which he lacked-the Word of God. He wrote:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)

Are we carrying the sword everyday? We need to! But not the literal sword that Peter once carried, but:

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).​


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It is written that Christ is our example and we are to walk as Christ walked.
Christians are always so good at making this statement when they have some specific point they want to prove. But they only refer to walking as Christ walked within the context of their one specific point.

Jason, how literal are we to take you at walking as Christ walked? Should we only take it as literal as it needs to be taken to agree with you? Did Jesus own a home? Do you own a home? Did Jesus own a means of transportation? Do you own a means of transportation? Did Jesus earthly ministry involve traveling and spreading His word? Do you live a full-time ministry vocation as a traveling teacher? Jesus turned water into wine and healed the sick. How is your healing ministry?

There are many many things that Jesus did which were unique and specific to Him, which I am not called to do. God calls each us in vastly different ways, and uses us in vastly different ways. I find the argument for pacifism with the life of Jesus as its foundation to be very weak.
 
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Christians are always so good at making this statement when they have some specific point they want to prove. But they only refer to walking as Christ walked within the context of their one specific point.

Jason, how literal are we to take you at walking as Christ walked? Should we only take it as literal as it needs to be taken to agree with you? Did Jesus own a home? Do you own a home? Did Jesus own a means of transportation? Do you own a means of transportation? Did Jesus earthly ministry involve traveling and spreading His word? Do you live a full-time ministry vocation as a traveling teacher? Jesus turned water into wine and healed the sick. How is your healing ministry?

There are many many things that Jesus did which were unique and specific to Him, which I am not called to do. God calls each us in vastly different ways, and uses us in vastly different ways. I find the argument for pacifism with the life of Jesus as its foundation to be very weak.

First, at one time Jesus did live with his father and mother (who lived in Nazareth).
So they if they lived in Nazareth, chances are they owned a home or a shelter or at least stayed at a home or shelter of some kind (Thereby supporting the idea that having a home is okay for the time that it is needed). Second, Jesus was a carpenter. So at one time in his life he was like most people.
It was when Jesus began His ministry whereby things began to change.

Anyways, we are to imitate Jesus in behavior as in relation to righteousness. For it is written,

"The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master." (Luke 6:40).

Jesus said to the richman to sell all that he had and give it to the poor and to come and follow Him (See Matthew 19:21). If you were to read the conclusion of the end of the chapter, it relates forsaking all with everlasting life. "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:29). Yes, after the formation of the church, we later learn that the apostles owned their own homes (which seems like a contradiction), but the point is that Jesus does want us all in time to eventually give up the things of this world and to be 100% in dedication to Him in being traveling teachers. It is why the Bible says, deny yourself, pick up your cross and come follow me. For he that shall love his life shall lose it and he that shall hate his life shall save it. It is a process that for some is not overnight and or for others (forsaking all) cannot apply in every point within their lives. It takes time for His people to give up all things. For there is a time and place for such things because the apostles may have familes and need to provide shelter and a place of rest and protection for their children. But when children grow up, there is no more need to provide as such a home anymore for them.

As for the miracles Jesus did:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John 14:12).

So yes, you can do miracles like Jesus and even greater. The thing is that you have to believe. We have to first walk as He walked in righteousness.

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7).

Most today who read such verses really do not believe them.
They either ignore them or they try to twist them to say something else.
Just read and believe it.
It's that simple.
For God is simple.
For He is not the author of confusion.


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I watched a little of the beginning of the video and then I skipped into watching another part briefly.

My conclusion:

Well, the man of this video doesn't understand Scripture in regards to New Testament Non-Resistance. Nowhere will you find a place in the New Testament that condones violence or the use of violent force. It is also not a sin for a Christian (Who is a pacifist) to call the police to help because the police are not a hit squad whereby lethal action is a guaranteed thing. Police do not shoot first and ask questions later to a violent situation. This is evident when Trump got nominated as President. Did Trump order those who were acting violently in the streets to shoot them? No. See, that's the point. Also, Romans 13 says that God placed into power governing authorities to execute justice to those who do evil. This is not describing the Christian because we are told to do good and not evil. We are told that if we do evil, we should fear because God can use these governing authorities against us. Sort of like when God used Assyria (a pagan nation) to punish Israel for their sins. Those who are already sinful, or who have no understanding of all of God's ways, God can use them for His good and glory of executing Judgment.

In other words, God realizes not everyone is going to believe, so God can use unbelievers or those who do not believe in all of His Word for His intended purpose of executing Judgment. So if a Christian (Who is a pacifist) picks up the phone to call the police when they see a violent situation or potentially violent situation, they are trusting in God to execute Judgment according to the governing authorities that He has placed into power for His greater plan for good. But that does not mean God wants His people to act violently. See, God was able to use the evil that Joseph's brothers had done upon Joseph for a greater purpose for good. But that does not mean God wants Joseph or other Godly people to act that way just because God can turn around such evil and use it for His good and ultimate plan.

Yes, one can make a point about a person can be killed with a rock: But a gun has a better chance at killing sombody than a rock because it's sole purpose is intended to primarily kill or take life. Rocks were not intended to take life and nobody thinks of rocks as lethal weapons generally. Yes, people were stoned in the Old Testament, but this was by God's Old Testament Law that is no longer in effect. Christians today do not go around stoning people for disobeying God's laws. Christians are told to pray and to love and do good unto their enemies. We are told to forgive and not to render evil for evil.

Those who have a hard time understanding NT Non-Resistance the most own guns themselves. For they have invested interest in it. But I encourage you to look at ONLY the New Testament and see if Jesus and His followers advocated violence or seeked to use weapons so as to defend themselves when things got violent when they were preaching the gospel. You will find nothing to support the use of acting violently so as to defend yourself. The closest thing we see in our Lord acting violently in the way you describe (In the New Testament) is when the Lord returns at His Second Coming. But this is the Lord returning with the saints who have already lived out their faith. They are the disembodied saints who have already died.


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I see you are married. How are you imitating Christ if you are married and he was not?

Christ will be married to His bride one day (i.e. His church).
So yes, Christ will be married.


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But Christ wasn't married, and you're telling people to live exactly like Jesus lived. Look, I'm all for emulating many things that Christ did in the same way that I'm all for emulating many things that the Apostles did.

My point is two-fold.

1. You need to not use sweeping statements about how we should strive to live exactly like Christ lived on earth. No. Christ was God, and many of the things that Christ did and the way in which He lived is unique to Him and His calling. My calling and purpose in life is very different than Christ's.

2. You need to exercise a lot of caution when attempting to draw out theological positions when basing them upon the way in which a person lived their life, even Christ. Meaning, Christ had a specific purpose in His coming to earth, and just because there are many things that Christ did not do does not therefore follow that we are not to do them.

Bottom line. As a husband and a father, if I was sitting in my downstairs and my family was upstairs, and a man broke into my home, do you think the right thing to do would be to tell the man that he doesn't need to worry about me, that I'll just sit here and watch the Braves lose, and that he is welcome to go upstairs and brutally and violently do whatever he wants to my family because hey, Jesus wasn't aggressive! That's horrendous and I hope to God that you are never around my family when they are in need.
 
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But Christ wasn't married, and you're telling people to live exactly like Jesus lived. Look, I'm all for emulating many things that Christ did in the same way that I'm all for emulating many things that the Apostles did.

Paul's point is that it is better to not marry and to be single if you can do so.
But again, we see Scripture say that Jesus will be married sometime in the future.
So Christ is not against marriage and it does not change how we are to imitate Christ.
Christ was slain since the foundation of the world.
This means His sacrifice was a guaranteed thing.
So if this is true, His marriage to His people is also a guarantee of a reality or truth of God, as well.

SPF said:
My point is two-fold.

1. You need to not use sweeping statements about how we should strive to live exactly like Christ lived on earth. No. Christ was God, and many of the things that Christ did and the way in which He lived is unique to Him and His calling. My calling and purpose in life is very different than Christ's.

Yes, Jesus is God and Jesus's purpose was for the redemption of mankind, but when it comes to righteous living, we are told to imitate Him. This is what is in view of imitating Him. We are not God or the Savior. So when it came to things in relation to Jesus in being God and in relation to Jesus in being the Savior, we would obviously not imitate such things. So I disagree.

SPF said:
2. You need to exercise a lot of caution when attempting to draw out theological positions when basing them upon the way in which a person lived their life, even Christ. Meaning, Christ had a specific purpose in His coming to earth, and just because there are many things that Christ did not do does not therefore follow that we are not to do them.

Bottom line. As a husband and a father, if I was sitting in my downstairs and my family was upstairs, and a man broke into my home, do you think the right thing to do would be to tell the man that he doesn't need to worry about me, that I'll just sit here and watch the Braves lose, and that he is welcome to go upstairs and brutally and violently do whatever he wants to my family because hey, Jesus wasn't aggressive! That's horrendous and I hope to God that you are never around my family when they are in need.

Do you remember what Jesus said after Peter chopped off the Roman soldier's ear? Jesus did not say, "Good job Peter!" "Chop off his other ear!" "That will show him never to mess with us again!"

No. Jesus did not say these things.
Jesus said to Peter,

52 "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:52-53).

In other words, God can protect us if you have faith in Him. Granted, there are times Christians are called to be persecuted and even killed for their faith. Even Stephen was stoned to death for his faith. Did Stephen pick up rocks and throw them back at his accusers? No. Stephen said something amazing instead.

"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:60).


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I watched a little of the beginning of the video and then I skipped into watching another part briefly.

My conclusion:

Well, the man of this video doesn't understand Scripture in regards to New Testament Pacifism. Nowhere will you find a place in the New Testament that condones violence or the use of violent force. It is also not a sin for a Christian (Who is a pacifist) to call the police to help because the police are not a hit squad whereby lethal action is a guaranteed thing. Police do not shoot first and ask questions later to a violent situation. This is evident when Trump got nominated as President. Did Trump order those who were acting violently in the streets to shoot them? No. See, that's the point. Also, Romans 13 says that God placed into power governing authorities to execute justice to those who do evil. This is not describing the Christian because we are told to do good and not evil. We are told that if we do evil, we should fear because God can use these governing authorities against us. Sort of like when God used Assyria (a pagan nation) to punish Israel for their sins. Those who are already sinful, or who have no understanding of all of God's ways, God can use them for His good and glory of executing Judgment.

In other words, God realizes not everyone is going to believe, so God can use unbelievers or those who do not believe in all of His Word for His intended purpose of executing Judgment. So if a Christian (Who is a pacifist) picks up the phone to call the police when they see a violent situation or potentially violent situation, they are trusting in God to execute Judgment according to the governing authorities that He has placed into power for His greater plan for good. But that does not mean God wants His people to act violently. See, God was able to use the evil that Joseph's brothers had done upon Joseph for a greater purpose for good. But that does not mean God wants Joseph or other Godly people to act that way just because God can turn around such evil and use it for His good and ultimate plan.

Yes, one can make a point about a person can be killed with a rock: But a gun has a better chance at killing sombody than a rock because it's sole purpose is intended to primarily kill or take life. Rocks were not intended to take life and nobody thinks of rocks as lethal weapons generally. Yes, people were stoned in the Old Testament, but this was by God's Old Testament Law that is no longer in effect. Christians today do not go around stoning people for disobeying God's laws. Christians are told to pray and to love and do good unto their enemies. We are told to forgive and not to render evil for evil.

Those who have a hard time understanding NT Pacifism the most own guns themselves. For they have invested interest in it. But I encourage you to look at ONLY the New Testament and see if Jesus and His followers advocated violence or seeked to use weapons so as to defend themselves when things got violent when they were preaching the gospel. You will find nothing to support the use of acting violently so as to defend yourself. The closest thing we see in our Lord acting violently in the way you describe (In the New Testament) is when the Lord returns at His Second Coming. But this is the Lord returning with the saints who have already lived out their faith. They are the disembodied saints who have already died.

They very well could be a hit squad have you ever heard of swat. Also where in scripture does it say that only unbelievers can fill these roles it doesn't. You are adding to God's word. If it is a sin for a believer it is a sin for an unbeliever also. Their is one law for all not two. If that were the case they do not bear the sword in vain would be a fallacy.
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Do you remember what Jesus said after Peter chopped off the Roman soldier's ear? Jesus did not say, "Good job Peter!" "Chop off his other ear!" "That will show him never to mess with us again!"
Jesus intended on being arrested. This cannot be used as an argument against self defense.

Granted, there are times Christians are called to be persecuted and even killed for their faith. Even Stephen was stoned to death for his faith. Did Stephen pick up rocks and throw them back at his accusers? No. Stephen said something amazing instead.
We are certainly told that the Christian life is not an easy one. We will at one time or another, be persecuted for our faith. Perhaps, even like Stephen, you or I may be martyred. But that is not an argument against universal self defense, or protecting another.

As a husband and a father, if I was sitting in my downstairs and my family was upstairs, and a man broke into my home, do you think the right thing to do would be to tell the man that he doesn't need to worry about me, that I'll just sit here and watch the Braves lose, and that he is welcome to go upstairs and brutally and violently do whatever he wants to my family because hey, Jesus wasn't aggressive! That's horrendous and I hope to God that you are never around my family when they are in need.
 
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They very well could be a hit squad what about swat. Where in scripture does it say believers can not fill these roles it doesn't, your adding to God's word. It says that they do not bear the sword in vain. There is one law that applies to all not two laws. If a non believer does not bear the sword in vain while filling these positions a believer does not bear it in vain also.
 
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Jesus intended on being arrested. This cannot be used as an argument against self defense.

We are certainly told that the Christian life is not an easy one. We will at one time or another, be persecuted for our faith. Perhaps, even like Stephen, you or I may be martyred. But that is not an argument against universal self defense, or protecting another.

As a husband and a father, if I was sitting in my downstairs and my family was upstairs, and a man broke into my home, do you think the right thing to do would be to tell the man that he doesn't need to worry about me, that I'll just sit here and watch the Braves lose, and that he is welcome to go upstairs and brutally and violently do whatever he wants to my family because hey, Jesus wasn't aggressive! That's horrendous and I hope to God that you are never around my family when they are in need.
 
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