A Biblical View of Self Defense

Here is a biblical argument for self defense. Check out the links below for more information.
White House statement: @g-room/statements-releases/2024/03/19/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-record-decrease-in-crime-in-2023/
Dearborn protest: @ews/politics/2024/04/08/death-to-america-chant-dearborn-jihad-rally-al-quds-day-draws-condemnation/73247053007/
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked: @/33/11/s_835011

Should Christian’s be thankful for the second amendment, the right to keep in their arms?

March 19th the White House released a statement explaining that crime is decreasing in the United States. That statement is wonderfully well-written, however, even the casual observer can see a very different story.

Let’s not be alarmists, but let’s be realists.

As sin and debauchery of various types is endorsed in our land, crime will continue to increase.

Crime is major problem in the big cities across America. It’s really is bad in places like New York City, LA, Chicago. It’s bad where I grew up, in North Minneapolis, and even in Indianapolis, where I serve the Lord at a rescue mission.

Plus, it was recently reported that in Dearborn Michigan, Muslims were chanting death to America. This chant is not taking place in Iraq, or some obscure place in the Middle East, but it’s taking place on America soil.

Certainly, we praise God for law-enforcement officers who are in a Romans 13 sense, “the ministers of God.”

However, it’s situations like we’re seeing across our country why I believe Christians should own guns, and we should know how to use them.

But, you might ask what’s the biblical validation for that?

After all, religious groups such as the Amish, the Quakers, and the Mennonites have the pacifistic notion that self-defense runs contrary to the teachings of the Bible. 

The pacifist often argues that we are to “turn the other cheek.”  Let’s be clear.  When Jesus said, “turn the other cheek” He wasn’t saying “If someone hurts your child, offer to him your other child.”  In no way does “turn the other cheek” support the idea that Jesus was against self-defense.

As a matter of fact, Exodus 22:2-3, we find that the Bible teaches us that if a thief comes into your house and you hit him with lethal force, and he dies, you are not guilty of anything. 

In Luke 22:36-38 missionaries were instructed to acquire a sword, a lethal weapon, for self-defense. 

In Matthew 26:50-52, Peter uses a sword to cut off the ear of the high priest named Malchus. 

In that passage, Jesus does rebukes Peter, not for having the lethal weapon, but for using it incorrectly.  Jesus instructed Peter to put the sword in its sheath, and then Jesus addressed the core problem, Peter’s misguided heart. The lethal weapon was not the problem, the mentality of the one wielding it was.   

We must understand that while violence can be evil, it can also be good.  If a female is being violently raped, and someone uses a tool of violence, a gun, to stop the rape of that lady, the hero is to be commended.

Violence (rape) is evil, but stopping the rape and saving the woman’s life showcases violence as virtuous. 

If a courageous Christian has to take the life of an evil man in self defense, or in defense of others, we must remember, “God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.”  (Ezekiel 33:11)

But, In 1 Peter 3, the Bible instructions husbands to “protect their wives.”  

Parents, a father and a mother, need to be willing and ready to protect their children, and men specifically need to be prepared to protect their wives and family.

Self defense with lethal force is always a last resort but if it ever comes to that, a Christian should be prepared.

Interestingly, the wall constructors in Nehemiah 4:17-18 held a lethal weapon in one hand and worked on building the wall with the other hand. They were rightly ready to defend themselves and defend their building project.

Remember, the Bible teaches us that life is precious because we are made in the image of God, and since life is precious, it’s worth defending.

Strength for Life is a Ministry of NorthStone Baptist Church in Pensacola
Pastor James C. Johnson
2550 W Nine Mile Road
Pensacola, FL 32534
850-478-1691

#Pensacola #ExpositoryPreaching #SpiritualStrength #KJV #bible #baptist #church #gospel #christianity

[craigbassett]

I wish I could like this video 1000 times🛐✝️ I have been reading my Bible for almost 40 yrs now and never have I seen that we should not defend ourselves as well as others. Keep the Faith, Pastor. God Bless you.

[MrNichols]

Amen Pastor !
I am a second amendment Person and I love our Constitution . I have been a member of the National Rifle Association since I was 17 and I will defend the church, my church family, my Pastor and my family . I will defend all of them with my life ! Amen !

[jonathankyser]

We live in a culture that has willingly forfeited personal responsibility to government institutions and agencies. How we view self defense is a reflection of who we think is ultimately responsible and accountable for our personal welfare.

[britanjohnson]

I’m a 2A woman. Thankful for this video.

[theandybuckets]

I am grateful that I have the Biblical right to defend myself and my future family.

[jonathanthornton]

Make no mistake, my front door is locked for your safety, not mine.

[MeLancer]

Thanks for sharing this position on a Christian's right to self-defense.
I had a Bible professor once who challenged the 2nd Amendment. That said, I was already a Vietnam Vet. I carry daily.

[MartyAinsworth-ne]

Thank you for the explanation, Pastor

[jasonhamilton]

I like what you said about husbands protecting their lives. Thank you, Pastor.

[marcmonte]

The sanctity of life and its preservation is a major Bible priority. Jesus instructed his disciples to buy a sword. Self defense is a Bible principle.

[marcjohnson]

Life definitely deserves to be defended. However, I do take a dissenting opinion on the premise that “all Christians need to own a gun.” I think only those that are properly trained and have discernment should own a gun. But I’m not disagreeing that people have the right to defend themselves and protect others. I also love how you ended with “but lethal force should always be a last resort.” Great video

[jeramieneisler]

If wrong is being done, we have a right to put a stop to it. Guns are not bad, it's what or who is on the other end holding the gun. Use comman sense.

[LNR]

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.

Matthew 26:52

[rung]

1Peter3 says do not trade evil for evil. Jesus said also do not resist an evil person. It took Abraham all his faith in God to willingly sacrifice his own child bro. Everyone wants to be john wayne or jackie chan. Im telling you Faith and Prayer is your sharpest sword

[basiclawprof]

Notice that every example you gave was Defense of Others, NOT Self-Defense. There is a HUGE difference. Both stem from the idea of Self-Defense, but in a pragmatic sense the Defense of Others disregards Self. Defense of Others is absolutely supported scripturally, but Self-Defense, in the pragmatic sense, is not.