Can a Christian Serve in the Armed Forces?

After reading last week’s article, a friend raised some good questions about serving in the military. My title question summarizes what we discussed: “Can a Christian serve in the armed forces?” The same question applies to the police force. Surely you see the common ground: the potential for use of deadly force.

The question is not really about serving one’s country or enforcing the law, but about the ultimate use of deadly force in those roles.

Now, I am not qualified to answer the question, but not because I have never served. The soldier and police officer are not qualified either. God is the one who defines morality. We must answer to Him when it comes to taking a life.

As a kid I had little interest in war other than watching my favorite actors win WWII again and again. As a youth I remember adults talking (arguing) about just wars and unjust wars. In our teen Bible classes, war issues were hot topics, along with the usual drinking, drugs, peer pressure and premarital sex. None of it meant much to me at the time, but the questions are relevant.

So, what does God say about the title question?

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.

—Romans 13:1 (NASB95)

My friend reminded me that a governing authority must have the capability of enforcement; otherwise, it has no ability to govern. Great point. And listen to Paul as he describes the purpose of governing authority:

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. (v. 4)

God does not simply allow government to “bear the sword.” That is His expectation. He expects governing authorities to use deadly force against evil. (If you cannot accept that, then you must explain the purpose of the sword.) He leaves it up to the governing authorities to determine when deadly force is appropriate. Where governments, officials, soldiers and officers have abused their roles, God’s design has not changed.

Here are some other observations from the Bible:

• Some of our Bible heroes were soldiers, generals and kings who led armies into battle (Gideon, Joshua, David). Even Abraham had an army!
• God used ungodly nations (Assyria, Babylon) to “bear the sword” against His own people (Israel, Judah). Later Assyria, then Babylon, would fall because of ungodliness.
• Soldiers asked John the Baptist what their response should be when they became his disciples. He told them not to misuse their role as soldiers. Check out his full answer in Luke 3:14.
• Jesus dealt with a Roman official yet did not criticize his role. (Matthew 8:5-13)
• The first Gentile convert to Christianity was a centurion in the Roman army. (Acts 10)

God has also given us individual guidance:

“Whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God….” (v. 2)

“Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom is due; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (v. 7)

The Scriptures answer the title question and guide us in the attitude we should have toward governing authority. It was first written to Christians in Rome but applies today. And it applies equally to the U.S., Italy, Russia, Colombia and Nigeria. 

One final thought: The sword was never God’s answer for peace. That required a cross and a sacrifice!

Mark Stinnett

March 7, 2021