Does Scripture Support the Concept of Self-Defense?

Is Self-Defense a Right and a Duty?  Is It YHWH’s

Duty—Or Is It Man’s Responsibility??  Does YHWH Approve

of "Christians" Protecting Themselves

and Their Families with Weapons?

The majority of Christians believe that the Scriptures

approve of Self-Defense to defend one's own life, or

at least the lives of one's family.  Many have carried

this farther and are now insisting it is well within

“Christianity” to enter the national military and go

to war to defend one’s country.  With this philosophy

professing “Christians” in one country go to war and

kill other “professing Christians” who are fulfilling

their “Christian” responsibility of protecting their

country, and, by extension, their mates and families.

Proponents often point to an incident in South Africa,

where attackers charged into a church service one

Sunday and began shooting and hurling grenades. The

hero of the story, a heat-packing "Christian,"

returned fire with his .38 caliber pistol, killing or

wounding a number of the attackers.

Enthusiasts of this story look at it partly with

satisfaction that some of the attackers were "taken

out" and partly with disappointment that more

worshippers were not carrying guns so more could have

been "saved." They do not mean "saved by grace through

faith" but by a good old-fashioned shoot-out between

believers and nonbelievers.

Some Christians even go so far as to declare the Scriptures

a "book of war." They gleefully point to YHWH's

instructions to the nation of Israel to destroy the

idolatrous Canaanites (Numbers 33:50-53, 55), but fail

to recognize YHWH's original promise to Israel that He

would drive out the inhabitants of the land if Israel

would obey Him (Exodus 23:20-30). They also point to

the commands in the Tanakh to kill lawbreakers

within the church-state of Israel.

Their basic premise is that Christians are perfectly

justified in killing in self-defense or in

anticipation of a crime. They claim society in general

would be much safer if we had a more fully armed

citizenry. Statistics do indicate this: In a secular

nation like the United States, society will be safer

with an effective deterrent against violent crime,

something the government has not been and may not be

able to provide without stripping citizens of many

civil liberties. 

The question then becomes, is this the teaching put

forth in the Holy Scriptures?

The question for Nazarenes--true disiples to ponder is this: Even

though we benefit from living in a society where gun

ownership is a constitutional right, are we ever

justified in intentionally killing another human

being? The sixth commandment is very clear: "You shall

not murder" (Exodus 20:13). However, what about this

seemingly gray area of killing someone to protect our

life or property or that of the empirical self

(family, church, neighbors, etc.)?

So let us examine some of the arguments given by the

“Christian” proponents of Self-Defense a little more

closely. The following are the texts they often use to

support these views:

"And if anyone does not provide for his own, and

especially for those of his own household, he has

denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1

Timothy 5:8

"If a thief be found breaking in, and be smitten that

he die, there shall no blood be shed for him." Exodus

22:2

"A righteous man who falters before the wicked is as a

murky spring and a polluted well." Proverbs 25:26

"And I looked and rose up, and said unto the nobles,

and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, "Be

not afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great

and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons,

and your daughters, your wives, and your houses."

Nehemiah 4:14

"Then He (Yahshua) said unto them (His

disciples), "But now, he that has a purse, let him

take it, and likewise his bag (containing his money):

and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment,

and buy one. . . and they (the disciples) said, "Master,

behold here are two swords.' And He (Yahshua) said unto

them, "It is enough.' " Luke 22:36,38.

YHWH, Himself, through Moshe, gave the following

law:

"If men fight, and hurt a pregnant woman, so that she

gives birth prematurely, he shall surely be punished,

according as the woman's husband will lay upon him;

and he shall pay as the judges determine.

"If any harm follows, then you shall give life for

life, an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for

hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for

wound, stripe for stripe." Exodus 21: 22-25 (Though it

must be acknowledged that this was the instruction

given to those in the position to administer

judgment—not offended individuals themselves.)

The sixth commandment says, “You do not murder:"

(Exodus 20:13). Since the word "kill" used here (in other translations) in the

is more accurately translated "murder,"

(Thou shalt not murder), Christians, including many

Christian scholars, conclude that this commandment

demands that there be pre-meditation and motive before

the act of killing can be designated as "murder."

Thus, it is argued, Self-Defense is EXCLUDED from the

sixth commandment. Therefore, Self-Defense, it is

believed, because of the evidence given in the other

texts listed above, is approved by YHWH. 

The beliefs of pacifists, it is said, do not stand up

to the harsh reality of our fallen world, nor can

pacifism be reconciled to the clear teachings of

Scripture, according to those that promote

Self-Defense as approved by YHWH. They quote the

following text to support their views:

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end

thereof is death." Proverbs 14:12

Larry Pratt, the President of Gun Owners of America,

in his article, "The Biblical Principles of Gun

Control," apparently believes there is no problem

whatsoever for Christians to be involved in

self-defense and the protection of their families.

In Charl Van Wyk's book, "Shooting Back: The Right and

Duty of Self-Defense," the author states:

What does the Bible say about gun control?

"The underlying argument for gun control seems to be

that the availability of guns causes crime. By

extension, the availability of any weapon would have

to be viewed as a cause of crime. What does the Bible

say about such a view? . . . God's [YHWH's] response (to Cain's

murder of his brother Abel) was not to ban rocks or

knives, or whatever, but to banish the murderer."

"Did Christ [Messiah] teach pacifism?"

"Many people, Christians included, assume that Christ [Messiah]

taught pacifism. They recite Matthew 5:38-39 for their

proof. In this verse Christ said: 

"You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye

and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you not to resist

an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right

cheek, turn the other to him also."

The author, Charl Van Wyk, concludes that Messiah was

speaking to the Pharisees only, the religious leaders

of the day, and Messiah's message was, they say: 

"there is a clear distinction between the duties of

the civil magistrate (the government) and the duties

of an individual. Namely, God [YHWH]had delegated to the

civil magistrate the administration of justice (but)

individuals have the responsibility of protecting

their lives from attackers. . . Both the Old and New

Testament teach individual Self-Defense, even if it

means taking the assailant's life in certain

circumstances," according to author Charl Van Wyk.

Mr. Van Wyk continues:

"Resisting an attack is not to be confused with taking

vengeance, which is the exclusive domain of God

(Romans 12:19). This has been delegated to the civil

magistrate, who, as we read in Romans 13:4, 

"Private vengeance means one would stalk down a

criminal after one's life is no longer in danger as

opposed to defending oneself during an attack. It is

this very point that has been confused by Christian

pacifists who would take the passage in the Sermon on

the Mount about turning the other cheek (which

prohibits private vengeance) into a command to falter

before the wicked.

"Let us consider also, that the Sixth Commandment

tells us: "Thou shalt not murder.' In the chapters

following, God [YHWH] gave to Moses many of the situations

that require a death penalty. God [YHWH]clearly has not told

us never to kill. He has told us not to murder, which

means we are not to take an innocent life." (Shooting

Back, by Charl Van Wyk, pgs 72,72.)

Author, Charl Van Wyk, gives his explanation regarding

Our Messiah's order for Peter to "put your sword

away," in John 18:10-11. Mr. Van Wyk believes that Our

Messiah did NOT mean, "get rid of it forever". 

"That would have contradicted what He had told the

disciples only hours before. Peter's sword was to

protect his own mortal life from danger. His sword was

NOT needed to protect the Creator of the Universe and

the King of kings." (ibid. pg 75) says Mr. Van Wyk. 

Mr. Van Wyk concludes:

"In the light of all we have seen the Scriptures teach

to this point, can we argue that if we were able to

save another's life by shooting an attacker with our

firearm—that we should "turn the other cheek' instead?

The Bible speaks of no such right. It only speaks of

our responsibilities in the face of an attack—as

individual creatures made by God, as householders or

as neighbours" . . .

"For those who think that God treated Israel

differently from the way He will treat us today,

please consider what God told the prophet Malachi:

"For I am the Lord, I do NOT change. . .' Malachi

3:6." (ibid. pgs 76,77,83)

Pacifism or Faith?

Does it take more strength to abide by God's law and

suffer the consequences from man or to give in and

lash out like the rest of mankind? Others argue that

we have to "do our part" in taking care of our

property and ourselves. But where does God ever tell

us that "our part" includes sinning?

What it really boils down to is what a person's faith

is in: God or self. Do we trust God to shield us

according to His will after we understand the moral

limits He has set on our actions?

Our Creator has called us to a personal relationship

with Him, and our trust in His nature and faithfulness

will determine our responses and actions. A living

faith goes far beyond lip service and demonstrates

what we truly believe. If God is real to us, and if He

is sovereign in our lives, we will conduct ourselves

according to His law—even when threatened—because we

believe in His ability to accomplish His purpose and

bring us into His Kingdom.

Protection According to God's Will

The rewards and benefits of the Mosiac Covenant were

largely centered on physical health, material wealth,

and national greatness, while its purpose was to

prepare the nation for the Messiah's first coming

(Galatians 3:19, 24). Salvation was available and was

attained by many as attested to in Hebrews 11.  But

because of this emphasis on the physical, many

scriptures in the Tanach demonstrate God's intent to

shield and protect Israel if they would obey. They

could depend on their national and individual

protection if they adhered to God's Word. If they

remained faithful to the covenant, God would protect

them—it was a sure thing!

We have to look at the subject of YHWH's protection

through the lens of His purpose. The intent of the new

or renewed covenant is to develop a personal

relationship with YHWH, leading to eternal life and

godly character—and write His laws upon our hearts. He

is willing to do whatever it takes to bring us to the

point He desires. Thus, He will sometimes remove His

protection when it serves His purpose.

Even faithful Christians may have their houses

burglarized, their cars stolen, or their property

vandalized. They may be the victims of physical or

sexual assault. They may be persecuted and even

martyred. While some may be the recipients of violence

as a natural consequence of their actions, others will

receive it more or less undeserved, just as Messiah

did.

YHWH might allow a man to suffer violence to see how

His creative work is coming along, as a potter tests

to discern the quality of his clay and the design of

his vessel. He might remove a portion of His hedge,

not necessarily to punish us, but to instruct us when

nothing else will get through.

Under the covenant, God does not promise us complete

protection (Matthew 5:11-12, 44; 10:23; John 15:20;

16:33; I Thessalonians 3:4; II Timothy 3:12; II

Corinthians 11:23-28). However, we are assured that,

if we fall victim to violence, it is either because of

our actions (Galatians 6:7) or because He is working

something out that we may not discern at the time. If

we are called by Him, and if we reciprocate by loving

Him, we have His sure promise that all things will

work together for good (Romans 8:28).

Let us now closely examine the arguments of

self-defense proponents.

The FIRST question we must ask is, "Why did Messiah

come to earth?" 

1. Certainly, He came to save sinners (John 1:29) “The

next day John sees Jesus coming to him and says,

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the

world!”

 but, 

2. He also came to reveal the character of The Father

(Heb 1:1-4) “God, who at many times and in many ways

spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has

in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He

has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made

the worlds, who being the shining splendor of His

glory, and the express image of His essence, and

upholding all things by the word of His power, through

Himself cleansing of our sins, He sat down on the

right of the Majesty on high, being made so much

better than the angels, as He has by inheritance

obtained a more excellent name than they.”

and

3. to be an Example for us to follow (Luke 9:23) “And

He said to all, If anyone desires to come after Me,

let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and

follow Me.”

By the time Yahshua came to earth, the leaders of the

most religious group on earth, those who had been

"Chosen" by God to exhibit the character of God and to

preach the Good News of God to all of the surrounding

nations of unbelievers, had so perverted and distorted

the Word of God they had been given, turning it away

from a focus on God to a focus on themselves as

"Special" above all men, that it was necessary for God

to come to earth in the form of man, Jesus (Yahshua),

to reveal the exact and complete character of God, to

show that God was vastly different from what men

believed about Him.

But even the religious leaders were in such darkness,

they did not recognize Yahshua as God (YHWH). They

were looking for the Messiah to come in the image of

"man," THEIR image of "man" - an earthly king who

would destroy their earthly enemies, the Romans, and

set up the Judeans as the rulers over all other

nations, an earthly kingdom, ruled by force by a

"Messiah.”

When Messiah refused to do this, when He refused to

destroy Israel's enemies, when He refused to exhibit

the emotions of vengeance as humanity does, the

Judeans refused to accept Him as their Messiah. 

In fact, their hearts were so severely darkened, that

they also felt justified in killing those THEY decided

were God's enemies. By worshiping a "killer" God, they

became like the one they beheld, they became like the

one they worshiped. (2 Cor 3:18) Therefore, in their

obsession against One who claimed to be God, they

murdered Jesus - they murdered God!

Was/Is Jesus fully God - or just a partial

representation of God?

Let's examine the texts:

A) 

Mat 1:21 “And she shall give birth to a Son, and you shall call His Name יהושע  for He shall save His people from their sins.”

Mat 1:22 And all this came to be in order to fill what was spoken by יהוה  through the prophet, saying,

Mat 1:23 “See, a maiden shall conceive, and she shall give birth to a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanu’ĕl,” which translated, means, “Ěl with us.”

B) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. 

"

C)