Should a Christian go to War? - Jonny Rice

As reports reach us daily of battles and conflicts in the world, we ask the question: Is it right for a Christian to go to war? Although seemingly more prolific than at any other time in history, the existence of these wars is simply evidence of the divine will of God and a reminder of the prophetic words in Matthew 24. So as Christians, what should our view be to the ongoing wars in which our nation is engaged in? Opinions on this matter are strong, and yet are often based on a poor understanding of Scripture. Those who oppose war on the grounds of religious beliefs will state that God is a God of Peace, who would not condone war. However, we read in Romans chapter 13 that God puts men and women into places of authority, to ‘execute wrath upon him that doeth evil’. As we read in Ecclesiastes 3:8 there is a time when war is necessary, to eradicate evil regimes. But should a Christian be a soldier? No Christian should take on a career that it is not led of God. Therefore, if a person has been directed of God, by the leading of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13) to become a soldier, then that is not for any other believer to question. That person then comes under the authority of his/her superiors (Romans 13:1-4) and, if called into battle, must be prepared to go. So is it ever right to object to a war? The Scriptures are very clear regarding this question. In Luke 14:31-32 we learn that only a fool would enter a conflict with insufficent resources. Therefore a war begun without appropriate planning and sufficient resources, is a war that should not go ahead. And in James 4:1-2, we learn that a war started by reason of greed is also wrong. Whether greed for power, wealth or possessions, a conflict on these grounds is one that should not be supported. But how do we know? Surely only the Lord knows the true motives of any conflict. That is true, however, He has given us the great privilege of being able to ask. James 4:2 reminds us ‘ye have not, because ye ask not’. If it ever becomes absolutely necessary for us to know the true motives of war, and therefore to know what our own views should be, we should pray. 2 Corinthians 10:4 reveals the real power of prayer – ‘For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.’ – We have a mighty weapon against evil, whether on a personal or a global scale, and that is prayer. Let each of us pray that God will preserve our land from evil, and protect those faithful believers who have followed the call of God into the armed forces, and even now are fighting to ‘execute (God’s) wrath upon him that doeth evil’.