Christians and Their Guns

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. (Romans 13:1a)

God calls us to submit to our leaders and the laws of the land, assuming that they do not violate God’s ordinances. We are blessed in that our forefathers established laws whereby the citizenry can arm and protect themselves, and if need be, overthrow their leadership if they should become corrupt beyond repair. In other words, and as it would pertain to Romans 13:1-7, Christians need not feel guilty about owning a gun and/or having to use it.

 

So while it is true that ‘[O]ur battle is 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) and that we’re called to ‘love and pray for our enemies,’ (Matthew 5:44), it is also true that every once in a while, and thankfully not that often, deadly force is both required and permissible; we are not required by law to wait for a well-trained militia or policing agency to defend ourselves. We can [wait] if that is our desire, but we do not have to. 

 

Every violent situation is unique, but you get the picture.

 

All that is to say, if you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, and you’ve exercised your right under our laws and leadership to own a weapon for the purpose of defense of life or nation, do not for one moment believe God is displeased with that choice. It is possible to love an enemy, pray for an enemy, and yes, kill an enemy if the situation warrants such action.

 

In such a situation would there be sadness? I would say that undoubtedly there would be, but being sorrowful is not akin to being sinful under these circumstances.

There is plenty more to say on gun ownership, gun laws and safety, prayerful preparation, and the like, but we’ll leave it there for now.

 

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” (Romans 13:1-7)

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