Packing Heat

Should Christians own weapons?

I'm not talking about guns clearly designed for hunting, nor about the farmer with a shotgun at the back door to deal with winged or four legged predators. I'm talking pistols, assault weapons, and knives designed to kill people. The photo above come from one of a multitude of web sites that seek to justify Christians using carnal weapons on people. Notice the gun sits over the Bible, not under it. None of these web sites have published a sound defense of their position from the teaching of the New Testament for one reason: it is not possible to do so. There was a time when I owned quite a few firearms including pistols. But I came to the conclusion that it was time to give up this hobby for the sake of Christ.

Sometimes this verse is used to justify Christians owning and using weapons:

And He said to them, "But now, let him who has a purse take it along, likewise also a bag, and let him who has no sword sell his robe and buy one. (Luke 22:36 NAS)

Indeed, Jesus said this, but they leave out the next verse:

"For I tell you, that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment." (Luke 22:37 NAS)

The purpose was not that the disciples have the means of self defense, but that the prophesy be fulfilled 'AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS.' So, to carry a weapon was to be numbered with sinners and outlaws. When Peter drew a sword to defend Jesus, our Lord responds:

And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus *said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 25:51-53)

Why should Christians not have weapons in their homes?

"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10 NAS)

It is Satan who comes to kill. And his children follow the example of their father. Keeping weapons in your home is like putting out the welcome mat for Satan. They are his idols and his tools. A pistol in your dresser is no different than a stack of pornography.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
(2 Corinthians 10:3 NAS)

The weapons God has given us are spiritual, not those of this world. Owning weapons testifies to the world that we do not trust in God, but are filled with fear and put our trust in the same things sinners do. Have we been so conformed to the world that we fear what they fear and trust in what they trust?

Thus says the LORD, "Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. "For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8 NAS)

Christians who stand up for their "Constitutional rights" are demonstrating again that they are of the world and trust in the world. Whoever would follow Christ must surrender all his rights to Christ. Even the right to defend his life or family. "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:25 NAS)

"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:38-48 NAS)

Now, should Christians obey Christ? Or do what we think is best?

We don't want to be numbered with the transgressors. We don't want to put a stumbling block before others.

He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. (2 Corinthians 5:15 NAS)

As Christians we are called to live for Christ and not for ourselves.

Think about it. Pray about it. Search the Scriptures. Follow Christ.