Did you ever wonder if the bible supports self defense or the authority for protection of the church? We believe that it does.
If you can convince us that God’s will is to see innocent people killed at the hand of evil, than maybe we will change our mind. Does God want his people to be martyred or is it ok to protect ourselves and escape violence through judicious use of force?
Some modern Christians believe that we are all called to be pacifists. They believe that we are to be docile and submissive to any government or governing authority, and by extension, never resist anything with violence as it is not our job to do so.
Their internal thinking process says:
- We must never use violence against anyone
- We must always turn our cheek to an aggressor.
- We should leave all earthly things in other hands and focus exclusively on spiritual matters.
However when a wolf comes growling at the door, we lose focus on worshipping God, while we watch the carnage of our brothers and sisters mount.
Then we wonder why God allowed this to happen.
Is it evil to ignore the need of your fellow brother and save your own skin, or is it better to risk sacrificing your life for the benefit of your brothers and sisters…whereby we show the ultimate gift of love by laying down our lives for our brothers?
Funny how brothers and sisters of the faith will draw the line at preparing to defend themselves, but daily take self-protective steps that, by their logic, also reflect a lack of faith: wearing seat belts, contributing to the 401(k), and taking medications to control various conditions.
I don’t know why fellow believers guard their lives and property zealously in other areas but don’t undertake to provide for the physical security of themselves and their loved ones in the church community.
The following verses give principles and concepts for modern times, and help us understand that during violent times, it it is a prudent measure to establish the Church Security Team, and that church safety is indeed biblical.
Eph 5:15-17
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
1 Tim 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
An early example of protecting God’s people
Neh 4:7-14
Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites (all enemies of Israel) heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.
Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.” And our adversaries said, “They will neither know nor see anything, till we come into their midst and kill them and cause the work to cease.” So it was, when the Jews who dwelt near them came, that they told us ten times, “From whatever place you turn, they will be upon us.”
Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”
Neh 13:19-22
So it was, at the gates of Jerusalem, as it began to be dark before the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and charged that they must not be opened till after the Sabbath. Then I posted some of my servants at the gates, so that no burdens would be brought in on the Sabbath day.
Now the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.
Then I warned them, and said to them, “Why do you spend the night around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you!” From that time on they came no more on the Sabbath.
And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should go and guard the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day.
It is our job to make the church members and visitors are safe and secure!
Jesus said arm yourselves!
Luke 22:35-38
And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.
For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”
Nehemiah 4:13b
I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. The Jews understood evil, and the intent of the enemy. Standing alongside and allowing their enemy to invade their camp and rob, loot, and kill their families was illogical.
Romans 13:4
For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain. This verse is being used in the context of government, and God’s rule over men through the use of men. One thing to note is God’s lack of prohibition against using force against and evil doer.
As you see, the bible is supportive that the members of the church provide church safety and church security services for the family and the church. Once you agree that evil exists, and that it is possible your church family can suffer, then the next logical step is to gain the training and knowledge necessary to protect them.
