IS IT CHRISTIAN? by Geo. E. Hollister

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 9, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 15.

IS IT CHRISTIAN?

By Geo. E. Hollister

Can a Christian enlist in the army and be a soldier?

A Christian has yielded himself a servant of Christ. “Ye call Me Master and Lord; and ye say well, for so I am.” John 13:13. “One is your Master, even Christ.” Matt. 23:8. “Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey?” Rom. 6:16, R. V.

Having become a servant of Christ, a man can not accept another master. “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.” Luke 16:13.

Notwithstanding these plain statements, some men think they can be Christians while as soldiers they are sworn servants of the government, and may at any time be ordered to the front and to fire upon the enemy. Indeed, they expect this when they enlist, tho it is in direct disobedience of the command of God, “Thou shalt not kill.” Ex. 20:13.

What is the soldier’s business? Is it not to fight and to war? But “the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men.” 2 Tim. 2:24. And the Holy Spirit said through John the Baptist, “Do violence to no man.” Luke 3:14. Read these scriptures: “This is My commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12. “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor.” Rom. 13:10. “I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44.

Reader, do you honestly think you can serve these two masters?

San Diego, Cal. GEO. E. HOLLISTER.