IS IT RIGHT TO GO TO WAR?
By Editor
A correspondent voices the sentiments of many in the following:— The SIGNS teaches that it is wrong to go to war, and it also seems to be the New Testament teaching. Were, then, the Revolutionary War and Civil War wrong? If not, and they were justifiable, why might not another war be justifiable for the same reasons? . . . And if war is ever justifiable, would it be fair for Christians to sit still and let sinners fight for them? E. A. B. The SIGNS has never taught, so far as we are aware, in its abstract sense, that “it is wrong to go to war.” What we do say is that it is wrong for Christians to go to war, and our correspondent admits that the New Testament seems to teach this. Then why not accept the teaching of the New Testament? In other words, why not believe Jesus Christ? Is war ever right?—From a civil standpoint, yes; but from the Christian, no. Civil government is necessary, because men are sinners. The worst government that ever existed is better than anarchy. It is the object of government to restrain the evil passions of men. In order to do this, in order to exist, it is necessary that civil governments should use force and sometimes engage in war. Civil government can not be Christian in the very nature of the case. Imagine a civil government carrying out the instructions in Matt. 5:39 and Luke 17:3, 4. Its days would soon be numbered. Of necessity, having no faith, it would be obliged to defend itself by force. Hence often comes war, which God overrules for the good of men and the furtherance of His cause; for however man may plot or plan, “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” Dan. 4:17, 25, 32. “The wrath of man shall praise Thee; the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain.” Ps. 76:10. God, by His all-wisdom, will use the base passions of men, the wrath of men, against each other, to His glory and praise. He will work everything for good to those who trust Him. Rom. 8:28. So much for the unconverted world with no faith in God. What of His children?—His Word is their guide, Jesus Christ is their example. “Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” See I Peter 2:19–23; 3:9–17; 4:12–16. Surely Peter had just cause to draw his sword at the persecution of his Master, but Jesus said, “Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Matt. 26:52. In the sword, in the power of force, is the hope of the continued existence of civil government. He who anchors in this, must perish with his hope. The hope of the Christian is on high. “But he may die?”—Well, what of it? Jesus Christ died. But beyond the grave there is absolutely righteous judgment and eternal life. The most justifiable war that was ever planned by man resulted in the suffering, in the loss of life and property, of the innocent. In God’s final adjustment all will be right, and he who trusts God now will not then be ashamed. Sinners do not fight for Christians. Christians have One and only One to fight their battles for them, and that is the Lord of hosts. If He wishes to use men, well; but He has given His children but one conflict, “the good fight of faith;” but one power, that of the love of the Spirit; but one weapon of offense, that born of the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God; but one armor, and that God-given with its shield of faith, its helmet of salvation, its girdle of truth, its breastplate of righteousness, its greaves of peace. If all the professed Christians of the world were true Christians, their united prayers according to God’s direction (1 Tim. 2:1–3) would do more for the peace and stability and betterment of the world than all the wars ever waged. But those who trust in the sword do not trust in Christ. We are not judging the world; their hope is here. If we are with them in their aims, ambitions, objects, and hopes, let us not call ourselves Christians. The real question to settle is, Do I believe in the Word and example of Jesus Christ, or is my hope in the sword of man?