Got Questions Website responds: Christians who carry guns
"Carrying a weapon for self-defence is never condemned in the Bible. In fact, it was mentioned in a positive light by Jesus Himself on one occasion (Luke 22:35-38).”
Question to Got Questions: Why should these verses be used literally as in your article? Is Jesus not saying you face an uncertain future?
Answered by: John from Got Questions
Scripture quotations are taken from The New American Standard Bible. Thank you for your question.
Jesus issued instructions on two different occasions.
"These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, `Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.` (Matthew 10:5a,9-10)
`And He said to them, `When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?` And they said, `No, nothing.` 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 but one.` (Luke 22:35-36)
The logical question would be why was the carrying of a weapon included in the latter, and not in the former. Following is information I believe is correct.
The instructions in Luke were quite different from those given in Matthew. Before (Matthew 10:9-10), Jesus was with the disciples. After that night (Luke 22:35-36), Jesus would no longer be with them. After that night, they must go forth into the world on their permanent mission, and they must have the usual means of survival in a hostile world.` (The New Defender`s Study Bible by Dr. Henry M. Morris)
Certainly, from man's standpoint, his particular earthly circumstances are unknown. The Old Testament prophet Nehemiah had the right viewpoint. We can benefit in principle from the believers of his day.
`Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.` (Nehemiah 4:14b)
`And it came about from that day on, that half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates; those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.` (Nehemiah 4:16a,17)
I think of it as Old Testament open carry. Granted, there were some extenuating circumstances in this Old Testament example, but the principle for safeguarding one's person and family is present therein.
Those who believe in personal defence should not flaunt such belief to those of weaker conscience or a weaker brother, nor should those against civilian self-defence try to rein in another's liberty in Christ on this matter.
`Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother`s way.` (Romans 14:13)
Best regards to you! Here`s hoping you have a safe present future and blessed eternity in Christ Jesus our Lord! He is the only way.
My Response:
Jesus also told the disciples to wear sandals when going to towns to evangelize. So, which commands are to be ignored as they relate directly to that moment in time and culture and which can we apply to today? The response from 'Got Questions' appears to me to justify the current USA worldview.
Answered by: John from Got Questions
Scripture quotations are taken from The New American Standard Bible. Thank you for your question.
Jesus issued instructions on two different occasions.
"These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, `Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.` (Matthew 10:5a,9-10)
`And He said to them, `When I sent you out without purse and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?` And they said, `No, nothing.` 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 but one.` (Luke 22:35-36)
The logical question would be why was the carrying of a weapon included in the latter, and not in the former. Following is information I believe is correct.
The instructions in Luke were quite different from those given in Matthew. Before (Matthew 10:9-10), Jesus was with the disciples. After that night (Luke 22:35-36), Jesus would no longer be with them. After that night, they must go forth into the world on their permanent mission, and they must have the usual means of survival in a hostile world.` (The New Defender`s Study Bible by Dr. Henry M. Morris)
Certainly, from man's standpoint, his particular earthly circumstances are unknown. The Old Testament prophet Nehemiah had the right viewpoint. We can benefit in principle from the believers of his day.
`Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.` (Nehemiah 4:14b)
`And it came about from that day on, that half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates; those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.` (Nehemiah 4:16a,17)
I think of it as Old Testament open carry. Granted, there were some extenuating circumstances in this Old Testament example, but the principle for safeguarding one's person and family is present therein.
Those who believe in personal defence should not flaunt such belief to those of weaker conscience or a weaker brother, nor should those against civilian self-defence try to rein in another's liberty in Christ on this matter.
`Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother`s way.` (Romans 14:13)
Best regards to you! Here`s hoping you have a safe present future and blessed eternity in Christ Jesus our Lord! He is the only way.
My Response:
Jesus also told the disciples to wear sandals when going to towns to evangelize. So, which commands are to be ignored as they relate directly to that moment in time and culture and which can we apply to today? The response from 'Got Questions' appears to me to justify the current USA worldview.
