The Bible contains plenty of information about serving in the military. While many of the Bible's references to the military are only analogies, several verses directly relate to this question. The Bible does not specifically state whether or not someone should serve in the military. At the same time, Christians can rest assured that being a soldier is highly respected throughout the Scriptures and know that such service is consistent with a biblical worldview.
The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew Lot was kidnapped by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating the Elamites. Here we see armed forces engaged in a noble task—rescuing and protecting the innocent.
Late in its history, the nation of Israel developed a standing army. The sense that God was the Divine Warrior and would protect His people regardless of their military strength may have been a reason why Israel was slow to develop an army. The development of a regular standing army in Israel came only after a strong, centralized political system had been developed by Saul, David, and Solomon. Saul was the first to form a permanent army (1 Samuel 13:2; 24:2; 26:2).
What Saul began, David continued. He increased the army, brought in hired troops from other regions who were loyal to him alone (2 Samuel 15:19-22) and turned over the direct leadership of his armies to a commander-in-chief, Joab. Under David, Israel also became more aggressive in its offensive military policies, absorbing neighboring states like Ammon (2 Samuel 11:1; 1 Chronicles 20:1-3). David established a system of rotating troops with twelve groups of 24,000 men serving one month of the year (1 Chronicles 27). Although Solomon's reign was peaceful, he further expanded the army, adding chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:26). The standing army continued (though divided along with the kingdom after the death of Solomon) until 586 B.C., when Israel (Judah) ceased to exist as a political entity.
In the New Testament, Jesus marveled when a Roman centurion (an officer in charge of one hundred soldiers) approached Him. The centurion's response to Jesus indicated his clear understanding of authority, as well as his faith in Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus did not denounce his career. Many centurions mentioned in the New Testament are praised as Christians, God-fearers, and men of good character (Matthew 8:5; 27:54; Mark 15:39-45; Luke 7:2; 23:47; Acts 10:1; 21:32; 28:16).
The places and the titles may have changed, but our armed forces should be just as valued as the centurions of the Bible. The position of soldier was highly respected. For example, Paul describes Epaphroditus, a fellow Christian, as a "fellow soldier" (Philippians 2:25). The Bible also uses military terms to describe being strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), including the tools of the soldier—helmet, shield, and sword.
Yes, the Bible does address serving in the military, directly and indirectly. The Christian men and women who serve their country with character, dignity, and honor can rest assured that the civic duty they perform is condoned and respected by our sovereign God. Those who honorably serve in the military deserve our respect and gratitude.
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Can Christians be in the military?by wordprophet861 views
@ftp201 My reason for "staying in a country protected by a military" is the same reason the EARLY Christians have who lived in countries ruled by Pagan kings UNDER Satan the Devil's domain (2 Co. 4:4). IN the world BUT not OF it. (John 17:16 John 18:36 & Romans 12:2)
irendelle 5 months ago
@ftp201 "the Israelites army ystday" I'm sorry but It appears that you don't know what dispensation period you are on: we are under the NEW Covenant, where Jesus commands us to love our enemies NOT the Old Rule of eye-4-an-eye. (Mt. 5:44) If you think that following Christian principles is "cherry-picking" from scriptures and being Christ-LIKE---"hypocrisy" that's up to you. But tell Me, WWJD--What would Jesus do? (Matthew 26:52) <---Please read this passage. Thank you
irendelle 5 months ago
@irendelle : So why r u staying in a country tht is protected by military, why is it tht when terrorists attack u blame the military?
We as Christians we being hypocrites, its like we are picking certain things from the bible tht favors our opinion. God never changes, if he condoned and supported the Israelites army ystday, he should still b abiding by the same principle now n forever.
ftp201 5 months ago
@GuitarFreeke112 If the soldiers are in God's favor WHY then did the early Christians refuse to be enlisted in the army IF they're fighting for God's cause? Do you want to know why? Because Jesus Himself told us NOT to unsheath a sword---for those who kill by the sword will perish by the sword. (Mt. 26:52) This is true in most cases. Now, having said all these, the decision is yours to make. Whose side are you? God OR Satan? Have a nice day!
irendelle 9 months ago
@GuitarFreeke112 Keep your "kudos" to yourself or give them to someone else. (Daniel 5:17). The Bible is clear when it says that our battle as Christians is NOT with flesh and blood, but against spiritual darkness in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). It's a Heavenly conflict you see---spiritually speaking, Christians are NOT pacifists but in the flesh they are since it is written: Blessed are the PEACE-MAKERS for they will be called GOD's children. (Mt. 5:9)
irendelle 9 months ago
Everyone, listen up. Though Shall Not Kill is a commandment BUT self-defense is not a form of killing. Have you guys forgot the verse in John?
"Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for a friend."
Soldiers don't fight to kill, they fight to protect. God has an army of angels in Heaven, if you say that soldiers are not in God's favor, then why does he have an army himself?? If you can answer this I will give you Kudos.
GuitarFreeke112 9 months ago
Ya but you can't just love someone and let him shoot you I would believe you have the right to defend yourself
bobbyraejohnson 10 months ago
So maybe the QUESTION I have for YOU is: should a modern-day believer EMULATE the example of the EARLY Christians pertaining this subject OR not? IF NO, are the early Christians WRONG? However IF your answer IS Yes, that makes you a TRUE Believer (excuse me rather) FOLLOWER. Remember; the Bible says that in the LAST days many will TURN AWAY from the faith: and I believe that INCLUDES an APOSTASY to the ways AND principles of primitive Christiany: (Not a Religion but A WAY of Life.)
irendelle 11 months ago
So if you want to learn more about what the EARLY Christians believe, please, do tell. I'm NOT here to preach JUST stating the FACTS: both Biblical AND Historical. GBU my friend! I hope you'll not get offended, since it WASN'T me who wrote the pages of "early Christian" history. To be honest, I do hope I can bear up arms but that is NOT what JESUS wanted.
I'm NOT Religious though, just a follower of "The Prince of Peace." Again, God BLESS you with Peace that comes from Heaven.
irendelle 11 months ago
" For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.' (Mt. 26:52)
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12)
"When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king (a POLITICAL ruler to overthrow Roman Government) WITHDREW again to the mountain by himself. " (John 6:15)
Is this the attitude of most MODERN-day believers? Are they Christ-LIKE? Do they follow the OLD paths? (Jeremiah 6:16) OR their OWN paths? (Prov. 14:12)
irendelle 11 months ago