I am writing this in response to the question above. 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 Genesis 14 when Abraham came to Lot’s aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household to defeat the Elamites. Here we see armed forces engaged in a noble task – rescuing and protecting the innocent.
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.
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.
For instance, in the New Testament, military members are referred to in the same positive way as workmen, farmers, athletes etc. For instance, the soldier is used as an example of:
– Serving one’s country (1 Corinthians 9:7)
– Standing firm (Ephesians 6:11-17)
– Fighting for what is right (1 Timothy 6:12)
– Enduring hardship (2 Timothy 2:3)
– Single-minded perseverance (2 Timothy 2:4)
– Matthew writes that when Jesus met a soldier (centurion) (Matthew 8:5-13), he didn’t condemn him, rather Jesus commended his faith. Luke points out that John the Baptist reminds us of the moral responsibility of soldiership. (Luke 3:14) He does not condemn the fact that they are soldiers, but encourages them to act morally.
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