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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 266 min read

Does the Bible Support a Just War?

Biblical Principles Regarding War and Peace


The Bible presents a nuanced perspective on war and peace. While it promotes peace and encourages believers to live peaceably with all people (Romans 12:18), it also recognizes situations where war may be necessary to achieve justice and protect the innocent. The key is to understand the biblical principles that govern when and how war can be justified.



The Sanctity of Life and the Justification of Killing


The Bible does not categorically prohibit all taking of life. There are instances where killing is considered justified, such as in self-defense and capital punishment. Exodus 22:2 provides an example of justified killing in self-defense: "If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him." Similarly, Genesis 9:6 establishes the principle of capital punishment: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image."


Government authority to wield the sword is also biblically sanctioned. Romans 13:4 states, "For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." Jesus acknowledged this divine authority when He told Pilate, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:11).



Biblical Rules of Warfare


The Old Testament provides specific rules for warfare, particularly in the context of ancient Israel. Deuteronomy 20 outlines instructions for conducting war, including offering peace before attacking a city (Deuteronomy 20:10), sparing non-combatants, and treating fruit trees differently from combat targets (Deuteronomy 20:19). These guidelines indicate that war, while sometimes necessary, must be conducted with justice and humanity.



Jesus’ Teachings on Self-Defense and Military Service


While Jesus instructed His followers not to use violence for spiritual purposes (Matthew 26:52), He did recognize the necessity of self-defense. In Luke 22:36-38, Jesus advised His disciples to purchase swords if they did not have any, indicating the legitimacy of self-defense in certain contexts.


John the Baptist's interactions with soldiers further affirm the legitimacy of military service. When soldiers asked him what they should do, he did not tell them to abandon their profession. Instead, he instructed them to act justly: "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages" (Luke 3:14).


Obedience to Government and Its Limits


The Bible commands Christians to obey their government authorities, as stated in Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1, and 1 Peter 2:13-14. However, this obedience is not absolute. When governmental commands conflict with God's commands, believers must obey God rather than men. Examples include Daniel's refusal to worship the king (Daniel 3:6), the apostles' commitment to preaching the gospel despite prohibitions (Acts 4-5), and the Hebrew midwives' defiance of Pharaoh's order to kill Hebrew infants (Exodus 1).


In cases of unjust warfare or immoral commands, Christians may dissent. The actions of Daniel, the three Hebrew young men, and Peter demonstrate the biblical precedent for civil disobedience when government actions violate divine principles. However, those who disobey must be willing to accept the consequences imposed by the state (Daniel 6, Acts 4-5).



Conditions for Just War


Several conditions must be met for a war to be considered just according to biblical principles:


  1. Declared by Legitimate Authority: A just war must be declared by one's government, as indicated in Romans 13:4, which describes the government as an avenger carrying out God's wrath on wrongdoers.

  2. Defense of the Innocent and Against Evil Aggressors: War must be in defense of the innocent and against evil aggressors. Genesis 14 provides an example where Abram engages in battle to rescue his nephew Lot and others taken captive by aggressive kings.

  3. Fought by Just Means: The conduct of war must adhere to just means. Deuteronomy 20:19, which instructs Israel not to destroy fruit trees during a siege, reflects a principle of minimizing harm and maintaining ethical conduct even in warfare.


Addressing Arguments for Pacifism


Some argue for total pacifism based on Jesus' teachings, such as His command to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). However, this command refers to personal insults rather than physical attacks. Jesus Himself did not turn the other cheek when struck unjustly but confronted the wrongdoer (John 18:22-23).


The exhortation to love our enemies does not preclude the use of force to prevent them from causing harm. The apostle Paul sought governmental protection when his life was threatened (Acts 23). This demonstrates that seeking justice and protection does not contradict the principle of loving one's enemies.



Integrating Justice and Warfare


The integration of justice and warfare in the biblical context emphasizes the pursuit of peace and protection of the innocent while acknowledging the necessity of war in certain situations. Biblical justice involves not only the retribution of wrongdoers but also the protection and defense of the vulnerable.


Throughout the Bible, God's people are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This includes making difficult decisions about when to engage in warfare and ensuring that such actions align with God's principles of justice and righteousness.



Biblical Examples of Just War


The Bible provides several examples of just wars, where the criteria of just authority, defense of the innocent, and just means are evident. One notable example is the battle led by Gideon against the Midianites (Judges 7). Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from oppression, and his actions were directed by divine authority.


Another example is the war fought by King David against the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17-25). David sought God's guidance before engaging in battle, demonstrating a reliance on divine authority and a commitment to fighting for the defense of Israel.



The Role of Divine Justice


Divine justice plays a crucial role in the biblical perspective on warfare. God is depicted as a righteous judge who enacts justice and defends the oppressed. This is evident in the psalms, where God's justice is celebrated: "The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed" (Psalm 103:6).


The prophets also speak of God's judgment against nations and individuals who perpetrate injustice. Isaiah 61:8 declares, "For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense." This divine commitment to justice underpins the biblical justification for war when it serves to uphold justice and protect the innocent.


Theological Implications


The theological implications of just war theory are significant for Christians. Engaging in warfare must always be approached with a profound sense of responsibility and humility, recognizing the gravity of taking human life and the necessity of aligning actions with God's will.


Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to seek justice (Amos 5:24). Balancing these calls with the reality of a fallen world where evil exists requires discernment and a commitment to biblical principles. The just war tradition provides a framework for navigating these complex issues, ensuring that the pursuit of justice does not compromise the values of peace and righteousness.



Practical Applications for Christians Today


For Christians today, understanding the biblical principles of just war can inform their perspectives on contemporary conflicts and their roles as citizens. It encourages thoughtful engagement with issues of national and international security, advocating for policies that uphold justice and protect the innocent.


Christians are also called to pray for their leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and to seek God's guidance in matters of war and peace. This involves interceding for wisdom and discernment for those in positions of authority and seeking to influence public policy in ways that align with biblical principles.


Conclusion


The biblical perspective on war and peace is multifaceted, recognizing the need for justice and the protection of the innocent while promoting peace and reconciliation. The principles of just war provide a framework for evaluating when and how warfare can be justified, ensuring that such actions are consistent with God's character and commands.


By integrating these principles into their understanding and actions, Christians can navigate the complex realities of a fallen world with a commitment to justice, peace, and faithfulness to God's Word.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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