The debate about gun control is one that is raging in our country right now. Many people feel passionately on both sides of the issue, and it can be hard to come to a consensus. As Christians, we should look at what the Bible says about guns. However, since we are in a vastly different technological culture than we were when the words of scripture were penned, this topic becomes open for debate among believers.
Most Christians want to know the truth of what God thinks about who should own guns, the right to bear arms, and gun control. Is it a God-given right for a regular citizen to have a weapon like a firearm? Or, should certain types of guns only be used in war?
Sometimes we would love to open the scripture to specific passages that nail down what God has to say about firearms. However, considering the Bible was written thousands of years ago in ancient times, who would have foreseen today’s weapons for which we constantly see a gun control debate?
First of all, I must say that I do write with a personal opinion about guns. I am highly supportive of the 2nd Amendment. I do not believe that there should be a risk of law-abiding gun owners not having the access to firearms. I do believe that there is a fundamental right to bear arms. However, what does that mean in our society today?
However, personally, I think that most Americans are more open to engaging in a debate about the topic rather than scoring politically by both sides seemingly not wanting to move one inch in their dogma.
A Problem of Violence
I think it’s difficult to make the argument that the US does not have a problem with gun violence. The United States seems to have one of the greatest problems with this issue of if and how to regulate gun ownership and gun safety. Gun ownership has steadily increased in the US with many people purchasing weapons for self-defense.
Crime rates are soaring and we are seeing more mass shootings from the hands of evil people. So, we certainly need to keep weapons in the hands of good people because it seems the enemies of our nation will certainly have them.
No matter where individuals land on the gun control debate, surely we can agree that deaths from gun violence in our country are a topic which we have to explore.
FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
However, it seems that the debate rages about the evil of the person using the gun versus the evil of the gun. We should take the gun issue very seriously and seek the Lord about our laws
However, let’s be careful to pray for all of the nations and other world leaders as this is something that is important to all. So, let’s go to what we believe is actually more important than our personal opinions.
The short answer to “what does the Bible say about guns” is that weapons can be used both for good or evil. The Bible doesn’t literally say anything about guns because it would be centuries before the first type of firearm was used – probably in China. However, there were swords and other weapons used and talked about in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Although there is no clear scripture that says “you can have a gun,” clearly there are passages that indicate that even Jesus encourages His disciples to be armed at times and be ready for self-defense.”
What Does The Bible Say About Guns?
Certainly, the Bible does not mention guns specifically because they were not around in times of the writing of the scriptures. However, there were personal weapons available and widely used. So, what does the Bible say about guns?
According to the Old Testament of the Bible, although they didn’t have firearms, we clearly see that the Israelites were expected to have their own personal weapons. When the country was threatened by an adversary, every man would be expected to have to pick up their weapons. They couldn’t call on the Marines or Air Force. The people of Israel had to defend themselves.
We see this clearly in passages like 1 Samuel 25:13:
“David said to his men, “Each of you strap on your sword!” So they did, and David strapped his on as well. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.”
1 Samuel 25:13
Ok, as we look at the ancient times in the Old Testament maybe we expect more violence, war, and weapons. There was a lot of violence in the Old Testament. Much of that was for a good reason that we might tackle at another time.
However, let’s look into what the Bible refers to as the New Testament and look at how Jesus instructs His disciples about a sword as He sent them out to speak for, and stand for the Gospel.
Although the disciples would not be looking for violence, Jesus knew that they would face those who would be enemies of the Gospel. The disciples were certainly not out for vengeance, however, they went out “carrying.” What does the Bible say about guns or other weapons? Here is one example.
“Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels. Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”
Luke 22:35-37
Did I read that correctly, If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one? But didn’t Jesus say that if you “live by the sword you will perish by the sword?”
Yes, he did. He said that to one of His most faithful companions. When the men with “swords and clubs” came to arrest Jesus to be taken to the mockery of a trial, Peter drew His sword and lashed out, cutting the ear off of one of the soldiers.
“Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.”
Matthew 26:52
Some people believe that Jesus, by making this statement, was supporting pacifism. He was not. There were times when violence and the sword had and would become necessary. However, this was a time that Jesus was called to submit Himself to die on the cross and not a time for Peter to attack.
A Substantive Conversation Needed
Some people feel very strongly that everyone has a right to own a gun, any kind of gun, and as many as they want. On the other extreme, you have those who would prefer that no one have guns other than the military or some levels of law enforcement.
It’s hard to believe that we have come to a place in the United States where neither side seems to be able to have a substantive conversation about guns or gun control because many on both sides seem to be incapable of giving any ground on this issue.
As Christians, we have the Bible as a guide. We have to navigate the fact that firearms weren’t around when the Bible was written. However, there are principles in scripture that can help us make a decision about whether or not Christians should own guns. What does the Bible say about guns?
Although there are many principles, we will talk about 6 of them here.
1- The Principle of Reason
What does the Bible say about guns? That is the main question. However, as our country looks at our laws and attempts to apply the Second Amendment in our land we must apply the principle of reason that can only be found in the wisdom of God. We need our laws and decisions about any weapon to be made using wisdom and debating them with reasonable mindsets. This topic is too important to our nation, our citizens, and our children. It promotes more fear and anxiety that is already rampant in our society.
The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament provides us with many statements that should be applied to many areas of our lives including the laws of our great nation. If we would accept and apply the wisdom from the scripture we would be wise and blessed to do so.
Proverbs Speaks
In Proverbs, chapter 4 you see wisdom personified:
“Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.”
Proverbs 4:6=7
Here is more – simple, but on-target advice from Proverbs:
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!”
Proverbs 16:16
Also over in the New Testament, It appears to me that the extreme positions on both sides of the gun control debate would do well in heeding this verse from the book of James and request more wisdom from the Lord in these matters.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5
Can I ask you a question? Certainly, there are those in politics who profess to be Christians. However, when was the last time you heard a politician say, “I don’t have this all figured out. Let’s call upon the Lord and ask for wisdom for the leaders of our nation?” Would you support that type of bold, yet humble attitude from a leader? I would.
We need leadership that will stand against those who are only heard in the light of their political stances. We should be far past the point in the gun debate in which we can’t admit that we need the wisdom of God.
We need to use reason, common sense, and Godly wisdom when we are debating this issue. We need to remember that we are talking about human lives, not just statistics or political agendas.
Second Amendment
When it comes to the debate about guns or gun control there is always the debate about the second amendment. The adherence to this amendment drives weapon ownership in this country.
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
For those of us who are supportive of this amendment, isn’t it still a reasonable question to ask – “would the second amendment be remarkably different if our forefathers could have envisioned the modern weaponry of today?” Would they have still promoted the right to bear arms? Certainly, they would.
The question is- if they could have foreseen the massacre of children in school shootings, would they have imposed any limits on an 18-year-old person to have high-capacity semi-automatic weapons? Would they have considered imposing any constraints at all for anyone concerning the right to bear arms?
Or, would they have simply stated that everyone has the right to bear arms – period.
Once again, I totally believe I have the right to have the weapon that is in my bedroom. However, it’s reasonable to ask questions about or debate gun laws. I think we need to see this as reasonable regardless of our political affiliation.
2- The Principle of Self-Defense
In asking the question, “What does the Bible say about guns?” we must address the principle of self-defense. One of the main reasons for gun ownership is wrapped in the idea of self-defense. We live in a fallen world, and there are people who will do harm to others. There are criminals and terrorists who would like nothing more than to kill innocent people. The question is, should Christians be armed in order to defend themselves and others?
There are a few things to consider when answering this question.
First, we need to remember that our ultimate hope is in God, not in guns. We need to trust that God will protect us, even if we don’t have a gun. If we choose to arm ourselves, we still cannot simply put our faith in our guns or our marksmanship. Our faith must be in Jesus.
Second, we need to ask ourselves if we are truly prepared to take another human life to protect ourselves or others. This is not a decision to be made lightly. The reality is if you fire a weapon at another person you want to incapacitate them, many times causing death. Can we make a decision that we can live with that? `
Personally, I keep a firearm in my home. It is one of the most recommended firearms for home protection. One night several months ago, we heard intruders coming into our basement downstairs. I took the gun from where I safely kept it and walked into my living room.
Exactly what would I do if the intruder came up the stairs? I don’t know, but I have already made the decision to defend my wife and myself, or I wouldn’t have had the weapon in my hand. If someone had come into my living room as an intruder or aggressor, would I have fired? I think I could because I am committed to protecting our home.
Fortunately, although the intruders were actually breaking into my house, it ended up being my daughter and son-in-law and some friends. They had gotten locked out of the house and came through a door that wasn’t well secured at the time. As they were coming up the stairs I recognized their voices and immediately put away the weapon.
Some would say that I had made a bad choice by having a weapon in my home and it presented a scenario in which I could have actually shot some of my family members. I guess if you look at the situation in an extremely unreasonable manner you could come to that conclusion.
However, I know the layout of my home, I know myself, I know the weapon, and I was calm and never came remotely close to shooting my “family intruders.”
But, primarily I believe that if it had been someone looking to harm me or my family I could have pulled the trigger.
3- The Principle of Peace-Making
Another important principle in the Bible is the principle of peacemaking.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
The Bible is clear that we should be peacemakers. However, that principle is not at odds with a person having a gun to help protect their family.
It’s clearly demonstrated that Jesus allowed, even instructed His disciples to have swords at times. Take, for instance, the scene when Jesus was confronted and arrested prior to His crucifixion. When those with swords and torches stopped Jesus, Peter took out his sword and cut the ear off of one of the guys.
“Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?”
John 18:10
Of course, Peter was out of line here. And, in another account of this, we find that Jesus grabs the guy’s ear and put it right back on, miraculously healing the injury. It wasn’t the time for confrontation. Jesus was about to perform the greatest act of love in the history of the world.
But, don’t you think that Jesus knew that Peter carried a sword? Sure He did. And although this was not the time or place to use it, Jesus had allowed him to carry a sword.
Jesus actually instructed the apostles to acquire side arms to carry for self-defense while delivering his last sermon to the disciples before being taken up to the cross. He was instructing them on the hostility and persecution they would face on future excursions.
“Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?”
“No,” they replied.
“But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”
Luke 22:35
Yet, Jesus was called the Prince of Peace. The fact that He understood that Christians might have to face the evil on this earth with swords in no way diminishes His love for peace and His example of being a peacemaker.
Keeping the Peace Is Vital
Whether it was Matt Dillon back in Dodge City or it is with the modern police forces of today I think most of us will realize that firearms are totally necessary to help keep law and order in our cities.
For those who unwisely wanted to disband and disarm the police forces in some cities, those cities have paid the price in high crime rates and unsafe cities.
So, when it comes to being a peacemaker, the primary focus is not on weapons. It should be on love, service, and wisdom to carry out the will of God. However, there are times when keeping the peace may require a weapon.
4- The Principle of Submission to Authority
Another important principle in the Bible is the principle of submission to authority.
The Bible speaks about how Christians are called to submit to the authorities that God has placed over us, including our government and our church leaders.
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”
Romans 13:1
Here is where various Christians can have some very fundamental differences in interpreting the passage.
To what degree do we submit to our governmental authorities? Some state that we should only rebel when the government requires us to do something that goes against the instruction of God.
Some fairly hardline conservatives even believe that the American Revolution was not a just war. They believe that Christians should not rebel against the government for reasons that the colonists did against the British.
I find it very hard to agree with that.
5- The Principle of Defending the Defenseless
We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This means that we should do everything in our power to protect those around us from harm.
We are also called to defend the defenseless.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9
This means that we have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves, like children and the elderly.
A man should rush in to protect his family, innocent children, the elderly, and actually anyone who doesn’t have the ability to protect themselves.
And, yes – many times that will require the use of firearms.
There has been a backlash from the public in the wake of a school shooting in which the allegations are that the officers did not act quickly enough to stop the crazed shooter.
We may find out if that was the case in due time. In any case, we do know that many other lives were saved in that tragedy and other tragedies because the evil perpetrator was neutralized by good guys with firearms.
6- The Principle of Realizing Moral Decay
This is one that is very troubling. I think those who strongly support the 2nd amendment might be tempted to err on the side of not wavering at all on gun ownership laws and gun control issues. However, it seems that the Second Amendment champions seem to more readily embrace the fact of the moral and spiritual breakdown of our country.
I’m afraid it’s not just the opinion that the far left who are totally against guns for the average citizen rarely seem to not want to admit that there is a God factor in this. Nor do they seem to want to focus on more safety officers and what is referred to as “hardening schools” – making them more difficult for a criminal to enter.
It was not just a gun that walked into a school in Uvalde, Texas and killed 19 small children and 2 teachers. It was evil personified.
Many conservatives like me are willing to take a look at the laws, the age requirements, and gun magazine capacity, and debate the thoroughness of background checks.
However, focusing all of the attention on guns will not solve the problem. The moral decline in our country is far too great and far too steep to put the blame squarely on guns or gun manufacturers.
I will say what many have said. When I was young, there were plenty of guns. However, it was not until 1999 with the Columbine shootings did the era of mass school shootings begin.
It might be too simplistic to say that our country started a terrible moral decline in our educational system in 1962 when public prayer in our schools was banned. Conservative Christians use that as a marker for when our country began to take a slide in morals. I think there is some great truth to that. However, immoral practices of governments, including our own, have surfaced in quite a few areas of our history. I do believe that the battle to take God from our culture signaled the increasing moral slide that was to come. The violence that we see today reflects those choices that were made.
Conclusion
This is an incredibly large topic. Do we have a God-given right to have weapons? I think so. Does the Bible (as a whole) condemn the use of weaponry? No.
But, does that right extend to the ability for anyone 18 and over to obtain all sorts of high-capacity weapons very easily, at will?
I’m not prepared to say that it is. There is room for wise and Godly-minded debate. If only we could have that.
Pray that God will guide our leaders and give them wisdom as this topic is consistently debated. Also, do your part. Support leaders who stand for the values for which you stand and the Judeo-Christian values on which our country was founded.
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