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God’s Approval of War

ByPastor Wynn

The following article is an outline that was preached at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Columbus, GA.    Basically, I became very disturbed by all of the media pundits, and others, who claim to know that “God Hates War.”  It is biblically obvious that such people have never examined the Scriptures to see what God has to say.  Although, God loves peace, there are times when He justifies and calls for war.  I hope the following is a challenge and blessing.  If you would like the complete outline in downloadable format, please feel free to e-mail me at admin@pastorwynn.com with your request and I will send you the file at no cost.

When God Justifies War
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Selected

America is getting ready to celebrate her 232nd birthday. We are grateful for a nation such as ours. We are thankful for liberty and freedom. We are blessed by living in a land of prosperity and peace.

However, America is engaged in a war that is dividing our nation. War is nothing new. It has been a part of history since man’s early history. For America, it took a war with England to gain our independence and freedom from a monarchy. Other wars have dotted our history. . .

• American Revolution (1775-1782)
• War of 1812 (1812-1814)
• Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
• Civil War (1861-1865)
• Spanish American War (1898)
• WWI (1914-1918)
• WWI (1941-1945)
• Korean War (1945-1953 Cease-fire)
• Vietnam War (1959-1975)
• Persian Gulf War (1991)
• Iraq War (2003-?)

The human casualties of these wars are an estimated 1.1 million (with almost half of those is WWII). There are another estimated 1.5 million wounded. Yes, war has impacted our national history.

Concerning our current conflict in Iraq, we have become a divided nation. Sadly, we are approaching days like we experienced in the Vietnam era. In WWII America, as a nation, went to war. We had been called to war by the unprovoked attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. We answered the call, and America led the world in a decisive victory. Those of the WWII era became known as the “Greatest Generation” in a book by Tom Brokaw.

In Vietnam, soldiers were sent to war but America stayed home. Protest and riots were the hallmark of a youthful generation that failed to realize the price of freedom was sacrifice. The war became a political firestorm that strangled military strategy and, for the first time in her history, America lost a war. South Vietnam was conquered by North Vietnam and placed under communist rule.

It seems that history is trying to repeat itself. Yet, the division of our country is based upon the faulty premise that war is never right. The arguments against war fall into one of three categories. These are. . .

(1) Moral objection: Thou shalt not kill.
However, the sixth commandment is not a prohibition against the justified taking of a life, but it is against the unlawful act of murder.

(2) Societal objection: Diplomacy is always preferred over war.
However, diplomacy involves mutual compromise, and some compromises can be unwise or sinful.

(3) Political objection: The government should always avoid war.
However, government has a responsibility to serve and protect.

With all of the debate and division of our day, it would do our country good to find out God’s viewpoint of war. If God prohibits war, we should avoid it at all cost. Yet, if God justifies it, we should find out when it is justified and not be ashamed to embrace it.

There are 346 verses in the Bible that refer to war. The Bible gives counsel concerning war. .

• Pro. 20:18 states “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”

• Pro. 24:6 – “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

The very first song in the Bible is a song about victory in war (Exo. 15). The first census in the Bible is for the purpose of numbering the men for war (Num. 1:2-3).

In the Scriptures, we find there are three conditions that justify war. To be right and justified. . .

I. The Cause Must Be Right (I Sam. 17:26-49).

The cause is right, when it is to. . .

A. Declare the power of God (vv. 45-46).

—God’s name and His knowledge to all the earth.

B. Defend the people of God (vv. 26, 36, 45; “the armies of the living God” had been “defied.”

—God expects a man to defend his country and his people.

ILLUSTRATION: Abraham going to war to protect Lot (Gen. 14).

—David got in trouble when he stayed home and did not go to war (II Sam. 11).

C. Dispense the enemies of God (vv. 46-51).

—David did not attempt to negotiate with Goliath. He killed him!

Although the cause may be right, the conflict cannot be fought if certain conditions are not met. . .

II. The Commitment Must Be Real (Num. 1:1-16).

A. National commitment (v.2; Israel).

—The government has a purpose of bearing the sword (Rom. 13:4).

B. Familial commitment (v.2, families).

—A divided house cannot stand (Mk. 3:25).

ILLUSTRATION: Look at tribes of Israel fighting together, Num. 32. Moses would not families stay behind and not engage in the war.

C. Personal commitment (vv. 3-16, individual).

ILLUSTRATION: Gideon was willing to get personally involved (Judges 6-7).

III. The Conquest Must be Realized (Deut. 7:1-5).

A. Kill the enemy (v.2a).

—You do not pet the snake!

B. Destroy the enemy (v.2b)

—Culture and all.

C. Make no treaty with the enemy (v.2c).

—Show no mercy.

NOTE: The reason for utter destruction, is so that the enemy cannot do you harm (vv. 4-6).

Conclusion: God prefers that war be avoided. However, He does not want a nation to avoid war if it means the destruction of His people or the loss of biblical heritage.

The greatest battle ever fought was on a hill outside Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. Jesus Christ fought the devil, paid sin’s debt, and won the victory!

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34 Comments

  1. “God loves peace.” Given that, it’s understandable to follow the logic that God hates war. On the other hand, *some* people interpet the Bible to suit themselves.

    Destroy the enemy’s culture? I guess you don’t realize that that means destroying innocent people too, quite a few of whom would be children. With that statement, you’ve shown the blood on your hands.

    It’s hard to understand why people such as yourself beat the drums of war when they have nothing invested in it. I believe God has an extra-warm section of hell for folks like you. We’ll see.

    Peace will come when people like you and your mindset are forever destroyed.

  2. The response to my article is sad, but is indicative of the lack of discernment present in our country today. I am sure that “Peace Lover” is a nice person and genuinely desires for a world of peace. However, his/her argument appears to based solely upon personal ideology and preferences. God’s Word must be our sole source for truth and authority. I will respect an argument that deals with an issue from a biblical viewpoint.

    Of course, we all detest war. Peace is the preferred status of life. Yet, to embrace a “Peace at all cost” philosophy is dangerous and will destroy any country that practices it. The willingness to fight for principles must never be compromised. If we do not fight, we lose the principles.

    As I shared in the original article on war, God’s Word not only justifies war at times, but commands it. These biblical facts can neither be ignored or disposed of. God’s Word is the anchor to which we must cling.

    When I was a child, our country faced the peril of attack from the Soviet Union and its Communist philosophy. Back in those days the slogan was “Better dead than Red.” In other words, we would fight to our death before we would surrender to Communism. Sadly, it seems that many in our present society would quickly surrender before lifting arms. I thank the Lord for the soldiers who have willingly gone around the world to defend the freedoms of liberty. They are to be commended and honored. I am especially grateful to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle for continued freedom.

    To the writer of the criticism, I would ask that you consider God’s Word. Examine it thoughfully. Read the Book of John. The final chapters of that Book tell of the greatest war ever waged. . .The war for man’s soul. Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross. He conquered death, Hell and the grave for any who would put their trust in His work on the cross. He offers forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe (read John 3:16; Romans 10:13).

    Only when Jesus comes as King will the world see peace. He is The Prince of Peace. There will never be peace without His ruling and reigning. He is coming back. . .And soon!

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