Cycles of War

Frequency of words Love, Death, Blood, and Fire in the Old and New Testaments

God is pro-war

Christians have struggled with the issue of war for centuries. Before Jesus arrived on the scene, all good people wrestled with war and the existence of evil. Thankfully, the Bible is not silent on the subject. In fact, just as there are numerous references to peace in the Bible, there are frequent references to God-ordained war. Many present-day pacifists hold Jesus as their example for unvarying peace. But they ignore the book of Revelation where He is depicted bearing a "sharp sword" and smiting nations, ruling them with "a rod of iron." Moreover, the Song of Victory in Exodus hails God as a God of war. God actually strengthened individuals for war. God even gives counsel to be wise in war. Proverbs 20:18: "Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war."

Today, America continues to face the horrible realities of our fallen world. Suicide bombings and terrorist actions are beamed live into our homes daily. It is apparent that our God-authored freedoms must be defended. Throughout the book of Judges, God calls the Israelites to go to war. President Bush declared war in Iraq to defend innocent people. This is a worthy pursuit. One of the primary purposes of the church is to stop the spread of evil, even at the cost of human lives.

Finally, some reading this column will surely ask, "Doesn't the sixth commandment say, "Thou shalt not kill?" Actually, no; it says: "Thou shalt not commit murder." There is a difference between killing and murdering. In fact, many times God commanded capital punishment for those who break the law. We continue to live in violent times. The Bible tells us war will be a reality until Christ returns. And when the time is right, Jesus will indeed come again, ending all wars.

Rev. Jerry Falwell in (2004) God is pro-war , January 31 04, WorldNetDaily.com