Q: Is there a biblical argument for Christians to use self-defense?

When Adam fell, he fell far. Genesis 6 tells us that man is capable of only evil all the time. Talionic justice is the idea of an eye for an eye. There are times we are to get out of danger’s way; but we’re also told to be prepared to defend ourselves. The whole book of Judges was a result of Israel failing to fight when God told them to. There was a time when people were to have a defense ready in order to deter an assailant. We are told to be shepherds of God’s flock; this is a command we must obey. So does Biblical self-defense exist? Yes but it must exist within God’s boundaries.

There is a place for war and defense that are just. However, there is also a place for avoiding the danger and fleeing to safety, found only in Christ. Acts 20:28 says, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

Mentioned:

Matthew 5:38-40, Luke 22:36, Romans 13:1, Ezekiel 34, Acts 20:28, John 10:11

Download:

A Theology of Defense

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