The Right to Defend Life Against Terrorists

 

The Right to Defend Life Against 
Violent Aggressors or Terrorists

 

When confronted by violent aggressors such as terrorist groups—raises some of the most complex and challenging issues for believers today. 

The balance between defending life and living out the teachings of Jesus Christ about mercy and love becomes especially difficult when confronted with groups whose sole aim is to annihilate God's people. In such times, believers must navigate the intersection of personal ethics, national defense, and God's will.

A. The Right to Defend Life

The Bible does not advocate for passivity in the face of violence. Rather, it recognizes the need for self-defense and the protection of life in the face of imminent danger. While Jesus' teachings in the New Testament often emphasize non-retaliation in personal disputes, they do not prohibit the defense of others when life is at risk. This right to protect oneself and others is firmly rooted in biblical principles of justice.

• Luke 22:36 gives an example where Jesus instructs His followers to prepare for danger:
  “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
  Jesus here suggests that in times of danger, preparations for defense, symbolized by the sword, may be necessary.

• Exodus 22:2-3 underscores that self-defense is justified in situations of danger:
  “If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution: if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”
  If a person is attacked, the law permits them to defend their life, even if it means using force to do so.

B. The Principle of Justice and Protection of the Innocent

While the mercy and grace of God are integral to Christian living, the Bible also supports the right to defend the innocent from harm. Justice is a central theme throughout Scripture, and God calls His people to protect the vulnerable and stand against evil, especially when it seeks to destroy life.

• Proverbs 24:11-12 emphasizes the responsibility to protect those who are in danger:
  “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
  If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”
  Failure to intervene when the innocent are at risk is not merely a passive oversight but a moral failing.

• Romans 13:1-4 highlights the role of governments in maintaining justice and defending citizens:
  “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
  Governments are ordained by God to protect the innocent and uphold justice, including the use of force when necessary to defend against terrorist threats.

C. Balancing Justice, Mercy, and Self-Defense

While mercy and grace are foundational principles in personal relationships, there is also the reality of a world that contains evil and violence. The Bible does not call for blind passivity in the face of aggression; it affirms the right to defend oneself and others, particularly when the lives of the innocent are at risk. However, the New Testament also calls for a spirit of mercy, even in situations of persecution.

• Matthew 5:38-42 teaches Christians to not retaliate personally but to turn the other cheek in personal conflicts. This teaching, however, primarily applies to personal offenses rather than the defense of the larger community or nation from external threats.

• Romans 12:17-21 urges Christians not to seek personal revenge, but to trust in God’s ultimate justice:
  “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
  While personal vengeance is forbidden, this does not apply to the defense of the community or the use of force by the government to protect the innocent.

D. The Role of Governments and Nations in Defense

The New Testament acknowledges the role of governmental authorities as the agents of God’s justice. Governments are tasked with protecting their citizens from harm, even in the face of extreme violence like that perpetrated by terrorist groups. Governments are not only allowed to defend their people but are ordained by God to uphold justice, and sometimes that requires the use of force.

• Ephesians 6:10-17 speaks about spiritual warfare but also alludes to the need for believers to be spiritually equipped to resist evil. In the natural world, this can translate to standing against evil forces and using appropriate means of defense to protect life.

E. Mercy and the Call for Compassion

While self-defense is necessary, Christians are also called to reflect the mercy of God, even towards those who seek to destroy them. Terrorist groups and other enemies are often driven by hatred and a distorted worldview. The ultimate goal should be reconciliation, as much as possible, through prayer, love, and the offer of forgiveness in Christ. While justice may require defending the innocent, mercy demands that Christians pray for their enemies and seek opportunities for redemption.

• Matthew 5:44 calls believers to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors:
  “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

• Romans 5:8 reminds us that while we were still enemies of God, He showed His mercy through Christ:
  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Even when defending against great evil, Christians are always called to extend grace and mercy, seeking the transformation of hearts through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

F. The Right to Defend and the Call for Mercy

Christians are indeed called to defend life and protect the innocent, especially in the face of extreme violence like terrorism. The right to self-defense is supported by biblical principles of justice and protection. However, this must be balanced with the call to show mercy, to pray for enemies, and to seek their reconciliation with God.

While self-defense is a righteous and God-ordained principle, the ultimate hope of every believer is that justice and mercy will be fulfilled by God. We are instructed to trust that vengeance belongs to God, and we should always seek peace and redemption, even in the face of great evil.

In this complex world, the challenge is to maintain the tension between defending life and extending mercy, knowing that God's ultimate will is for all people to come to the knowledge of His truth, be reconciled to Him, and find peace in Christ.