How should a Christian view gun ownership?

from the old testament

• Believers on both sides of the gun control debate would agree that human life is sacred because we are God's image-bearers (Genesis 1:27). Gun control advocates point to the harm guns can do. Gun ownership proponents would argue that people will find a way to murder with or without a gun, pointing to such biblical examples as Cain's murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8).
• Proponents of gun ownership say that guns are needed for self-defense, a biblical concept. An Old Testament Mosaic law says, "If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him" (Exodus 22:2-3). This law allowed self-defense while recognizing the importance of human life (a thief is more of an unknown threat at night, excusing the greater violence against him than during the day). The Bible does not advocate unfettered violence.
• In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah and others rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem carried weapons to guard against those who sought to harm them and stop their work (Nehemiah 4:17-18). Self-protection is biblical.

from the new testament

• Those for and against gun control often misuse Scripture to defend their viewpoint. Luke 22 is an example. At one point, Jesus tells His disciples to carry a sword with them (vv. Luke 22:36, 38). Some gun ownership advocates have used that passage to suggest that owning a weapon is a mandate. But while that passage makes it clear that using a tool of self-defense is biblical, it is better taken as Jesus' situational warning to His disciples of the persecution that would come. This is clear by Jesus' rebuke of Peter for using his sword to cut off Malchus' ear (Matthew 26:52), which was a resisting of God's plan for Jesus.
• But that rebuke in Matthew 26:52 is also misused by gun control advocates to claim that Jesus was prohibiting all use of weapons. Luke 22:36-38 and other Bible verses belie that interpretation.
• Christians are mandated to obey the law of the land as long as it doesn't conflict with God's commands (Romans 13:1-4; Acts 5:29). So whatever gun laws are in place in one's country should be obeyed.
• If guns are legal, then owning a gun is a matter of conscience (Romans 14:1-4).
• Gun control proponents also point to Matthew 5:9, where Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." But the assumption about that passage is that guns are antithetical to peace. Gun ownership proponents would say they are not and point out that guns can often maintain peace by dissuading evildoers from carrying out their actions.
• Believers on both sides would agree that a lasting solution to those who want to harm others with guns (or anything else) is a change of heart, which can be accomplished only through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-24). Paul, a persecutor of Christians who oversaw the death of Stephen, is a testimony to this (Acts 7:58, 8:3, 9:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:13-14).

implications for today

Another school. Another mall. Another breaking-news headline about innocent lives shattered in seconds. Mass shootings have become so common that many people barely finish grieving one tragedy before the next debate over guns, safety, and responsibility begins—so where should Christians stand in the middle of it all?

We are bound by the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-4) but more important, by the principles in God's word (Acts 5:29). Christians in all lands must value human life and never intentionally seek violence against others. But those principles could apply to Christians are on both sides of the gun debate, so barring any legal restrictions, gun ownership is a matter of conscience. Believers should not judge each other on such matters (Romans 14:3-4, 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:29).

Whether a person owns a gun or not, the issue is bigger than the weapon itself. It is about the heart, wisdom, and responsibility behind it. A believer who owns a gun should never be driven by fear, anger, pride, or a desire for violence but by a sober commitment to value and protect human life while living with self-control and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). Guns are not a Christian’s source of security or hope; Christ is. Laws and guns may restrain evil for a moment, but only the gospel can transform hearts and produce the kind of people who love their neighbor, pursue peace, and handle every responsibility—including gun ownership—with humility and reverence before God.

While there is freedom in gun ownership, there is no wiggle room on this: sharing the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). A heart changed by Christ is the best way to affect lasting change and regard for human life.