What does the Bible say about Christians owning weapons?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Views among modern Christians regarding weapons range from those who believe in pacifism at all costs to those who believe owning a gun is a God-given right. The Bible strikes a balance between the right to protect life and the fact that sometimes the will of God is for Christians to suffer persecution. Although the Bible allows a God-follower to own weapons, and even sometimes encourages it, God does not give us the universal right to own and use any weapon we wish. Sometimes God's purpose is fulfilled by the strength of our faith, not the strength of our defenses. We are to seek God for the motivation behind owning weapons and our desired use of them. Above all, we must glorify God in all we do. Jesus' greatest commandment to us is to love God and love others. Whether that requires using a weapon or not depends on the situation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Exodus 22:2–3 shows that self-defense must be proportional; in the Mosaic Law it was allowed to defend a life with more vigor than one's possessions.
• Throughout the Bible, armed militaries were accepted or even commanded. David, the "man after God's own heart," was a military leader before he was king. In 1 Kings 18 (cf. 1 Kings 19:1), the prophet Elijah killed the priests of Baal with a sword. And nowhere does the Bible tell a soldier to give up his weapon for a life of peace.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus affirmed that it is sometimes necessary to be armed for self-defense (Luke 22:37–39).
• While the Bible does not prohibit ownership of weapons, neither does it say that Christians have the inalienable right to have weapons—even if the law allows it (1 Corinthians 10:23).
• Our weapon ownership is governed by civil authorities (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–2) and by the will of God in the particular situation.
• Jesus refused to defend Himself in the garden of Gethsemane because there was a greater purpose (John 18:10–11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Before a Christian gets a weapon, he should contemplate his motivations and his training. Protection of life and family is a good reason to own a weapon; exaggerated fear is not. Training is essential so that the weapon is used correctly and doesn't cause unintended harm. As in everything we do, a Christian should pray and ask for God's guidance first. Jesus' greatest commandment to us is to love God and love others. Whether that requires using a weapon or not depends on the situation.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not forbid weapon ownership.
• Weapon use should be responsible, following both God's purpose and civil authority.
• Christians must reflect on their reasons for owning weapons and seek God's guidance to ensure they honor Him in all actions.

REFLECT

• How does your motivation for owning a weapon align with God's command to love Him and love others?
• Where do you feel called to protect yourself or others, and how do you seek God's guidance in those moments?
• How can you ensure that your use of a weapon, if necessary, aligns with God's purpose and reflects His justice and love?

ENGAGE

• How should a Christian view weapons as means of protection instead of means of destruction?
• What are some practical ways we can ensure that our motivations for weapon ownership and use are godly?
• How does the Bible’s perspective on weapons compare to modern cultural views on the right to bear arms?