Highlight: Christians & Self Defense

Self defense is not murder.
Murder is passion
Defense is to stay safe
The lord even said to buy a sword

But remember there is always a limit for what we can do , nothing ever goes according to the plan....... always expect the unexpected.taking gun for gun or sword for sword is not how we can answer or solve a problem,but only via the word of God.....if you can't Stop a violent person who is about to commit a crime or committing by the word of God then you cannot stop that person by any means ......Gun for gun or sword for sword does not solve the problem.....it only escalates and makes things worse and complicates the situation.we may loose our life they may loose their life ,nothing is guaranteed.....//

Peter probably wasn’t aiming for his ear, he’s a fisherman not a warrior. Probably tried to take his head off. There are some really thoughtful pacifist theologians, it isn’t an “emotional” response there are good Biblical arguments for pacifism.

How many mass shooters have been slain in the spirit?

The claim is that the NT nullifies all acts of self defense but in Luke 12:39-40 New Century Version (NCV)
“Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time a thief was coming, he would not allow the thief to enter his house. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don't expect him!”

You passionately flip the situation to say "well God said to get a sword! And even though Jesus rebuked peter for using the sword, he still asked him to get a sword so he can do violence! But not the violence that he just used against the pharisees, and certainly not when he rebuked him that instant." Overly self contradictory on one of the biggest verses from the mouth of Jesus on the use of violence. And even if the disciples had swords, there isnt a single encounter in Acts where it speaks the disciples pulled their swords and slew all who threatened to kill them. Paul saying if he broke the law, then he is accepting the punishment for it. Jesus was also threatened with many angry crowds, who WANTED to kill Him. When did Jesus use the sword to slay them? In the old testament when God ordered the conquests of nations, He is completely different than a human being. God can make a sentence on a person, their judgment on their life. Who are we to take the life of someone who Jesus expensively died for? I have been looking for evidence to use weapons for self-defense, but many of these examples that are so passionately argued upon present their opinions as evidence, though I appreciate this video for attempting to present their side in a biblical fashion.

I usually agree with Jeff, but I believe he is far too self-assured on an issue which is much more difficult and nuanced than he implies. For instance, at the 5 minute mark, he brings up Luke 22 where Jesus instructs his disciples to find and carry a sword with them. They reply that they have 2 swords, and Jesus says this is enough. It is apparent that he is not happy with them for already having these weapons on their possession already, especially when in Luke 9 and 10 he asks them to go out without weapons or any unnecessary accessories. They clearly did not learn their lesson from before (remember that the disciples are constatnly falling in to errors and failing to properly follow Jesus, but he continues to teach them). The Lords work is best carried out when relying solely on the power of the Lord. Immediately before he tells them to find 2 swords, he explains exactly why he intends for them to carry these swords - "For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’
If Jesus really wanted them to carry swords out of 'self-defense' then why would he not instruct them each to carry one. He says that 2 is enough between all 12 of them (13 including Jesus), because being caught in possession of any swords would be enough to appear 'lawless' to the arresting party, particularly with Peter wildly swinging and hacking the ear off of one of the men, which Jesus of course knew would happen, and uses as the perfect opportunity to instruct all disciples (including you and I) that "whoever lives by the sword will die by the sword".
Now crucially, as mentioned, this story of Jesus sending the disciples out with swords in Luke 22 stands in stark contrast to an earlier passage, where he famously sends his disciples out without ANYTHING, and they duly comply and achieve great success in healing, expelling demons, and calling people to repentance. At the beginning of Luke 22, Jesus calls the disciples back to this occasion earlier in Luke 9 and 10, and asks them did they lack anything? To which they reply no! The moral of this story is that for Christians to truly succeed in doing the will of the Father, they need not rely on having the possessions and accessories to do so, including weapons for our own strength and protection it seems. Instead, Luke 9 and 10 seems to teach us that we ought to rely on the power of the Spirit of the Lord, which alone enables us to establish his kingdom on earth.

Actually, he said 2 was enough.

I dont marry rapist and i resist to him for always and i am not sorry becouse now i am married for love of my life

I am naturally not a pacifist but I studied this hard. I cannot find anywhere in the New Testament that says you can use forceful self defense. The only thing you have is Jesus telling them to buy a sword. If you look up interpretations on that passage you will find what that actually means and it is explained incredibly well. I don’t want to be abused but I don’t see where Christ says you can physically fight against that.

Well since you put it that way I will buy a sword, which one you think jesus will like best , a keyblade or master sword

Nice example used at the end to describe what to do practically and what to do spiritually. Thank you. I needed this.

Because out of our desire to protect and promote our own personal good come all our selfish thoughts, words and actions.

You will probably ask "Why would I have to worry about these? If what you say is true, that there is no punishment, that God sees not our evil—then why would we be concerned about the way we behave?"

Because we draw our LIFE and BEING from God, we draw our capacity to think and love from God.

Even as God is creative, so is your consciousness creative. With our minds and hearts we actually form the plans of our own lives and experiences.

And what kind of lives do most people plan and form in their minds? If someone annoys or hurts them, they retaliate in some way or another, they believe that if their eye is taken, they must expect their adversary's eye in return.

They believe that whoever kills should be killed as punishment and compensation, they believe that whoever robs them should pay the price, that whoever steals their wife, should be stoned along with their wife.

Most people believe in the extraction of payment for every evil thing that comes their way.

Since it is human nature to hurt others, and most people have been taught to retaliate, their lives are a continual scene of warfare—warfare in the home among husbands, wives, children, neighbors, public figures and between nations.

God knows of this warfare in their lives, He knows the stress in their minds and bodies arising from this warfare but can do nothing—nothing to ease the pain—until people themselves stop the warfare.

People themselves must cease their fighting and live in peace with their families, neighbors, employers, public figures and other countries.

Only then, can God's LOVE take place in their minds, hearts, bodies and lives.

Only then will people be able to recognize and see God's Love being done in them—and for them by God.

Are none of you geniuses going to realize that he just twisted Paul’s mindset of not objecting to die, into somehow an excuse for you people who object to die to then resort to harming/murdering another human being in self defense?

Paul’s mindset was the opposite of your mindset which is very telling.

“The perpetrator is the evil one, he’s the criminal”
He is the criminal sure, but he’s not the only evil one. The victim also deserves to perish because both are not holy/righteous in the sight of God.
One of many such biases found by this person to be tempted to call someone who probably isn’t saved as a non evil person just because of the atheistic propaganda of victims being seen as non sinners.
——————————————————
As for the disciples being commanded to buy a sword to defend themselves, that was before Christ’s crucifixion and ascension and therefore has NOTHING to do with our dispensation.
——————————————————
And notice how he then proceeds to a talking point of something other than self defense, the defense of another person via violence and murder of the perpetrator. This man doesn’t think in categories as the category/topic was about self defense, not the defense of another person via violence.

THERE IS NOTHING IN THE BIBLE THAT GRANTS SELF DEFENSE IN THIS WAY AFTER THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY PASSAGE YOU FIND BEFORE THE ASCENSION DOESN’T APPLY TO US AS IT ISN’T OUR DISPENSATION.

I just came here after watching a video about why the crusades where necessary and I was shocked about how missinformed we are after school about the crusades. Following and extending Gods law the crusades were actually a great achievement in christian history as far as I can judge.

Do not become like them! Lead like jesus!

Just curious to hear what you say about the swords being obtained for the prophecy to be counted among the rebels? You missed that part out, and I think that pretty important

So so what I’m gathering is that the word is a weapon a sword it’s truth and the truth is a sword in a verbal battle context not a physical confrontation context that is where it’s different, correct me if I’m wrong

Real Christians know that once you take a life you are forever damned.
War is sin. Period.

Sorry for the bad news.

The person you mocked at the beginning had the right answer. People who refuse to live after the spirit but walk after the carnal flesh, will be destroyed. God will protect those he will protect he will allow death where he will allow death, we are not to take lives, period. Show me one example in the New Testament were anyone except Peter who was rebuked for it ever took up a weapon. oh ye of little faith who love your lives, how will you ever lay down your life for Christ when it comes to it? You won’t. You will be in hell as murderers still thinking “but but but…”

What do you reply to people who'll adamantly stand by the following: Jesus didn't really wanted the disciples to literally sell their cloak and buy a sword. They'll say it's metaphorical (funny, the knapsack and purse clearly aren't metaophors - Jesus is warning them ->difficult and dangerous times ahead) and then proceed to tell you all about turn the other cheek. What do you tell those people?

Is this type of thinking part of gnosticism?

I think “perpetrate” is the wrong word. We only respond to violence.

WE FOLLOW CHRIST, WHICH WE ARE DISCIPLES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! DID JESUS CARRY A SWORD? NO HE DID NOT. IN FACT IN THE WORD OF GOD ONE OF THE DISCIPLES CUT OFF THE HIGH PRIEST SERVANTS EAR AND JESUS COMMANDED HIM TO PUT HIS SWORD IN HIS SHEAF IN LUKE 18. BUT IN MATTHEW 26:53 JESUS SPOKE AND SAID “THINKEST THOU THAT I CANNOT NOW PRAY TO MY FATHER, AND HE SHALL PRESENTLY GIVE ME MORE THAN TWELVE LEGIONS OF ANGELS?” JESUS WAS GOD MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH HUMBLED HIMSELF AND TOOK UPON HIM THE FORM OF A SERVANT. AS SHOULD WE WHEN WE ARE BORN AGAIN!🙌🏽STOP WITH THE NONSENSE WE SUPPOSE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND NOT LEAN ON OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING..BELOVED SAINTS OF THE LIVING GOD, WHO HAVE DECEIVED YOU? WAKE UP YOU ARE THE SONS OF GOD BEING MADE INTO THE VERY IMAGE OF CHRIST DAILY BY THE PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT. WE ARE TO DO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE DO NOT WRESTLE AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES. ARE WARFARE IS SPIRITUAL NOT CORNAL! ARE WEAPONS ARE NOT CORNAL! WAKE UP SAINTS. WE LIVE FROM ABOVE WHICH IS THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF GOD AND WALK IN THE STATUES AND THE WAYS OF OUR LORD JESUS THE CHRIST! HE IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE AND DEMONSTRATION OF HOW ONE FROM ABOVE SHOULD WALK BEFORE MEN ON EARTH LOW, MEEK, HUMBLE AT HEART.. SET YOUR AFFECTIONS ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH. THAT BEING SAID WE ARE HEAVENLY NOT EARTHLY SO THEREIN WALK IN THE SPIRIT NOT BY THE FLESH

I think asking the question “what would you do” is such a good point because pacifists throw it on us by saying “you really think it’s Christian to KILL someone?” And it gives me so much confidence to say “you really think it’s Christian not be a Good Samaritan?”

Even the archangel Michael carries a flaming sword....

That Psalms 1441 hit

Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. How do we rightly divide this word from the sermon on the mount. What justifies resisting a violent evil person? This scripture tells us not to resist and evil person.

Jesus armed himself, and told his followers to arm themselves.

Those who love their family more than Christ, then you are not worthy of HIM. Leave room for the wrath of God. Your views asserted in this video is misleading and a hindrance to young be,levers. Your position is based on fear and other emotions. Short swords are used for many untilitarian purposes. every man ought to bring a knife into the woods. Which of Christ’s apostles returned evil for evil? Your views are not conducive with Sound doctrine. 

Overcome evil with good. do not be overcome by evil.

Your thinking is worldly, and is not of Christ. 

The world is fallen. Yet, you ought not revel or remain in bondage to the ways of the world.

Ephesians 6:12; 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5

These people just read the Bible to support their worldview. The passage in Luke about the swords is not for defense; it's to ensure Jesus will be arrested. He said, “So Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ He's talking about that night, not their missionary journeys. This is why he rebukes Peter when he uses the sword, cause he didn’t have them bring swords to defend himself but to ensure it’d make him look like a criminal. I carry a gun; it’s unchristian, and a truly devoted Christian wouldn't because their treasure is in heaven. Admitting your view doesn't align with the Bible is braver and more honest than trying to make Jesus fit your worldview.

Leviticus 19:16 (NET) You must not go about as a slanderer among your people. You must not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake. I am the Lord.

Yes I agree while cussing and puffing on my cigar !!

Jesus clearly said do not resist an evil person

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.◄ Revelation 22:20

I've seen that the swords were a basis for persecuting Jesus and necessary to fulfill prophecy

As an atheist, I would have thought to a Christian this would have had an obvious answer of No, But this isn't a Christian question. This is an American question Because you have a habit as Americans of inserting your constitution Into the Bible.

What did Jesus Say to Peter In a self-defense situation? When Peter pulled out a weapon, this being a sword and cut Somebody's ear off Did he say congratulations Peter on exercising Your second amendment rights. You were defending yourself. No, in fact, he said the opposite. He told Peter to put the weapon down not use said weapon. So For you to say you know, more than your Christian, Jesus Is hypocritical. You can't say I follow Jesus. I love everybody like Jesus did Then shoot somebody in the face. Also the Psalms are NOT commands for Christians they are poems so you cant use Psalms to justify violence on another person, your book says the cornerstone of the faith is Jesus follow him not Psalms or the old testament, so the question is did Jesus say pick up weapons and kill NO.

So what you are essentially saying is that the crusades were fine then. I'm not being funny as a Protestant I'm just wondering

Bull shit, there is a big difference between self defense and waging war. You need to stop judiizing and be a real Christian. You overflow with arrogance.

What about the trauma you have to live with after killing someone?

Have you ever heard the saying, "Math must make sense"? And "Check addition by subtraction"? In the same way, you can tell what Jesus was talking about by looking at the context, checking for HIS OWN REASON which IS stated, and using the rest of His commands to see if He was calling for physical preparedness for fighting or for something else. So what's the context? Jesus definitely didn’t intend the swords to be used for self-defense, because when Peter uses one of these very swords for self-defense, Jesus rebukes him! “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (vv. 49-51) Please, look at the motivation He gives for the call for swords: FOR [BECAUSE] I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.”
And now, we have Jesus' other commands to see if He was- as many misguided people want to think- advocating for self-defense by violence, or not. Let's see... "My Kingdom is NOT OF THIS WORLD! If it were, My servants would fight…” “Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves." "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it." "But I say unto you, do not resist an evil person..." "Be harmless as doves", "Blessed are the peacemakers". "Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, turn the other." "If your enemy hungers, give him food, and if he thirsts, give him drink." "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." "For if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses!" The list goes on and on and on... You could also add to that the weight of the way the first Christians behaved as proof that non-violence was indeed what Jesus wanted from us as opposed to the old covenant "eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth". Just as the prophets of old, sincere followers of Christ have suffered a lot, and been martyred throughout history, beginning with Stephen the Martyr, who forgave his murderers almost exactly the same way as Jesus Himself did his on the cross, crying, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin!"
The satanic twisting of God's Word is the most poisonous way to get people to doubt God, and sadly, many so-called Christians have fallen for the lie that Jesus was calling for the building of an earthly army to fight earthly, bloody, violent battles, to set up an earthly kingdom... something like the United States. This so called "Christian nation" was built on similar lies, with men fighting and killing one another to set up a place for "freedom". However, this was NOT the freedom of which Jesus spoke when He declared, "Whom the Son has set free is free indeed"! In fact, Paul and Silas- in their shackles and chains- were freer than the "freest" Roman who could have been luxuriating in his spa with a silver platter of dainty morsels and a goblet of wine at his fingertips. And now, Chinese or North Korean Christians who are stuck in labor camps are truly more free than Kim Jung Un in his plush palace, surrounded by all the physical pleasures he can extract from this world. So, if you want to be inspired to love like Jesus loved us- FIRST, please, check out my channel for the musical "Love Journey From Bitterness To Forgiveness" I'm creating by His grace in hopes of turning as many souls as possible from their trust in earthly weapons and fighting TO GOD'S unconditional, supernatural LOVE.

Wow Jeff’s beard is much less gray in this video than the one from this week haha

You should debate Preston Sprinkle on this.

John Piper is stupid on this.