Expert: Brian Thompson - 9/27/2011

Question
What is the Pentecostal view on actively participating in war? I understand that war was directed in certain situations during old testament times but, it is not spoken about during the time of Jesus (new testament). Is going to war biblical? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Scott

Going to war excepting in the situation of defending your nation is generally looked upon as not biblical. Jesus taught us that this life really isn't what is important. We follow the example of Jesus who submitted to authorities  and did not make war against them even though his own disciples expected him to be a king who would make war. In the time of Jesus the people of Judea were under harsh Roman rule and there were regular rebellions. Do you recall that in the garden Jesus asked "am I leading a rebellion". One of the reasons he was killed is that the Jewish leadership feared that the Romans would see Jesus influence and crowd drawing ability as a rebellion. In WWII members of the pentecostal movement were conscious objectors and served in caring roles

We are taught to forgive our enemies and pray for them and forgiveness is a very powerful weapon as is prayer. When you allow the power of God into a situation the whole position can be turned around however most national leaders do not have this revelation.

Remember

it is not by might, not by power but by my spirit says the Lord