THE NECESSARY PROTECTIONS FOR THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE

THE NECESSARY PROTECTIONS FOR THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE

Like any doctrine that is not thoroughly understood, some of the most ardent friends of it do it the most harm by drawing unwarranted conclusions and fasten­ing extremes upon it that were never intended.

The following points safeguard it:
lb. War is permitted for civil government. While the Bible teaches that it is wrong for Christians, it does not teach that it is wrong for civil governments.
John 18:36; Rom. 13:1-7

The very nature and constituency of the kingdoms of this world demand that they be defended by armed might. Whereas the kingdom of Christ is an altogether different thing.

Brethren people recognize this fact and therefore have never fought against the action of civil government. In this sense Brethren are not pacifist.

2b. Weapons are permitted for civil government. There is no intimation in the Scrip­tures that it is wrong in a right cause for civil governments to use carnal weapons, even though for the Christian it is forbidden.
2 Cor. 10:3-4; Rom. 13:4

Arbitration and other methods are good and to be used insofar as possible. But there finally comes a time when force alone is understood by the nations of the world.

3b. Wars will continue to the end. While the Bible teaches Christians to do all within their power to live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18), it does not teach that civil governments may ever expect a time until the end of the age when wars will cease (Dan. 9:26 RV "And even unto the end shall be wars.". Therefore, as long as this age continues, it will be necessary for governments to defend themselves by armies, navies, air-fleets, and atomic bombs.

They that take the sword will perish with the sword. The age will end in war (Joel 3:9-12; Rev. 19:11-21) and then Isa. 2:4 will come to pass.