THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IS LAID AS AN OBLIGATION UPON BELIEVERS ONLY

THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IS LAID AS AN OBLIGATION UPON BELIEVERS ONLY

lc. The Scriptures which enjoin non-resistance are all directed to believers. The entire New Testament was written to believers.
Matt. 5:38-42 cf. with 5:3-10 "Blessed" describes the kind of people‑believers.

-Luke 6:27-29 cf. with 6:20 "Blessed" means born-again.
-Rom.12:19-21 cf. with 1:7 and 12:1. These are all believers.
-1 Peter 2:18-24 cf. with 1:2 and 2:11 Saved people are under consideration.

2c. The Scriptures are not directed to unbelievers at any time except through believers by way of warning of judgment and the command to believe.

3c. The Scriptures make no provisions for present day pacifism which involves unbelievers.

ld. The doctrine of non-resistance is not a plank in some political platform (1 Pet. 2:13-1.9; Rom. 13:1-7 (1 Peter 2:18-24; Rom. 12:19-21).
-In the same context with passages teaching non-resistance believers are enjoined to be subject to the state in which they reside. This certainly means that respect for and an effort to support these govern­ments is in the mind of the writer.
-Non-resistance is a spiritual principle for individual believers under any government.

2d. The doctrine of non-resistance is not a part of some merely social program.
-The point of each passage is spiritual and not social merely.
-The social is for the purpose of displaying the spiritual.
-Every passage on non-resistance clearly displays the fact that believers are to live in such a way that unbelievers will be attracted to, or at least be made to realize that they are not of this world.
-Matt. 5:38-42 to display the fact that they are blessed (5:3-10). -Luke 6:27-29 to display the fact that they are children of God (35).
-Rom. 12:19-21 to display the fact that they are not of the world (12:2
-1 Pet. 2:18-24 to display the fact that they are strangers and pilgrims(11).

3d. The doctrine of non-resistance is not a quirk in some theological system. Some religious groups have a true system of theology but are illogical at this point, imagining that non-resistance is something for nations and governments, the kingdom will then be established by Christ.

THE POSITIVE PRESENTATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR

THE POSITIVE PRESENTATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR

lb. The doctrine of non-resistance is clearly stated in the New Testament

1.     Matt. 5:38-42 RV "Resist not him that is evil" (39).
2.     Luke 6:27-29 RV "To him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other".
3. Rom. 12:19-21 "Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath" (19).
4, 1 Pet. 2:18-24 "A man endureth grief, suffering wrongfully" (19).

lc. The Scriptures present spiritual principles to guide each individual believer. This principle is being set in contrast with the principle of justice established by the law. (Exod. 21:23-25). Whereas strict retaliation was permitted and provided under the law (but even here, it was to be exercised by government) the whole motive is changed under grace, and all vengeance is left to God. In fact, by comparing each one this is rather clearly set forth. Matt. 5:38-42, cf. 43-45; Luke 6:27-29, cf. 32-35; Rom. 12:19-21; 1 Pet. 2:18-24.

2c. These Scriptures are concerned with personal conduct of individual believers. The very nature of each exhortation is such that only individual believers and their conduct is being considered. These commands are not delivered to groups or churches or governments as such, but to individual believers, and their own personal conduct is being covered.

Matt. 5:39 "Whosoever" (singular) "thee" (singular"; "If any man" (40).

Rom. 12:19 is addressed to the beloved; 1 Peter. 2:11_, 18 same as in Romans.

3c. These Scriptures cover the exercise of physical force in some one of its forms. Resistance against spiritual evil is not in view here. Believers were always enjoined to stand against such (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9; Eph. 6:10-13). But in these passages, no one but a preju­diced reader can discover any other thing in them than caution against reacting with physical force.

4. These Scriptures set forth spiritual ideals which will be universally realized when the kingdom of God is established in the earth. Matt 5 and Luke 6 describe the kingdom of heaven as it will be some day in the earth (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20). But the citizens of this kingdom should demonstrate now that they belong to such a kingdom.

Romans 12 is an exhortation for believers not to be conformed to this world. This is in point now for the night of sin is far spent, and the day of the Lord's appearing and His kingdom is at hand (Rom. 13:11-12).
1 Peter 2 is directed to believers as strangers and pilgrims in the earth. They should therefore live as such, and not as though they were members of the earth. In the day of visitation the spiritual ideal will be realized universally.

SEPARATION AND NON-RESISTANCE ARE TOGETHER ON THIS TEACHING

THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE FALLS WITHIN THE SPHERE OF SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD AND IS DIRECTLY BASED UPON THIS TEACHING

It is therefore absolutely necessary for any believer to be thoroughly acquainted with the great foundational teaching concerning separation before he will readily assent to the truth of non-resistance in war. In the book "All things," pages 55-79 develop this truth.

THE OUTLINE FOR THE TEACHING OF THIS BIBLICAL DOCTRINE IS AS FOLLOWS:

lb. The positive presentation of the doctrine of non-resistance.

2b. The underlying principles of the doctrine of non-resistance.

3b. The necessary protection for the doctrine of non-resistance.

4b. The essential problems of the doctrine of non-resistance.

5b. The fundamental objections to the doctrine of non-resistance.

6b. The historical practice of the doctrine of non-resistance.

7b. The national provision for the doctrine of non-resistance.

DISTORTIONS FROM MANY SIDES CONCERNING NON-RESISTANCE

THE BIBLICAL DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE HAS SUFFERED DISTORTION AT MANY HANDS AND IS IN A STATE OF CONFUSION IN THE HANDS OF MANY TODAY.

lb. It is confused with the pacifism taught by certain political groups today. The motive of these organizations is to undermine the government of nations. Their methods are subversive.

Such groups as "The American League for Peace and Democracy"
"The American League Against War and Fascism"

These are mostly communistic. But the pacifism of these groups is political in purpose, and is not to be identified with the doctrine of "non-resistance".

2b. It is confused with the pacifism of liberal theological groups today. These groups are certainly working along with the above, although perhaps much of it is unconscious. Liberal theology has lost sight of the spiritual purpose of the gospel and has reduced everything to a mere social program in this world. Pacifism is therefore for everybody and for nations as well. But this is not what the Word of God teaches nor what Brethren believe.

3b. It is confused with the pacifism of mistaken religious groups today. Some of these groups may be true to the Word and others may not be. But on this one point they hold unbiblical notions, varying greatly. Quakers, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren originally held positions very close to the Word of God, but have suffered with the inroads of liberal theology. In some places it is still the same. Jehovah's Witnesses is a group almost wholly wrong.

WHY BRETHREN ENDORSE THIS DOCTRINE

THERE ARE SEVERAL VERY SUFFICIENT REASONS WHY THIS DOCTRINE WAS ENDORSED BY THE BRETHREN CHURCH AT THE TIME OF ITS ORIGIN

 

 

lb. The doctrine is scriptural and is clearly stated in the Word of God. Since the entire Bible constitutes the minimum of truth for the Church, this doctrine could not be set aside. (2 Tim. 3:16, 47).

Matt. 5:38-42 RV. Luke 6:27-29 RV. Rom. 12:19-21; 1 Pet. 2:20-24.

2b. The doctrine of non-resistance is definitely a part of the believer's responsibility in separation from the world.
Rom. 12:2

3b. This doctrine went along with the general movement in the counter-reformation generally called the Pietistic movement.
James 2:14, 17, 26

Purity of doctrine, it was believed should issue in purity of life.

4b. This doctrine was a revolt from the practices exercised by many of the state churches.
When Christianity became the state religion under Constantine, force was exercised to advance it (See book "The Light in Dark Ages" - Edman).

Lutheranism in Germany, Reformed under Calvin and Zwingli, Anglican movement in England, and Catholicism all followed the use of force. The evils were so evident that a wholesome reaction set in.
And so we have the denial of the true church because of heretical practices concerning war.

THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR

THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR

Introduction

IN DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE THE BRETHREN CHURCH HAS HELD TO THE BIBLICAL TEACHING OF NON-RESISTANCE IN WAR FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.

lb. Year after year in national and district conferences there has been a reaffirmation of the Brethren position on this point.

Taken from the "Brethren Annual", October 29, 1949, Page 27, Col. 1, bottom.

2. "That we reaffirm our historic position with regard to war, namely, that the Brethren Church from her origin has maintained that the use of violence or physical force, as a means to an end, on the part of God's children, is contrary to Holy Writ. We urge that, in this period of peace, this position be presented in our churches by preaching, teaching, and the printed page, in order that our membership may be instructed concerning it and be prepared during a time of peace to know what Biblical position they ought to take in a time of war."

2b. The general teaching of the church has been one on this point from her origin, and the disagreement of a few pastors and people, or many, has not changed this position.

This point of doctrine is written into the charter of Grace Theological Sem­inary and appears in its statement of faith. Every member of the Board of Trustees gives assent to this doctrine by signing the statement of faith each year. And the same is true for the faculty of Grace Theological Seminary. In the faculty there has been a united testimony on this point from the beginning. And today every member of the faculty believes this doctrine and witnesses to it. By consulting the Message, of the Brethren Ministry it will be discovered that this doctrine is written into that very short creedal statement. It is highly important, therefore that every man aspiring to the Brethren ministry acquaint himself with this doctrine and be prepared to react honestly to the question whether he believes it or not.

NON-RESISTANCE DOES NOT FORGET THE STATE

EVEN THOUGH BELIEVERS ARE ADMONISHED TO NON-RESISTANCE, THEY MUST NOT FORGET THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE STATE

1. Following immediately upon admonition to separation from the world and non-resistance, believers are reminded of their responsibility to the state (Rom. 13:1-7). This pas­sage has been variously handled. But certain things are clear.

For one thing, believers are commanded to be subject to the powers of the state where they live. And the reason lies in the fact that even those powers, though they do not recognize the source of their power, were permitted of God. And as bad as they may be, they still make a show of trying to promote good and destroy evil. (Although in our day we have seen a complete breakdown of what is defined as good - but we still have truth to decide)

If the state authorities are against evil and seek good then the Christian ought to obey them as the ministers of God for good. Any who break the laws of men that are for good may well expect to be punished? But apart from wrath, a Christian ought to obey the civil authority because he knows that God has put them in the position of power.

It is also implicit in the text that God has put civil authority in positions of power to accomplish good, not evil. If there is anything they promote that is evil, the Christian ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). (And today we are seeing the start of what God calls the end - never forget what government did to Him.)

2. But what can the Christian do to obey the state on the one hand and the Lord on the other in times of war? Ob­vious this requires a choice on the part of the believer. He cannot shift into neutral. He will make a choice and he must make a choice. This whole matter is complicated by the complete mobilization of nations in times of war.

This was not true in the early days of Christianity. At that time armies were mercenary. Men chose to join the army and served as paid soldiers. Nations were not completly mobilized for war. This was true exclusively up until the time of Constantine. Then the church was partially in­volved. It was until the time of Napoleon that nations be­gan to mobilize completely. But universal conscription was not practiced until the days of the Civil War. During the days of the Revolutionary war paid substitutes could serve in the Army. This almost completely disappeared at the time of the Civil war. By the time of the First World War this had completely disappeared. Universal conscription was the order of the day.

3. Conscientious objectors suffered dreadful persecution. But the voice of the Church began to be heard in official circles. And gradually the laws were changed, so that by the time of the second World War some leniency was felt. Men were permitted to select service under either military or civil direction and still make a contribution to the service of their country. This is true now in the United States. How far that goes in other countries, I do not know. Non-resistance permits a man to serve under military direc­tion when not being forced to take life. And there are any number of services he can perform without being forced to take life.

4. Since world war two there has been such a revolution in society in general against being forced to serve in the army, that it remains to be seen what will develop in the event of another military emergency. Circumstances alter cases, and it cannot be predicted what will develop if a national disaster threatens the very life of this nation. Nobody knows what a nuclear holocaust would present. But one thing will not change, and that is the responsibility of the Christian to obey the Lord. The only thing non-resistance calls for is conduct that becoming the Christian and that certainly involves the taking of life. The decision not to take life still makes it possible for him to serve his country as well as God.