The Word on War

Gas prices are high right now, but this is a temporary hardship—and it is not without purpose.

The United States is taking necessary action to confront evil by targeting terrorist leadership in Iran and standing for the protection of innocent people.

While the cost at the pump is inconvenient, the cost of ignoring evil is far greater.

Some who call themselves Christian on-line argue that this conflict in Iran is unjust and contradicts the teachings of Jesus. They go so far as to label our leaders as evil war mongers. This perspective is not only misguided—it reflects a misunderstanding of Scripture.

Much of the confusion comes from a misinterpretation of Exodus 20:13: “You shall not kill.” The original Hebrew makes it clear that this command refers specifically to murder—intentional, premeditated killing driven by malice. It does not condemn the taking of life in every circumstance.

In fact, Scripture shows repeatedly that God sanctioned war under certain conditions. He commanded Israel to go into battle (Joshua 4:13; 1 Samuel 15:3) and established laws that included capital punishment for serious offenses (Exodus 21:12, 15; 22:19; Leviticus 20:11). The bible is clear; God is not against killing in all circumstances; rather, God opposes murder.

War is never good—but it is sometimes necessary. In a fallen world filled with sinful humanity (Romans 3:10–18), evil does not restrain itself. There are times when the only way to prevent greater destruction is to confront it directly.

Refusing to act in the face of evil is not righteousness—it is negligence.

God Himself commanded acts of war as judgment against wicked nations. He told Israel to take vengeance on the Midianites (Numbers 31:2) and to completely destroy corrupt and violent peoples (Deuteronomy 20:16–17; 1 Samuel 15:18). These are not suggestions—they are divine commands. Clearly, God is not opposed to all war.

Some attempt to separate the God of the Old Testament from Jesus, as if Christ taught an entirely different standard. But Jesus declared that He and the Father are one (John 10:30), and Scripture affirms that God does not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). The same God who acted in justice then is the same God today.

Jesus, who is God, is not a passive observer of evil; He is its ultimate conqueror.

We read in Revelation 19:11-21 that His second coming will be exceedingly violent. It describes the ultimate war with Christ, the conquering commander who judges and makes war “with justice” (v. 11). It’s going to be bloody (v. 13) and gory. The birds will eat the flesh of all those who oppose Him (v. 17-18). He has no compassion upon His enemies, whom He will conquer completely and consign to a “fiery lake of burning sulfur” (v. 20).

Doesn't sound like the meek and mild Jesus portrayed in children’s stories or by some online “Christian” influencers, does it? No, but that’s who Jesus is. The heavenly warrior who defeats the beast, the one called Faithful and True, the King of kings and Lord of lords. That’s my Jesus. Praise His holy name!

To claim that all war is inherently wrong is simply not biblical. If evil is left unchecked, it multiplies.

History proves this. If Hitler had not been stopped, how many more millions of Jews would have perished? If the Civil War had not been fought, how much longer would African Americans have suffered as slaves?

War is always the result of sin, and it is always tragic. But Ecclesiastes 3:8 reminds us there is “a time for war and a time for peace.”

We do not have the luxury of pretending evil does not exist.

Our role is clear. We do not celebrate war—but we also do not deny its inevitability and sometimes necessity in a broken world.

Above all, we are called to pray for wisdom for our leaders, protection for our military, swift resolution to conflict, and mercy for innocent lives on every side (Philippians 4:6–7).

War is a terrible reality—but ignoring evil is far worse. And God’s truth does not bend to modern opinion.

Heavenly Father, please grant our leaders the wisdom to confront evil justly. Protect our military personnel and all those in harm's way. We ask for a swift resolution to all conflicts around the world, with minimal loss of innocent life, including those occurring online. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds amidst the storms we face (Philippians 4:6-7). In the might name of Jesus, Amen.