VIOLENCE
This topic is extremely sensitive given the current global political situation. As in everything, Christians are encouraged to take Jesus as their example in this matter as well.
When Jesus was on earth, Israel was under Roman occupation. The Jews believed that the Savior God had promised them would free them from Roman tyranny. But even though Jesus had the opportunity, he didn't. Jesus' mission wasn't to free his people from Roman occupation, but to redeem them from their sins. This is the true bondage of humanity. Instead of fighting Israel's enemies, Jesus called his people to turn to God and obey His commandments. Furthermore, Jesus died for humanity's sins on the cross. This was the only way to atone for humanity's guilt, so that everyone who believes in him would receive eternal life. Jesus never once commanded his disciples to rebel against their occupiers or to participate in any kind of military conflict. On the contrary, Jesus pointed out that anyone who uses violence will surely perish. For violence usually leads to more violence. The result is a seemingly endless spiral of violence and retaliation that ultimately only benefits a few who profit from war and the suffering of others....
War is the result of our rebellion against our Creator. Instead of submitting to God's just rule, people seek to rule over one another. The mission of a Christian is to proclaim God's Good News of Jesus to people, and to do so peacefully and never with violence. The use of violence to protect others or to defend "liberal-democratic values" should not be confused with charity as taught by the Bible and is therefore consistently rejected. Jesus calls believers to endure injustice in love, rather than defending themselves or using violence to save their own lives or those of others. In the face of imminent danger of war, Jesus recommends that his followers flee if God gives them the opportunity. Regardless of this, Christians should always be prepared to risk their lives for their faith.
Although Jesus had the power to save his life and destroy his adversaries, he endured the injustices people inflicted upon him out of love. This love, which Jesus showed toward his enemies, serves as a model for believers in their lives and actions. Furthermore, Jesus knew that God would raise him to immortal life after his death. Likewise, everyone who sincerely follows Jesus has the certainty that Jesus will bring them back to life at his return. Therefore, Christians need neither fear death nor cling to their earthly life. However, all people who die in war without having received the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus will be lost forever....
Although Jesus had the power to save his life and destroy his adversaries, he endured the injustices people inflicted upon him out of love. This love, which Jesus showed toward his enemies, serves as a model for believers in their lives and actions. Furthermore, Jesus knew that God would raise him to immortal life after his death. Likewise, everyone who sincerely follows Jesus has the certainty that Jesus will bring them back to life at his return. Therefore, Christians need neither fear death nor cling to their earthly life. However, all people who die in war without having received the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus will be lost forever.......
The fact that some "churches" - then as now - call for war in the name of God and even bless soldiers contradicts the commandments of Jesus. Therefore, such a war will not be under God's blessing, regardless of who started it or how it may end. And only what God has blessed will truly be blessed. Furthermore, in war, power politics and geostrategic interests take center stage, not God's will. Regardless of this, every Christian is called to bring peace and help those in need. The greatest help is to share the good news with others so that people may be saved. Instead of clinging to this transient life or participating in military conflicts, the call to all people is to follow Jesus. For only through faith in Jesus does every person have the chance to participate in the imperishable life in the world to come, in which there will never be war again and where all people will live in peace forever.
You shall not murder.
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”