For our conversation [citizenship, government] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. —Philippians 3:20

The heroes of faith detailed in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews were of sundry nationalities, lived in different generations, and died diverse deaths; but they had something in common. Their eyes were enlightened with a spiritual perspective which caused them to confess they were “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” In their pursuit of a heavenly country, their purpose was not to be mindful or overly considerate of their earthly home.Read more

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
—1 Corinthians 2:13

The subject this quarter is biblical nonresistance or pacifism. There are some differences in the two definitions as pacifism can imply a resistant attitude to war and government— which is contrary to the New Testament teaching of nonresistance. For this writing, pacifism relates to the refusal to bear arms on religious grounds.Read more

Scripture Reading: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and  a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
—Matthew 5:38-41

Summary: The teachings and example of Jesus Christ demonstrate a life of love and nonresistance. Disciples of Christ are called to follow His example and meet evil and injustice with prayer, love, and forgiveness rather than with force and violence. God’s church historically and presently renounces military service .

Definitions: Nonresistance—The policy or practice of not resisting violence or established authority by force, even when tyrannical (dictionary.com).
Pacifism—Refusal to bear arms on moral or religious grounds (Merriam-Webster).

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The Call of Christ to the Law of Love

Jesus Christ instituted a doctrine of love whereby God’s children bear injustice without retaliation and render good for evil. War and the shedding of blood practiced under the Old Testament dispensation are no longer acceptable for God’s people in the dispensation of grace.

A New Covenant

While warfare and the doctrine of an “eye for an eye” were foundational practices for historical Israel, a new covenant was prophesied. “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel” (Jeremiah 31:31). The prophet Micah foretold of a time when God’s people would “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Micah 4:2-3). These prophecies were fulfilled in the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.Read more

(Resolution Approved by Ministers of the Church of God in 1948 & 1961)

The ministers of the Church of God assembled at the Annual National Camp meeting (July 21-30, 1961) at Neosho (Monark Springs), Missouri, being aware of the present critical world situation and the urgent need for the Church to reaffirm its position in regard to participation in war, approved and adopted the resolution which had been approved by the ministers of the Church of God at the Oklahoma State Camp meeting in Guthrie, Oklahoma on August 13, 1948, which reads as follows:Read more