Comments for Tom

Some comments in response to Tom's blog:

You asked, "What does peacemaking look like?" I'd like to add some thoughts.

Regarding "peacemaking," the NT scriptures and the teachings of Christ reveal a standard that supersedes those of the OT scriptures.

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

This and Romans 12:17-21 (and other passages) make this clear. The modern church has ignored the full meaning of these scriptures. I believe that scripture teaches clearly that followers of Christ are to use no violence or force against any person.

The concept of civil governments is ordained by God and they are allowed to use force in war and law-enforcement, but Christians cannot be yoked to these practices. We are citizens of a higher kingdom and the law of Christ's Kingdom (Heb. 12:14) supersedes the laws of any temporal nation that may require that we participate in the use of force.

How is it is impossible to be obedient to the Lord's will as expressed in Heb. 12 and Rom. 12 and to serve in occupations that involve the intentional use of force.