Is It Biblical to Arm Ourselves for Self-Defense?

[mick silver]

Additionally, In Luke 22:36 Jesus says, "But now, let him who has a purse take it and also a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his garment and buy one." What is one to do with this Scripture? First, I would err on the side of peace, but this isn't always an option. One thing is certain: A sword was for defense. Jesus initially sent them on a peaceful mission trip where they did not need these items, but now Jesus may have been saying, "I was your provision and your safety, and I still am, but I also want you to be prepared ... to use wisdom."

[mick silver]

Are we called to guard our families spiritually, emotionally and financially but not physically?

[StreetsOfGold]

A sword, used for protection in Bible times is the equivalent to a gun now.
You just can't use that (physical) sword to gain followers, like the Muslims and the Roman Catholic church has.
It's for defense only, the sword (of the spirit) is what a Christians uses for offense.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

[ximmy]

I'm going to use a new testament verse and look back at the old testament from which it came.


Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, (http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/James.%201.27#footnote3)and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)


Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.


Psalm 82:2 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.


There are many more similar verses that imply physical action toward injustice.
If these are there for the fatherless and widow, how much more for your own blood family?


Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1Tim 5:8)

[Twisted Titan]

Psalm 144:1

*Blessed be the*Lord*my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

[7th trump]

I'm going to use a new testament verse and look back at the old testament from which it came.


Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, (http://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/James.%201.27#footnote3)and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27)


Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.


Psalm 82:2 Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.


There are many more similar verses that imply physical action toward injustice.
If these are there for the fatherless and widow, how much more for your own blood family?


Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1Tim 5:8)

Yee getting some wisdom about you now(-x x-)(-x x-)

[Hillbilly]

Who cares what the Torah and "Torah-Lite" (the new testament) have to say about anything. Do what you got to do to protect youcand your family