Q 115: How do the redeemed of the Lord wage just war against enemies?

A 115: The redeemed of the Lord wage just war against enemies by employing all spiritual weapons against the enemies of our soul and supporting the state as it bears the sword against evildoers. (Eph. 6.10-20; 2 Cor. 10.3-5; Rom. 13.1-4; Deut. 20.1-18)

We may not like the language of war, or the thought of going to war, but Christians must acknowledge that we are at all times engaged in war with the enemies of our souls. And as we would not want to give room to the devil to thwart our pursuit of holiness or rob us of our peace and joy, so we must be on guard against enemies at the human level who intend such for our nation. A just war is a war that reflects the purposes of divine justice, of maintaining a social order in which love for God and neighbors flourishes and the Law of God is obeyed. Enemies which threaten any aspect of the justice of God must be opposed, first by prayer, then by diplomacy, and, when necessary, by the sword.

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