Self Defense

When does a Christian have the right to self-defense? Clearly we understand through the New Testament that when the government persecutes the church we are to allow the government to kill us as Martyrs for Jesus Christ.

But does that mean that a Christian cannot bear arms to defend his family, community, or Nation? Defending one's own people and towns goes as far back as the Book of Genesis.

When Abraham's nephew Lot was taken buy some rogue nations he pursued them with "318 trained servants" (Gen. 14:14) and rescued him and his family. These weren't just farmers, Abraham had trained them in warfare for cases just like this.

The American Patriots Bible has an article which reads like this:

The Second Amendment to the US Constitution reads "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Having fled persecution in Great Britain the Puritans had laws requiring every family to own a gun, to carry it in public places, and to train children in the use of firearms. In 1619, the colony of Virginia had statutes that required everyone to bear arms. Connecticut Law in 1650 required every man above the age of 16 to possess a good musket or other gun, fit for service.

The early laws of America are very clear about this. The people were responsible for their own defense and freedoms and needed to be prepared to fight. Thomas Jefferson said, "the strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."... George Mason called the father of the Bill of Rights, said, "What is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them."