Keeping a Firearm for Protection

Should a Christian keep a gun, perhaps a handgun or a rifle to protect himself from other humans?

Christians follow Bible principles when choosing how they will protect and defend themselves.  These principles show that it would be wrong for Christians to use such weapons as handguns, rifles or other types of guns to  protect themselves from other humans.  Think about the following points: 

Human life is sacred to Jehovah.  The psalmist David wrote about Jehovah:  "With you is the source of life."  (Psalm 36:9)  Therefore , if a Christian chooses to defend himself or his property, he would do everything possible to avoid becoming bloodguilty, that is, responsible for the death of another person. -Deuteronomy 22:8; Psalm 51:14. 

It is true that any object that a person uses to defend himself may cause him to become bloodguilty. However, guns make it easier to kill someone, whether by accident or on purpose. Also, an attacker may already be nervous, so if he sees a gun, the situation is likely to become more dangerous and someone might get killed. 

When Jesus told his followers on the night before he died, this was not so that they could protect themselves.  (Luke 22:36, 38) Rather, Jesus wanted to teach them a lesson:  His followers should not use violence, even when they have to face a crowd that has weapons.  (Luke 22:52)  After Peter used his sword to attack the high priest's slave, Jesus commanded Peter:  "Return your sword to  its place."   Then Jesus stated  a principle that guides Christians even today:  "All those who take up the sword will perish by the sword." -  Matthew 26:51, 52. 

As foretold at Micah 4:3, God's people "beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears."  True Christians are known for being peaceable. They follow the commands God gave through the apostle Paul to  "return evil for evil to no one" and to "be peaceable to all men." (Romans 12:17, 18)  Even though Paul experienced difficult situations, including "dangers from robbers," he never went against Bible principles in order to protect himself.  (2 Corinthians 11:26.)  Instead he trusted in God and knew that the wise counsel of the Bible "is better  than weapons of war." -Ecclesiastes 9:18. 

Next time: Keeping a Firearm for Protection -Conclusion of Should Christians Keep a gun, Perhaps a handgun or a rifle to protect himself from other humans?  

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