(Is War Right, continued from page 4)

tremendous arguments on both sides of the issue. Perhaps it will help you in your decision of the matter.

There is an argument that I would like to present on the subject here. Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:14), that, for me, helps to clinch the issue. Throughout the New Testament, we, as Christians, are compared to various types of people. We are likened to a runner in a race (1 Cor. 9:24; Heb. 12:1) and to a soldier (2 Tim. 2:3-4). However, as Christians, we are never told to be a thief for the Lord, and adulterer for the Lord, a drunkard for the Lord, etc. ... why? Because these things are inherently wrong. They are sinful in and of themselves. It is never right to steal, commit adultery or get drunk. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to the young Timothy that he should “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). Why would the Holy Spirit do such if being a soldier was inherently wrong? This is the same type argumentation we often use to refute the ungodly doctrine of inherited sin. The Calvinist says that we are born in sin. However the Lord said we should become as little children (Mat. 18:3). If we inherited the sin of Adam then why did the Lord tell us to become as little children or better yet as little sinners? The fact of the matter is that children are born safe, free from sin. On the same token one cannot say that being a soldier is inherently sinful if we are told to be good soldiers (2 Tim. 2:3). In Acts the tenth chapter one can read of the centurion (a captain in charge of one hundred soldiers) Cornelius. Cornelius was “a devout man, and one that feared God” (Acts 10:2). It is interesting that in Peter’s presentation of the Gospel to Cornelius he never once mentions that before his submission to baptism Cornelius must resign from being a soldier. If being a soldier is wrong then repentance would have demanded that he cease his duties as a soldier but such is not the case. One might reply “that a Christian can be a soldier--he just can’t fight.” This argumentation falls quickly when one realizes that the sole purpose of being a soldier is to train and participate in conflict.

There is another aspect that must be considered and that is the conscience of the individual that is asked to support or participate in warfare. Paul makes it clear in Romans fourteen that we shouldn’t violate our conscience nor cast a stumbling block before others that their consciences be violated. To do so would clearly be a sin. In the matter of carnal warfare, study the issue thoroughly, and then don’t violate your conscience!

One matter that all can agree upon is that we have very specific obligations during such a crisis as we are facing now. The scriptures speak for themselves.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you; that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mat. 5:44-45).

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all people, for kings, and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

May God bless us all during these troubled times.

Sean Hochdorf
Visalia, Ca.

(A Beautiful Bride, continued from page 5)

For the reception, hundreds of people were invited to the Exhibition Building at the fair-grounds. Inch thick half-plate size prime rib was served to everyone while a band played. It had the most elaborate wedding cake I have ever seen. The father of the bride told me later that he spent either $16,000 or $20,000, I do not remember which. However, I am fully convinced that wedding and reception were nothing compared to the one John shows us.

You are blessed to have part in the marriage supper of the Lamb because: Jesus and His bride are never divorcing. (That couple whose wedding I did, eventually divorced.) There is no end to the celebration. The guests are innumerable, including the saints you have read about in the Bible and people we have known.

Think of who is putting on this wedding: God the Father; Jesus Christ; The Holy Spirit; and all heavenly beings. What kind of a reception can they put on? And do you not want to see this Beautiful Bride? So what do you think the marriage and the supper will be like?

Don Ruhl
Klamath Falls, OR.