Is it a Sin to be a Soldier or Police Officer?

Is It a Sin to Be a Soldier or Police Officer?

Does the Bible say it's a sin to be a soldier or a police officer? After all, the Sixth Commandment is, Thou shalt not murder. And if a soldier fights in a battle or a police officer kills an offender, doesn't that mean he's broken God's law?

Well, in Luke 3, John the Baptist preached to the crowd, Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And warned them, Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. The crowd replied, What then shall we do?

And among them were soldiers who said, And we, what shall we do? John said to the soldiers, Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages. His answer was not, Hey, if you want to save yourself from judgment, you're going to have to stop being a soldier.

He told them not to use their position to threaten others or take advantage of them, and be grateful to the Lord for what they've been given. Not all killing is law-breaking, because there were times when God commanded His people to fight against their enemies.

The command to not murder also deals with intent, for there are other laws that specify a person who acts in self-defense is not guilty of bloodshed. And that's what the military and law enforcement are supposed to be.

They are a defense, upholding good and punishing evil. That doesn't mean they do this perfectly. They're sinners too and subject to the law as we are. They're also people with loved ones as we have. Military and law enforcement are a blessing from God, because they are our protectors.

They do not bear the sword in vain. He is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. We are to pay our taxes, because that's how they operate. Give honor to whom honor is owed, when we understand the text.