Topical Bible: Soldiers: Maintain the Peace

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In the biblical context, soldiers are often depicted as agents of authority and order, tasked with maintaining peace and executing justice. The role of soldiers is acknowledged and respected within the Scriptures, as they serve under the authority of governing bodies established by God. The Bible provides various insights into the responsibilities and conduct expected of soldiers, emphasizing their role in maintaining peace and order in society.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, soldiers are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's military campaigns and the defense of the nation. The Israelites, under divine command, engaged in battles to secure the Promised Land and protect their people. Soldiers were seen as instruments of God's will, executing His judgments and ensuring the safety of the nation. For instance, in Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua, the leader of Israel's army, to be strong and courageous, assuring him of divine presence and support: "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the role of soldiers is further clarified, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Soldiers are recognized as part of the governing authorities instituted by God to maintain peace and order. Romans 13:1-4 provides a foundational understanding of the relationship between Christians and governing authorities, including soldiers: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer."

Conduct and Ethics

The Bible also addresses the ethical conduct expected of soldiers. John the Baptist, when approached by soldiers seeking guidance, instructed them in Luke 3:14: "Do not extort money, and do not accuse people falsely. Be content with your wages." This directive underscores the importance of integrity, justice, and contentment in the life of a soldier, reflecting the broader biblical principles of righteousness and fairness.

Spiritual Warfare

Beyond physical battles, the New Testament also speaks of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to be soldiers of Christ, fighting against spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:11-13 exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of soldiers emphasizes their role as maintainers of peace and order, serving under the authority of God-ordained governments. They are called to act justly, uphold righteousness, and, in the spiritual realm, engage in the battle against evil with the armor of God. Through their service, soldiers contribute to the stability and peace of society, reflecting the divine order established by God.

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Acts 21:31-35
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
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Library

Spiritual Peace
... Chained between two soldiers! ... It is not to be expected that they will maintain
perfect peace while they are fighting with Apollyon. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/spiritual peace.htm

Epistle x. To the Martyrs and Confessors who Sought that Peace ...
... the faith of the Lord should also maintain the law ... For while it behoves all Christ's
soldiers to keep the ... wishes should be examined, and that peace should be ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle x to the martyrs.htm

Peace in the Soul
... can stand to defend their faith and maintain their hope ... That is the peace which Christ
offers to each one of ... We need it to make us better soldiers and workers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/van dyke/what peace means/i peace in the soul.htm

The Saviour's Peace.
... For as His soldiers we feel ourselves set in opposition ... relation with Christ, but
fails to maintain it ... comparison to convince ourselves that the peace which the ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xviii the saviours peace.htm

Letter clxxxix. (AD 418. )
... he did not prohibit them to serve as soldiers when he ... case in which future troubling
of the peace is not ... of powerful allies in order to maintain his position ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxxix a d 418.htm

Of the Divine Providence in General.
... he arranged to have in time of peace a powerful ... necessary to construct the temple,
to maintain the sacred ... ministers and magistrates, and the soldiers whom he ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii of the divine.htm

Justinian.
... and proconsular governors, who were charged to maintain the land ... prosperous as to
the maintenance of peace and internal ... Rome he had only 5000 soldiers at his ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War.
... There are men who maintain that the love for peace and the ... Looking from his yacht
at the drill and firing practice of the French soldiers the following ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vi attitude of men.htm

Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... one might say, Europe] will be ruined by soldiers. ... an army as it possibly could maintain
if its ... threatened with extermination, and people call peace this state ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm

ii.
... He employs them to punish the wicked and to maintain external peace ... He concluded
peace with Clement VII ... gates of the city to be watched by his soldiers; but, too ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/first principles of the reformation/ii.htm