Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Christians and War

What is the Christian's view on pacifism according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones rejects absolute pacifism as unbiblical. He argues that while individual Christians may be conscientious objectors based on their temperament and conscience, it is wrong to claim that all Christians must be pacifists. He points out that in the Old Testament, God commanded Israel to go to war, and Jesus never instructed soldiers who came to Him to leave their profession. The Christian position, as he explains it, views war as sometimes necessary as an extension of the state's God-given authority to maintain law and order, but only as a last resort and only in a just cause.

What biblical evidence does Lloyd-Jones present against the pacifist position?

Lloyd-Jones points to several biblical evidences: God commanded Israel to go to war in the Old Testament; Jesus accepted the Old Testament without reservation; Jesus never told centurions or soldiers to leave their military service; the "turn the other cheek" passages in the Sermon on the Mount apply to personal relationships, not state functions; and bearing the sword (Romans 13:4) extends to the state's authority in external relationships. He argues that pacifists often misinterpret Scripture, particularly by dismissing Old Testament teaching and misunderstanding the unique nature of Christ's death on the cross.

How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between just and unjust wars?

According to Lloyd-Jones, a just war is one fought as a last resort after all peaceful means have failed, and for the purpose of restraining evil. He condemns "jingoism," imperialism, and wars fought for selfish national gain. He states: "The only grounds on which a country should go to war is that she is out to restrain evil. No other grounds whatsoever." He specifically mentions that some wars, such as the Boer War, were unjustifiable because they were not fought for good causes.

What errors does Lloyd-Jones identify in the pacifist argument?

Lloyd-Jones identifies several errors in pacifist arguments: they often have a wrong view of Scripture (especially the Old Testament); they misunderstand the purpose of the gospel; they misinterpret Christ's death as merely an example rather than a unique, substitutionary sacrifice; they have an inadequate view of human sinfulness; they wrongly expect non-Christians to act according to Christian principles (which he calls Pelagianism); and they misunderstand the Christian's relationship to the state and the function of the state itself.

How should a Christian decide whether to participate in a war?

According to Lloyd-Jones, a Christian must first examine whether their country's cause is just. If satisfied that it is a just cause (restraining evil as a last resort), the Christian may conclude there is "nothing inherently or of necessity wrong" in participating. However, if their conscience still forbids participation, they have the right to refuse, even if it means facing consequences. He states: "Ultimately, a man is left with his own conscience. And this is something that the state must respect." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christians should neither glorify war nor condemn all who participate in it.

What is the relationship between one's theology and their position on war?

Lloyd-Jones demonstrates that one's position on war is deeply connected to their overall theology. He observes that pacifism as a movement has largely arisen from modernist or liberal theology. He notes that pacifists typically have different views on Scripture (especially the Old Testament), different understandings of Christ's death, different perspectives on human sinfulness, and different conceptions of the state's role than traditional Christian theology. He states: "You cannot separate your theology from your whole view of the state and order and government."