A 175-Year-Old Question Worth Sitting With: What Does the Bible Really Say About War?

Summary: 

Written in 1849 by Rev. Amos Dresser, The Bible Against War is a thorough biblical and moral argument that all war — offensive or defensive — is incompatible with Christian teaching. Dresser contends that the Old Testament wars of Israel were not divine endorsements of violence but rather consequences of Israel's lack of faith, since God repeatedly promised to fight for his people if they would simply trust him and hold their peace. Drawing on the prophets, the teachings of Christ, the example of the early church, and the horrific human cost of war throughout history, Dresser argues that the gospel of peace, centred on Christ the Prince of Peace, leaves no room for Christians to justify taking human life under any military pretext. He also methodically addresses common objections such as Romans 13, concluding that submission to governing authorities does not require participation in war.

Devotion: 

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Dresser's work reminds us that peace is not merely the absence of conflict — it is a calling, a fruit of deep faith. Again and again in Scripture, God called his people not to grip the sword but to trust the One who holds all things. When Jehoshaphat's army faced impossible odds, God's word was striking: "You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 20:17). How often do we exhaust ourselves fighting battles — personal, relational, even spiritual — that God is asking us to simply release to him? The peace that Christ brings is not passive resignation; it is an active, courageous trust that God is sovereign, that vengeance belongs to him, and that the greatest demonstration of our faith is to love even our enemies. Let us be people who carry the ministry of reconciliation into every corner of our lives, refusing to let fear or pride convince us that violence — in any form — is the answer.

Key takeaway: 

True Christian faith calls us away from all forms of violence and toward a radical, God-trusting peace — because the One who commands us to love our enemies is the same One who promises to fight for us.

References: 

 Rev. Amos Dresser (1849) The Bible Against War