| Highlights of Dawn | March 1954 |
The Struggle for Peace
“Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.” —Psalm 46:8,9
CIVILIZED people of all ages have looked upon war as an evil. Generally speaking, the majority have considered it as a necessary evil, and have reluctantly participated in it. In some instances professional militarists have abhorred war, and have hoped and prayed that some way to universal and lasting peace could be found. In President Eisenhower we have a general, for example, who, in the face of the increasing awfulness of war, has called upon the nations to unite in an effort to develop and promote atomic energy for the betterment of man rather than for destruction.
In keeping with our text, the prophecies of Isaiah 2:2-4 and Micah 4:1-4 give us an assurance that peace will ultimately be enjoyed by man. These prophecies reveal that when the nations look to the Lord to be taught his ways, they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and will learn war no more. There will be no aggressors then—none to “hurt nor destroy,” for “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”—Isa. 11:9
These prophecies point up one of the main objectives of the great messianic purpose of God as expressed by the angels on the night Jesus was born—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14) This hallelujah chorus of the angels was in keeping with the promise of Jesus’ birth which stated that he would be “The Prince of Peace,” and that of the “increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”—Isa. 9:6,7
The Prophet David also foretold the blessings of peace which would come to the nations under the administration of Messiah’s kingdom. “The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness”—by obeying the righteous rule of Christ’s kingdom, which all will be obliged to do.—Ps. 72:3
It will then be demonstrated that righteousness and peace are companion principles, both of which reflect characteristics of the loving God of the universe, and that war is an offspring of unrighteousness, being spawned by sin and selfishness. Through the kingdom of Christ will come the fulfillment of the poetic prophecy of Psalm 85:10-12, which reads: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.”
Because the fulfillment of these many promises of peace and good will among men has been so long delayed, many, even of the peace-loving, have come to think of them merely as statements of high ideals, beautiful phrases to be quoted on suitable occasions, but lacking vital meaning as being expressive of actual conditions which will one day exist on this earth. But a proper understanding of the divine purpose reflected in these reassuring promises leads to a different conclusion, the conclusion stated by the Prophet Isaiah when he said, “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”—Isa. 9:7
One of the blinding errors of Christendom is that the Lord is largely depending upon man to fulfill his promises for him. This view assumes that the main purpose of the many promises of God is to set forth what conditions ought to be in the earth, and that it is the responsibility of his people to see that these righteous conditions are established.
However, in Isaiah’s promise of the birth of the Messiah he said, “The government shall be upon his shoulder,” that is, it is his responsibility to fulfill the purpose of God pertaining to the messianic kingdom. That purpose cannot be legislated into being. It cannot be attained either by wars of aggression or of defense. It will be accomplished only by virtue of the fact that in his own due time, through Christ, “the God of heaven” shall “set up a kingdom.”—Dan. 2:44
The disciples of Jesus believed, and correctly, that he was the promised Messiah, the one appointed and sent by God to fulfill his promises to establish righteousness and peace in the earth. Shortly before he was crucified he related a parable to them concerning a “certain nobleman” who went into a “far country to receive a kingdom and to return.” The disciples understood that Jesus referred to himself as the “certain nobleman,” who was to go away, so realized that there would be a delay in the establishment of his kingdom.
But they did not realize that he would go away in death, so were confused and discouraged when he was taken from them and crucified. But shortly, he was raised from the dead, and when meeting with them for the last time before going to the “far country” of the parable, they made bold to ask him about the promised kingdom—“Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus merely told them that the “times and seasons” of the divine plan were not yet to be known by them; that they were to tarry at Jerusalem until endued with the Holy Spirit, and then they were to be his witnesses throughout Judea, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. (Acts 1:6-8) A little later they did receive the Holy Spirit, and entered with zeal upon their mission of witnessing for Jesus—witnessing concerning his death and resurrection as the Redeemer and Savior of the world; witnessing concerning the fact that he would return from the “far country” and set up his kingdom, as God had promised.
And the Holy Spirit refreshed the memory of the disciples concerning another great truth which he had taught them; namely, that if they suffered and died with him, they would, through the resurrection, live and reign with him. So they did not understand that their preaching of the Gospel would set up his kingdom. They knew that the promised “government” of righteousness must wait until their Lord and Master returned, and that their faithfulness as his witnesses would prove their worthiness to then live and reign with him.
Chosen Out of the World
Jesus explained to his disciples that he had chosen them out of the world. (John 15:19; 17:6) He had said to them, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) They understood this to mean that they were to take the same attitude toward the world, and all worldly things, as Jesus had taken, that the servant was not to be above his Lord, or in any way exempt from obeying the precepts of righteousness which governed him.
They would have noted that Jesus did not campaign against the social order of his day, in the sense of trying to change its customs and practices. On the other hand, he gave instructions to “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matt. 22:21) The Apostle Paul caught the spirit of this admonition, and to Christians at Rome wrote that they were to be subject to “the powers that be.—Rom. 13:1
The witness of the Gospel which Christians were enjoined by Jesus to carry world-wide was not designed to convert the world, but merely to attract those in the world, who, appreciating the truth of God’s plan of salvation, and his design for establishing world peace, would be willing to forsake all and follow the Master. The chief aim of all these has been to be loyal to God, and to his Son, Jesus, thus proving worthy to live and reign with Christ in his kingdom of peace and righteousness when it is established in power and great glory throughout the whole earth.
While the vocation of every faithful Christian has been to serve the Lord, the avocation of all brings them into contact with the world and with its institutions and governments. This means that they are compelled to make decisions as to what their attitude should be under various circumstances. Ofttimes these decisions call for great courage, for frequently they place one in an unpopular position in the eyes of the world.
And, very understandably, one of the decisions which many Christians have had to make has been with respect to what attitude they should take toward participating in war. As we have noted, there are few indeed who do not agree that war is an evil. All upright men and women hate and despise it, and properly so. God has promised that through the agencies of Christ’s kingdom he will abolish war. Truth-enlightened Christians are happy to announce these glad tidings of the kingdom far and wide.
But while doing this, should they participate in the wars being fought by the “powers that be”? This is a decision which each follower of the Master must make for himself. Probably very few fully consecrated followers of Jesus throughout the age have voluntarily participated in war. The real problem has arisen for those living under governments which conscripted their citizens to serve in the army, which has been the case in practically all the countries where the Gospel of Christ has been preached. Historians indicate, however, that Christians kept themselves as free as possible from military service. From Collier’s Encyclopedia, vol. 5, p. 612, we quote:
“Few if any Christians served in the Roman army during the first century and a half A.D.; and even in the third century there were Christians conscientious objectors. Christians objected not only to participation in war, but also to being in the army because soldiers were called upon to execute death sentences.”
In a statement by Justin the Martyr we have evidence that it was not uncommon for Christians of his day to suffer death because of their opposition to war. We quote:
“Twelve men went out from Jerusalem into the world, and … by the power of God they told every race of men that they were sent by Christ to teach all the Word of God. And we who formerly slew one another not only do not make war against our enemies, but, for the sake of not telling lies or deceiving those who examine us, we gladly die confessing Christ.”
Under the Roman law of the time the son of a soldier was bound to follow the occupation of his father. A young Christian, Maxmilianus, just over twenty-one, was in this unhappy position. Brought before the proconsul to be enrolled, measured, and equipped for army service, this young Christian protested down the line, saying:
“But why do you want to know my name? I dare not fight, since I am a Christian. … No, no, I cannot be a soldier. I am a soldier of my God. I refuse the badge. Already I have Christ’s badge. … If you mark me I shall annul it as invalid … I cannot aught laden on my neck after the saving mark of my Lord.”
He paid for his stand with his life.
As the church became more and more allied with the world and with worldly governments, the rank and file of professed Christians began to abandon their conscientious objection to war. Collier’s Encyclopedia has this to say:
“As the church increased in wealth and power and the government gradually ceased its insistence on Pagan rites in public service, objection to war declined. The conversion of Constantine virtually made the church the agency of the state.”—vol. 5, p. 612
History indicates that during the Middle Ages various views and practices were adopted pertaining to Christian participation in war. Priests and monks, theoretically, were supposed to abstain from the shedding of blood, even though laymen might be called upon to do so in a “just war.” That raised the question as to when a war was just, with the church-state governments of the time deciding.
Today we have such historic peace groups as the Friends, the Mennonites, and the Brethren. Under the leadership of William Penn, the Friends founded the State of Pennsylvania, which for seventy years developed peacefully without army, navy, or militia.
From the time of Constantine’s conversion when, as the historians show, the church became the agency of the state, down to the present time, it has been only the minority groups which have taken such a strong stand against participating in war. But, due partly to the general increase of knowledge through a more widespread education of the masses, and because some of the prejudices of the past have been forgotten, even the larger church groups are now recognizing the right of their members to be opposed to war.
Practically all the major denominations, as well as the Federal Council of Churches in the U.S.A. and the World Council of Churches, have passed resolutions setting forth their position on this issue and declaring their readiness to stand by and assist any of their individual members who may be conscientiously opposed to participation in war.
To mention some who have passed resolutions, there are the American Baptists; the Southern Baptists; the Christian Scientists; the Congregational Christian Churches; the Methodist Church; the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.; the Protestant Episcopal Church; and the United Lutheran Church.
Government Recognition
Governments in the English-speaking countries of the world are giving increased recognition to the rights of individual conscience, especially with respect to obedience to God. They acknowledge that allegiance to God has first claim in the life of a true believer and that the laws of men should not attempt to set aside this first claim. An outstanding example of this may be noted in the present draft law of the United States, which reads:
“Nothing contained in this title shall be construed to require any person to be subject to combatant training and service in the armed forces of the United States who, by reason of religious training and belief is conscientiously opposed to participation in war in any form. Religious training and belief in this connection means an individual’s belief in relation to a Supreme Being involving duties superior to those arising from any human relation. … Any person whose claim is sustained by the local board, shall, if he be inducted into the armed forces … be assigned to noncombatant service, … or shall, if he is found to be conscientiously opposed to participation in such noncombatant service, … be ordered to perform … civilian work contributing to the maintenance of the national health, safety, or interest.”
Practically all church groups, including the larger denominations aforementioned, have established committees to assist any of their young men who may be conscientiously opposed to war, and to co-operate with government agencies in connection with their stand in the matter. The government, as well as the young men, benefit from the services of these committees.
While the number of individual Christians who are conscientiously opposed to participation in war is small, the fact that all the large church denominations, and a number of governments, recognize the rights of these to follow the teachings of the Scriptures which forbid the taking of human life, indicates that this principle of Christianity is to some extent influencing the minds of the people generally in these “last days,”—more so, that is, than previously.
As we have noted, there are probably very few who do not recognize that war is an evil, a plague which blights humanity whenever and wherever it strikes. Noble minded rulers and statesmen throughout the centuries have doubtless wished that some way could be found to abolish war. No theme has ever captivated the minds of men more than has the peace song of the angels.
Truth-enlightened Christians throughout the age have delighted to proclaim the message of Christ’s coming government of peace, under the administration of which the Lord will “make wars to cease unto the ends of the earth.” They have known that their message would not change the course of the world with respect to war, or otherwise. They have known that the principle set forth by Jesus when he said to Peter, “all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” would be verified at the end of the age by the “kingdoms of this world” being overthrown in a holocaust of war, revolution, and anarchy, such as the world has never seen.—Matt. 26:52; John 18:10,11; Dan. 12:1
The global nature of this “great tribulation” which Jesus said would, except for divine intervention, result in the destruction of all flesh, has been made possible by the prophetic “increase of knowledge” in this “time of the end.” While, however, because of human selfishness, this rapidly increasing knowledge leads to world destruction, on the other hand it is awakening the peoples of earth to realize that better things are purposed, so there is not only an incessant clamoring for real and fancied rights, but also attempted and at times actual progress along humanitarian lines.
The minds of the people are thus being prepared for the blessings of the kingdom which is now so near. The awakening to the awfulness of war, and the legal provisions being made for those who are conscientiously opposed to war, are a part of this general pattern. Certainly the people are thus being prepared to welcome, even more wholeheartedly, the kingdom program of education in the arts and advantages of peace, when the nations will learn war no more. It will be then that the long struggle for peace on the part of the peace-loving will end in an era of universal and everlasting freedom from war.
But this will not be through human efforts, but because “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom,” a government, and because through that government divine authority will be declared and enforced. As the Lord foretold, he will then say, “Be still, and know that I am God: … I will be exalted in the earth.”—Ps. 46:10
Meanwhile, we will continue to proclaim the Gospel of the coming kingdom, rejoicing in the assurance of God’s promises that it is “at hand” in a very literal sense. We will rejoice also in our “witness for Jesus, and for the Word of God,” and that the “weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” (Rev. 20:4; II Cor. 10:4,5) Nevertheless, they are “mighty” through Christ in the pulling down of strongholds of error which may be entrenched in our own minds and hearts, and “mighty” also in “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”; and “every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.”
Obedience to Christ in bearing witness to the truth, and bringing our own lives into harmony with his law of love, are the privilege of his consecrated followers now. When the laws of his kingdom become operative “every knee shall bow, … and every tongue … confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10,11) This will be in fulfillment of Isaiah 45:22,23—“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Then there will, indeed, be peace!