From PacifistChristian.org-
1. How can you insist that Christians are supposed to be pacifists when the Bible provides examples of men and women of faith who have participated in wars and killed their enemies, even in service to God?
[A frequently heard objection to pacifist Christianity is that since the Old Testament contains examples of believers in God (Abraham, Deborah, David, etc.) who have fought in battles and waged wars and still received approval from God, then it seems reasonable that Christians also can participate in ?just wars? and remain in God?s will.]
Before the time of Jesus, God allowed the taking of an enemy?s life, as indicated in both the Noahic and Mosaic Covenants. God told Noah that ?whoever sheds man?s blood, by man his blood shall be shed? (Gen. 9:1-17). In the Mosaic Covenant, the people of Israel were given rules for warfare (Deut. 20). Thus, in the Old Testament era the people of God who abided by these regulations were counted as faithful and blameless before God.
But these instructions found in earlier covenants were not God?s final word on the subject of killing in wars. Both the law and the prophets spoke of the day when God would send a person greater than Moses (Deut. 18: 15-19) who would establish a New Covenant (Jer. 31:31) that would replace the Old, or Mosaic, Covenant. Both these and many other prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus Christ.
God?s ultimate view on participation in warfare is found in the words and life of Jesus, who as God in the flesh, reveals the true expression of God?s nature (Heb. 1:3). Therefore, Jesus? New Covenant position on this issue should determine the stance that all Christians must take. The words of Jesus are, ?You have heard that it was said ?You shall love your neighbor? and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,? (Mt. 5:43-44).
Jesus clearly said that his followers are to love everyone, even their enemies. The love for an enemy was best demonstrated by Jesus, who refused to fight against his enemies (Matt. 26:51-53, John 18:36), patiently endured his undeserved sufferings, and totally forgave those responsible for his death. This is why Christians should not kill in war.