Originally Published by The Aquila Report: https://theaquilareport.com/calvin-on-war/
It is true that Christians should abhor war. Imitating the teachings of the Lord, believers are called to live a life of peace. A valuable example occurred when Jesus ordered Peter to put down his sword (Matthew 26:52). Much the same, Stephen sought prayers for those stoning him to death (Acts 7:60), not vengeance.
However, the concept and call to peace do not negate the fact that warfare is present in this fallen world. And it is clear through war that the Lord’s providence occurs.
Among the great Reformers, John Calvin garnered wide recognition for upholding a reputation of peace. John Knox, famous for carrying the Bible in one hand and a sword in the other, remained a bit fierier than his mentor (Calvin). Luther, like Knox, defended his own movement aggressively. Luther commented on war, “For if the sword were not on guard to preserve peace, everything in the world must go to ruin because of lack of peace." Adding, “When men write about war, then and say that it is a great plague, that is all true; but they should also see how great the plague is that it prevents.”[1]
Luther and Knox had merit for their aggressive response to persecution and darkness needing to be confronted by the sword. Calvin frequently discussed war, too. He wrote:
He [God] bids us to live chastely and refrain from all violence. However, when wars break out in the world, when there is bloodshed and countless acts of rape, will we say when these occur that God failed in his counsel to consider what was right? Do we think that he would let fortune prevail, as if he were asleep in heaven, or was enjoying a delightful rest? What a blasphemous idea! It would be like making God into an idol… If God did not determine everything in this world and keep Satan and all his evildoers in check, we would most certainly be doomed to perish a hundred times every minute of the day. Moreover, unless we realize that wars and similar things are judgments which God uses to punish our sins, we would surely not be brought to repentance.[2]
Calvin distinctly held the position that war resulted from punishment. Closely associated with the idea of providence, the Scriptures support his reasoning. Any comparison of modern history to the biblical times of Israel affirms the notion that the Lord’s providential dealings with nations, powers, or leaders often come from the use of war. As Calvin noted, war can be a judgment, and it can also be a blessing, rescuing a group of people from bondage or suffering. Either way, it is clear that the Lord uses warfare for His own purpose and glory.
Teaching on Romans 13:4, Calvin wrote:
This is a remarkable passage for the purpose of providing the right of the sword; for if the Lord, by arming the magistrate, has also committed to him the use of the sword, whenever he visits the guilty with death, by executing God’s vengeance, he obeys his commands. Contend then do they with God who think it unlawful to shed the blood of wicked men.[3]
It is essential to understand that Calvin does not defend ungodly nations slaying citizens, but such conflicts occur at the will of God. Believers who are killed achieve eternal glory, while unbelievers face condemnation for their disbelief. There is no difference between the countless examples of Israel falling to their enemies in battle or captivity, resulting always from their unbelief. However, even within such judgments, devout followers exist, as is the example of men such as Daniel and Samuel.
Commenting on Ezekiel 5:16-17 Calvin taught:
A person might be struck by the blow of an arrow, and yet become convalescent; but God pronounces the arrows of which he speaks deadly, so that whoever is struck by them has no hope of safety left… Hence under the name of evil he embraces all adversities, as if had said that he intended to exact the penalty from the wicked not in one or two ways only, but by those numberless troubles which surround us, and to which we are subject; so that there would be no bounds to his wrath, unless men should cease to provoke his anger… If we look upwards how many deaths hang over us from that direction? If we look at earth, how many poisons? How many wild and fierce beasts, how many serpents, swords, pitfalls, stumbling blocks, precipices, fall of houses, throwing of stones and darts? In short, we cannot stir a step without ten deaths meeting us. So God here speaks of wild beasts only for the purpose of showing that they were at hand, and that by them he would execute his judgments.[4]
Since the fall of mankind, the Lord has been carrying out judgment on wickedness, often resulting in death in battle or wars. When disasters occur, or wars start, rest assured that the Lord is at work. It may be humanly impossible for us to ascertain the purpose, but Christians can find solace in knowing God remains in control. Within His vengeance and glory, God deals with darkness.
Such disasters and wars often demonstrate that mankind showcases its best attributes. In disaster, Christians often flock to their neighbors (humanity) to provide aid. Similarly, in warfare, people have become liberated and freed themselves from oppression. Studying warfare causes great sorrow while also confirming God is an omnipresent and omnipotent Creator who carries out His will and judgment upon His creation.
While believers are right to pray for peace and plea for Christ to be at the center of any negotiation table, the acts of warfare are at the hands of the Lord, which we must find comfort in.
[1] Jennifer Woodruff Tait and Hilmar M. Pabel, “Erasmus in context: How he stacked up against other reformers,” Christian History Magazine, Issue 145, 21.
[2] John Calvin and Robert White (translator), The Doctrine of Election, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2022), 183.
[3] John Calvin, Calvin’s Commentaries Volume XIX, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979), 481.
[4] John Calvin, Calvin’s Commentaries Volume XI, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979), 214-216
