Gun Laws

An Application of Romans 13:1-5 and 1 Peter 2:14

The Book of Hebrews tells us "the Word of God is living and active." (Hebrews 4:12) What Non-Christians and Christians need to experience is God's Word being applicable towards the issues of today. In regard to the ongoing debate on gun laws, often called gun control, a person wrote, "What is the purpose of laws then?" Great question! It is time for the church to step up from friendly seeking to enabling someone to feed on the meat of God's Word.

There is a truth of Scripture which shows us clearly there is no such thing as government being separated from the church in regard to accountability. The Book of Romans talks about Governing Authority. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Romans 13:1) There is Biblical law and there are laws which are written by those in government. First, government had better take heed if they want God's blessing upon their efforts, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord... The Lord looks down from heaven; He sees all the children of man; from His dwelling place, He watches all who live upon the earth - He who forms the hearts of all, He considers everything they do." (Psalm 33:12-15) The wises advise which should be given to those in government. They best be making, keeping and enforcing laws which are God honoring, not giving into the indulgence of sinful-mankind. An honest look at the way American government operates when compared to the whole council of God's Word, gives a clear understanding of why we are experiencing the horrific consequences we see today. 1 Peter 2:14 gives us the purpose of giving laws which are handed out by governing authorities, "to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right." A law that is good for all of mankind must punish those who break them, while at the same time protects and insures freedoms of those who do what is right.

Righteous Guns Laws: Gun legislation should make it hard for those who are lawless or mentally ill from obtaining a firearm. Anyone who purposely is lawless with a firearm must be punished to the max. Individuals who are generally law-biding responsible people must have their rights to own a weapon of defense which could be of equal caliber to their could be/would be attacker must be protected. The right to own a firearm of needed caliber which meats the requirements for hunting or sport must not be infringed upon. Anyone who purposely sells firearms to people who are lawless or mentally ill must be held accountable. Any laws which indicates to a would be attacker that he has more gun power than the people he wants to harm is missing the heart of what God's word teaches in 1 Peter 2:14. Example, no one defending himself or others wants a law that lets him have a revolver, while their attackers illegally have an assault rifle. Laws that keep schools, churches, public buildings or gatherings as soft targets is opening the door to more attacks.

Men and women in government need our prayers. We need to pray for righteous laws regarding firearms as well as pray for those who should enforce them!